Jungian Analyst, Robert Bosnak describes dreams as the genius of creative imagination. They are mystery in constant motion and we generally only touch the surface of these vast internal spaces. You can work with a dream for hours, yet always more to understand. Dreams are not a still life image. According to Stephen Aizenstat dreams are living presences originating from the deeper intelligence of the psyche.
In the film series “The Way of the Dream” Jungian Analyst, Marie-Louise von Franz explains: "So at the source of the dream there is a creative mystery which we cannot rationally explain. It's the creativity of nature. It's the same creativity which has created what man could never invent: the millions of species of animals and flowers and plants on the earth. The dreams are also like flowers and plants. They are something unique which you can only marvel at."
Dreams are like personal movies produced specifically for you by the depths of your own psyche. Imagine having your own personal Soul story deposited in the inbox of your mind every morning! Not created by some Instagram teacher, but by your own creativity and Imagination. There are different ways to approach dreams. One approach is to allow the image speak to you without interpreting the dream. Dream language is like emotive art or music. It provides a very powerful image which contains a felt, but otherwise unexpressed often unconscious emotion. As with art and music we can resonate deeply with the conveyed feeling. Giving expression to the dream through painting, poetry, song or dance further honors the creativity of nature, from which our dreams flow.
Dreams carry a deep wisdom and provide a creative source of energy for a needed change or necessary growth. Psyche is enlivened when we stay with the dream process, when we respectfully listen to its story rather than questioning its meaning. We therefore, need to build a right relationship with the living imagination as manifested in dreams. According to Dream Teacher and Shaman, Robert Moss, dreams are true soul work gifting us with clarity, wisdom and creative power.
Written for @jungsouthernafrica
Image credit: Unknown
Sources:
https://jungplatform.com/summit/dreams-and-your-personal-journey (2021)
https://jungplatform.com/summit/dreams-your-personal-journey-dreams-summit-2022
https://wellcord.org/the-way-of-the-dream/the-way-of-the-dream/
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