The following article might be controversial to some readers. However, it is like I state on the pillar page of bosmanka:
Personal disclaimer:
I strongly believe that Seth’s teachings are a matter of personal interpretation and perspective.
This article, therefore, has two parts:
- Seth’s teachings on dreams and dreaming
- Modern scientific view on dreams
They represent both ends of the spectrum.
Part 1: Seth’s teachings on dreams and dreaming
Seth II: You are sometimes aware while in physical existence that you are dreaming.
You are dealing with the transformation of emotional energy into action and form.
Seth II: “You are dealing with the transformation of emotional energy into action and form. You then manipulate within nu the system which you have yourself created and by its effects learn where you have succeeded and where you have failed. The system always includes some fragments who are entering for the first time, as well as individuals in their third or fourth reincarnations.
Those in the later grades, you see, are to help the others. The system, also, provides practice in the methods of transforming energy into form and of maintaining intensities, of manipulating energy in various aspects.
As you dream and have a dream existence while still involved in the physical dimension, so is the physical dimension a dream within another dimension in which your consciousness is far more acute. And, as in your dream, you set up situations and work out problems, so you do the same in your physical existence.
You do not feel guilty for those you kill in your dreams. You do not feel that your dream existence is useless, hopeless, or beyond redemption, and it seldom occurs to you to think of your dream existence in such a manner.
That existence is a very valid one however, fulfilling significant functions and containing many levels. It is a more comprehensive existence in one way, in that while you solve problems that exist in your physical life, you are also free of physical life to some extent within it, and free to travel to other dimensions.
There is a reason why you view daily physical existence in a different manner while you are within it. In your dreams you are able to know what progress you are making, and where your failures lie. This information is compared to the ideals that have been reached in the manner I have told you. And, the ideals themselves originate in the dream state and are then translated into terms that are practical physically.
Even while immersed in physical reality, you are then to some extent free of it. Physical reality itself is still a dream within a larger existence. So, from that existence, you seem to yourself to be dreaming while you are immersed in physical life. Often in physical life then, you are also working out solutions to problems that exist in a quite different manner and in a completely different context in this other dimension.
Often you are aware that you are dreaming. And, you are sometimes aware while in physical existence that you are dreaming. You can change an unpleasant dream by realizing that you are creating it and that the problems are of your own making. You leave physical reality when you come to the same realization. The problems that you solve while in it are quite legitimate. You also know when you no longer need the particular context.
Humanity dreams the same dream at once. And, you have your mass world. The whole construction, however, is like an educational play in which you are the producers as well as the actors. There is a play within a play within a play, mazes of understanding. There is no end to the within of things. The dreamer dreams. And, the dreamer within the dream dreams. And, sometimes the dreamers are aware of each other. But, the dreams are not meaningless. And, the actions within them are highly significant. The whole self is the observer and also a participator in many roles.
Problems leading to world wars also cause worldwide natural disasters. These are merely another materialization of energy projected by those who have not learned how to handle it. Such reactions fire through the dream universe, also, and are reflected through all phases of your activity. The whole self compares the performance of various portions of itself in physical reality and in dream reality and draws its own conclusions.”
The Early Sessions 9 446
Part 2: Modern scientific view on dreams and dreaming
Overview
Dreams are rich, vivid experiences that take place during sleep. They span across various themes, from being chased to flying, and can range from pleasant to terrifying.
Dreams occur mainly during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a stage where brain activity is high, similar to when we are awake. But dreams can also emerge in other stages of sleep.
REM Sleep and Dreaming
In REM sleep, brain activity spikes, leading to the production of vivid and often strange dreams. Here, the prefrontal cortex, which handles logic and decision-making, is less active. This can result in dreams that don’t always follow the rules of reality. During this time, the brain might be working on emotional processing, memory consolidation, or dealing with stress and anxiety.
Types of Dreams
- Nightmares: These are disturbing dreams that can cause feelings of terror and stress. Common themes include being chased or falling. People with PTSD often experience nightmares as part of their condition.
- Lucid Dreams: In these dreams, individuals are aware they are dreaming and may even be able to control the dream narrative. Lucid dreaming blurs the lines between REM sleep and being awake, allowing for conscious manipulation of the dream world.
- Recurring dreams: Some dreams repeat over time and often carry a specific theme or message. These might signal unresolved issues or ongoing stress.
Emotional and Psychological Roles
Dreams are believed to play a key role in processing emotions and dealing with unresolved conflicts. They can help balance emotional states, which is crucial for mental health.
For example, dreams may help reconcile conflicting thoughts and feelings, contributing to overall emotional stability.
Impact of External Factors
External factors like stress, trauma, and inadequate sleep can significantly influence dream content.
People often find their dreams to be more vivid and intense during stressful periods or when experiencing sleep deprivation. Similarly, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia can affect the frequency and intensity of dreams.
Dream Themes and Meanings
Common dream themes include falling, being chased, and losing teeth. These themes can indicate various psychological states:
- Falling: Often linked to feelings of helplessness or loss of control.
- Being Chased: May signify avoidance of a problem or fear in real life.
- Teeth Falling Out: Frequently associated with concerns about appearance or fear of aging.
Theories and Interpretations
There is no single theory that fully explains why we dream. Some widely accepted ideas include:
- Memory Consolidation: Dreams might help process and consolidate memories from the day.
- Emotional Processing: Dreams could be essential for emotional regulation and dealing with daily stressors.
The renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud theorized that dreams are a window into our unconscious mind, revealing hidden desires and thoughts. Modern neuroscience, however, suggests that dreams arise due to brain activity trying to make sense of random signals during sleep.
Dream Control and Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming provides a unique opportunity to interact with and influence the dream world.
This type of dreaming may offer tools for overcoming nightmares by changing the dream environment. Techniques like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy are used to help people manage and reduce the frequency of nightmares.
Connection to Mental Health
Dreams are often a reflection of one’s mental state.
For example, people suffering from anxiety disorders or depression might experience more frequent and disturbing nightmares. Conversely, positive and pleasant dreams can contribute to a better mood upon waking.
Dream Recall and Journaling
Remembering and journaling dreams can provide insights into the subconscious mind.
Keeping a dream journal helps individuals track recurring themes and better understand their emotional and psychological state.
Common Dream Experiences
While some dreams are clearly strange and otherworldly, others might be rooted in everyday life experiences.
Common dreams often involve familiar faces, places, and emotions, creating a blend of the fantastical and the real.
Neurobiological Aspects
From a neurobiological perspective, dreams are shaped by the activity in various brain regions.
For instance, the visual and emotional areas of the brain are particularly active during dreams, leading to the vivid and emotionally charged scenes experienced during REM sleep.
Table: Common Dream Themes and Their Possible Meanings
| Dream Theme | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Falling | Helplessness, loss of control |
| Being Chased | Avoidance, fear in real life |
| Teeth Falling Out | Concerns about appearance, aging |
| Flying | Desire for freedom, control |
| Cheating | Trust issues, insecurity |
| Natural Disasters | Anxiety, feeling overwhelmed |
Cultural and Universal Aspects
Despite individual differences, some dream themes are universal across cultures. These shared themes suggest that certain dreams are a common part of the human experience and might be linked to fundamental psychological processes.
Dreams are a fascinating, complex phenomenon that remain partially mysterious.
They reflect our inner world, processes emotions, and may even help solve problems.
Understanding dreams better can provide valuable insights into the human mind and emotions.
Prague, July 2024
All images are artificial generated by Dirk Bosman and licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0
