INSPIRATIONAL

WRITING

IN A DREAM JOURNAL

II. OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIALOGUE

Henry Reed

 

Symbols in a dream can be treated as projections of unconscious aspects of the dreamer's personality. We may then take advantage of the dream to gain consciousness of the symbolized attributes and how they function within us. The common method for doing so is the process of empathizing with the dream symbol, that is, experiencing the symbol from the symbol's point of view. Different traditions of dream interpretation have different methods of teaching this process. Gestalt therapy uses psychodramatic dialogue, where the dreamer enacts the role of the dream symbol, or alternates between two symbols, and engages in dialogue. In Psychosynthesis, the role-playing enactment is done through fantasy or reverie methods. Within the Jungian tradition, besides using fantasy, the use of artwork to express the symbol is also encouraged. Similar effects as those achieved by the above methods can also be achieved through inspirational writing in a dream journal, as has been demonstrated by Ira Progoff (see his book, At a Journal Workshop: The Basic Text and Guide for Using the Intensive Journal). What will be presented here are some specific ways for empathizing with dream symbols and engaging them in dialogue; this method is especially suitable for use in a dream journal.

To get the best advantage of a dream journal, recognize that it need not be merely a record of past facts and events, but can also be treated as a protected space, or playground, where psychological facts can be discovered and meaningful events can occur. The journal can be a living mirror for meeting yourself. For a journal to have such a living quality, it is helpful if you meditate briefly just before each spurt of writing. Ira Progoff suggests attuning yourself to the flow of spirit   in  your  breathing,   then  allowing  the  same  flow  to