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The common
misconception of nightmares are that negative dreams hold little purpose except in
upsetting one's emotional well-being. However, nightmares are quite useful in that they
are actually an early warning sign for the dreamer to take notice of the problems they are
having in their daily lives. Nightmares hold as much meaning as any other dreams, however
they are more useful in that the dreamer tends to remember them after they awake. Thus
nightmares can not be easily ignored. Nightmares
occur more frequently with children than with adults. However, common symbols such as
"[A]gressors, devils, monsters, intimidating animals or natural events" often
come with nightmares regardless of age. These symbols are described by Carl Jung as
"shadows", because they represent a portion of ourselves. However absurd these
symbols may be, if we understand them, we can gain a deeper knowledge of our personality.
Not only can nightmares reveal more about our problems, and
personalities, but with proper "integration" we may be able to relieve our
anxiety, and stress. For more information in coping with nightmares, please refer to the
bottom of this page.
recurring dreams:
Like nightmares, recurring dreams are also warnings about
issues that require settlement, and resolution. Though recurring dreams may sometimes be
less upsetting, the dreamer should still pay attention to the content that is reflected in
their recurring dreams. The issues usually involved in this type of dream, are
confusion and the need for resolution. For instance, if a son feels hurt by his father by
an insult, but never said anything, the lack of closure, might cause the person to have
recurring dreams about his father destroying him in some way over and over again until the
emotional issue is cleared up somehow.
confronting nightmares:
Root
Resolution
Lucidity
Resolution |
