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Dream researchers have discovered several distinct categories of
dreams, and these dream categories can be very useful both to
people attempting to interpret their own dreams and to
professional psychologist and therapists striving to interpret
the dreams of others. This article will discuss these categories
of dreams.
Dream #1 - the Daydream
While not technically a dream, since it takes place while we are
awake, researchers are looking into just where the daydream fits
on the spectrum of dreaming, and what it can teach us about more
traditional dreams.
It is estimated that most people spend between 70 and 120
minutes each day engaged in daydreaming. Daydreaming is thought
to be a level of consciousness below that of a normal waking
state but above that of sleep. Daydreaming falls about midway
between these two extremes.
During a daydream, we allow our imaginations to take us away
from the mundane tasks of the day. As the mind is allowed to
wander and conscious awareness is reduced, we can become lost in
the fantasy or imaginary scenario.
Dream #2 - the Lucid Dream
Lucid dreams are among the most fascinating subjects in all of
dream research. Lucid dreaming takes place when the dreamer
realizes that he or she is dreaming while still immersed in the
dream. Lucid dreaming occurs in that moment when you tell
yourself - "This is only a dream". The occurrence of lucid
dreams varies widely from person to person, with some people
reporting never having lucid dreams and others reporting almost
100% lucid dreams.
While most dreamers wake up when they realize that they are in a
dream, other people are able to develop the ability to remain in
the dream and take control of it. These people are able to
become an active participant in their dreams, and to take the
dream narrative where they want it to go. These people
experience some of the most enjoyable and interesting dreams.
Dream #3 - the Nightmare
Many people are troubled by frightening and disturbing dreams,
commonly known as nightmares. Young children in particular often
suffer from nightmares brought on by fears of monsters in their
closets and under the bed, as well as other types of fear.
Of course nightmares are not confined to childhood, and many
adults, particularly those who have suffered real life trauma,
are particularly susceptible to nightmares. Those people
suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as
soldiers returning from war, and rescue workers who have been
through harrowing situations, report a higher incidence of
nightmares than the public at large.
Many people who suffer from frequent nightmares report a history
of real life problems, including psychiatric problems, problems
with drugs or alcohol, or problems with family relationships.
Treatment for frequent nightmares should therefore be aimed at
dealing with the initial trauma or traumas that created the
situation in the first place.
Dream #4 - the Recurring Dream
Most people have had a recurring dream at one point in their
life, a dream that repeats itself, with minor variations or even
none at all. Recurring dreams can be about any subject, and they
focus on that subject night after night.
Some recurring dreams are positive and uplifting, but studies
show the majority of recurring dreams to be negative in nature.
Dreams can recur in this manner because the real life event that
triggered it has remained unresolved. Dealing with the real life
trauma responsible for recurring nightmares is often the best
way to banish the bad dream.
Some dreamers report experiencing narrative dreams, in which the
dream picks up where it left off night after night. These dreams
are somewhat rare, but the people who experience them report
them to be very vivid and memorable. Keeping a dream journal can
be a big help in both remembering and interpreting these kinds
of dreams.
Dream #5 - the Healing Dream
Healing dreams are often seen as sending a message to the
dreamer regarding his or her health. Healing dreams often spur
the dreamer to take a long delayed trip to the dentist or
doctor.
Dream #6 - the Prophetic Dream
Prophetic dreams are also known as precognitive dreams, and the
people experiencing these dreams often report the ability to use
them to foretell the future. Independent studies of these types
of dreams are rare, and the jury remains out on whether this
ability to see the future exists.
One non supernatural explanation for the prophetic dream is that
the subconscious mind pieces together bits of information
encountered throughout the day, then puts them together in a
form that makes sense to the dreamer.
Dream #7 - the Epic Dreams
Epic dreams are somewhat rare, but they are unforgettable to
those who experience them. Epic dreams are so vivid, and so
compelling that they simply cannot be ignored. The tiniest
details of these dreams are often remembered for many years.
These epic dreams may possess lots of symbols and meaning for
the dreamer.
Larry Quigley is the editor of DejaDreams where you can find out
"What your Dreams are Made of"
Visit http://pc-biznet.com/dejadream
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