Common Themes in Dreams

Added: 12/11/2006

Whether you remember them or not, we all have dreams - strange dreams, fanciful dreams, erotic dreams, terrifying dreams, crazy dreams, and dreams that seem so real you have to ask yourself, "Did I dream about that or did it really happen?" In our dreams we can be anybody and do anything. The feelings that we experience during a dream can be just as intense as the feelings we have when we are fully awake. Although each person's dreams are unique to them and their circumstances, common themes in dreams have been developed and might even be helpful.

Veronica was walking along in a forest. It was so dark that she could not see her hand in front of her face. The forest was cold and thick with trees, vines, and brush. She did not know where she was or how she had gotten there. Frightened, she began to run trying to reach warmth and delight. She kept running into trees and stumbling over bushes and vines, yet miraculously she did not get hurt. Suddenly, Veronica fell face down into some water. At this moment the sun shone brightly, and she realized that she was in a swamp. She had fallen into a like littered with alligators. Before she could make a move, a small alligator opened its mouth and clamped down on her left wrist.
At this moment, Veronica awakened terrified with an agonizing pain in her left wrist.

Research shows that we all have dreams - pleasant dreams, weird dreams, dreams that seem real, prophetic dreams, and bad dreams. What are dreams? Why do we dream? What are common themes in dreams?

A dream involves experiencing images, sounds, tastes, smells, sensations, feelings, and emotions while sleeping. Although everyone dreams, we do not always remember our dreams, which can occur in black and white or in color. The reasons that we dream are unclear. However, one theory suggests that dreams provide a mechanism to deal with feelings that we may repress during the day. Another theory surmises that dreams are a biological component of the process of sleeping. This research shows that when people are prevented from going into the dream stage of sleep, they are more anxious and irritable and perform below average.

People's dreams are based on their psyches and experiences in life; however, there are themes in dreams that might help people better understand their dreams and what they mean in the lives. Author Kelly Sullivan's book, The Dreamer's Dictionary for the 21st Century, provides some interesting explanations for common themes in dreams including the following:

Flying: If you have ever had a dream about flying, then you know how exhilarating and free it feels. According to Sullivan, flying represents freedom, happiness, self-assurance, and creativity.

Failing a test: Have you ever dreamt you failed a test? Well it could mean that you are feeling overwhelmed.

Nakedness: Talk about being exposed! Dreams of being naked might indicate a desire for honesty and closeness. On the other hand, it could represent a fear of having others knowing your inner thoughts and feelings.

Teeth falling out: This theme could be a way of expressing feelings of insecurity that may result from difficulties such as financial stress and grief over the loss of a loved one.

Bombs: Many might think bombs represent feelings of anger or violence. However, Sullivan believes that it symbolizes a transformation of attitudes, ideas, relationships, etc.

These are just a few of the common themes in dreams, that sleepers find themselves drifting into while their minds meander through the stages of sleep. However, just because a dream encompasses one or more themes, it does not necessarily mean that the theme holds true for your dream.

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