Indigenous Dreaming.

For most people dreaming is simply about “living or witnessing vivid and emotional stories while they sleep.”  If they are lucky some of these dreamers have “lucid experiences while they dream and can report having a life in some other dimension or reality.”  It’s rare to meet the kind of Dreamer who has a strong understanding that what he or she dreams is not only a mental or symbolic expression of their daily concerns or curiosities; but is also a powerful tool.

When I introduce myself as a “traditional Dreamer” I’m not using a “title;” which I eventually hope my students will exploit.  No. I’m using as little words as possible to speak of myself, of my journey, and of the story or dream that I’ve been living for the last 53 years.  Every elder or Dreamer that has dreamt like I dream will use a word that best describes them and their journey and story / or dream.  In the 1800’s people used the word “Dream Walker” to describe the kind of dreaming that I often refer to as “Indigenous Dreaming” today.

In general people don’t give too much thought to dreaming.  It’s a natural phenomenon; which occurs when we are sleeping and in most cases, dreams have little connection to what we are living on a daily basis.  The individuals who search for people like me are usually having a difficult time wrapping their minds around what we call “dream phenomenon.” 

Here are some examples:

1.     After loosing a loved one a good number of people will dream of the decease.  Often these dreams are lucid, intensely emotional and leave a lasting impression.  A good number of individuals will search for understanding after receiving such dreams. 

2.     I often receive emails from people who are troubled by dreams; which have manifested in the following week.   Whether dreams are warning us of death, accidents or illness; or predicting a trip, a new relationship or the sale of a house – having dream realities become material can often be freaky and scary.   It certainly rattles our linear mind …

3.     We are taught that dreaming is a symbolic language; which speaks of subconscious issues or lost memories.  It surprises most people when they touch aspects of the dreaming; which is unrelated to their “ego”.  For example I often meet people who have dreamt of seismic tragedies in other countries like a flood, an earthquake, a tornado or volcano.  Some of these dreams were so real that these dreamers felt like they were one of the victims. 

Once you touch dreaming phenomenon, dreaming becomes limitless. 

Scientists or inventors like Alexander G. Bell and Benjamin Franklin used dreaming to dive into an ocean of creativity; which seemed untouchable from their waking perspective. They didn’t need or take hallucinogens to reach this level of dreaming.  Small exercises and a lot of patience helped them tap into areas of the “cell and brain;” which allowed them to pick up on dream realities asking to be manifested.  I love it when artists approach me with a vision to explore “dreaming” in such a way as to enhance their potential of creativity.  Musicians, painters or writers often approach dreaming for inspiration. Some scientists believe that it is impossible to dream of people, places or things that you have never seen before.  Through my personal experience it couldn’t be further from the truth since dreaming has given me access countless times to the unknown or the World of Mystery.

Close to a decade ago, I received a call from a young woman who lost her sister in a car accident.  Not only was this woman grieving; but she was also struggling with unresolved issues with her sister.  She begged for me to teach her how to reach the World of the Dead.  She wanted to sit down with her sister and make peace.  She didn’t trust her sleeping dreams where her sister would appear and tell her “all was good.”  She wanted a lucid voice in the dreaming and she wanted the kind of experience that she couldn’t refute.  She had lots of expectations and wasn’t ready to give them up…

I figured that with time and patience I could bring her exactly to where she needed to be.  Dreaming is a tool but it’s also a skill.  It’s not easy to teach people who are brainwashed by the fast pace of today’s life experience to slow down. 

“If you want to be pro-active in your dreams” I often say, “you need to be able to capture details and direct your movements.  In order to accomplish this task you have to develop the ability to focus, to observe, and to archive what I call: The obvious details.”

It took us almost two years to finally reach our goal.  During this time, she dreamt of her sister often but was never able to participate in the dreaming scene or dialogue.  She wasn’t interested in “symbolic interpretation.” 

Like she often repeated: “I am very much aware that my subconscious is struggling with some childhood issues and personal worries and fears.” 

Many of her dreams validated the fact that she was working through personal inner conflicts.  Even if these dreams frustrated her, they were still crucial to the process.  They were helping her get closer and closer to that dream experience / dream phenomenon that she so desperately needed to move on. 

I think the “end dream” literally took her by surprise.  She had given up on the idea that it would ever happen and since she was feeling less and less desperate over time she was no longer attached to the outcome.  I remember actually dreaming the dream along with her.  It was almost as if her sister was allowing me to “peek in” because I had guided her through the whole process and brought her to her.   Or maybe it was yet another gift for a Dreamer (her sister) -“evidence” that dreaming is a skill we can develop over time and it’s so much more than we can ever imagine. 

I feel blessed to be in the life of so many Dreamers and to have the privilege to share their story of awakening.  For some Dreamers, dreaming brings healing to deep wounds and issues or illness. For others it becomes a life long exploration and study.  Dreaming can teach us incredible life lessons and open our minds, our hearts and our soul to teachings beyond our reach. For other Dreamers, the phenomenon is a validation that they aren’t crazy, and that there’s a whole Universe out there waiting to be explored.  Everyone comes out of the experience with a unique perspective; which directs us to make great changes and choices in our life.

If you are an avid reader of my blog entries you know that I met my teacher through a dream; which lead us to later meet in person.  It is not easy to meet a “traditional teacher”.  They don’t usually advertise in newspaper or magazines.  I chuckled tonight when I was told that my event page on my web page wasn’t very informative.  I’m often criticized for not having a book or for not being easily accessible. 

Most times I reply: “If you are looking for me then, I am waiting for you….” 

Teachings, workshops, classes, forums and dream experiences are all available; but you have to dream and step into the dreaming for it to materialize.  I'm always looking forward to meeting new Dreamers and working through their unique stories along with them.  Sometimes all it takes is a question, a comment, a story or a dream!  

Dream of ME tonight and I'll no doubt dream of YOU!