Dream interpretation for Christian believers is different than for others. We use the Bible as our guide and the Holy Spirit as our inspiration. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I will be discussing dream interpretation from that perspective. Interestingly, the Bible is full of dreams and visions where God communicated with man. In fact, about 2/3 of the Bible resulted from God speaking to man through dreams and/or visions. Some people think that God doesn't still speak to us that way. My belief and experience is that God is still very active in communicating with us, if we will just pay attention and listen.
I love talking to people about their dreams. Some are like my husband. He said he never dreamed. But now, he does and pays attention to them. He has had some very significant spiritual dreams just like I have. So what changed? We'll get to that soon.
Most people say their dreams are crazy and don't make any sense. Or maybe they know they dreamed something, but it starts to fade - sometimes just minutes after awakening. Some have vivid dreams they remember for a long time - even if it doesn't make any sense. Others may have repetitive dreams and like me, terrifying dreams. So, what does it all mean and is God really trying to tell us something through our dreams?
Let's start with some scientific facts about dreams and dreaming. First of all, everyone does dream. It appears to be a physical and emotional necessity for our health. Our sleep and dreams occur in cycles at night. Every 90-minute cycle of sleep begins with alpha level. This is where the rapid eye movements occur and when we dream. This is followed by a deeper level of sleep called theta and then the deepest level called delta. The interesting thing is that with each 90 minute cycle we get more alpha level sleep and therefore more dreams. With the first 90 minute cycle of the night, you only get about a 5 minute alpha phase. But the next phase will double and the following phase will double, etc. So, if you can get a full 8 eight hours of sleep, your last alpha (dreaming) phase will be about 1 hour long. With all the alpha phases combined, a person should get 1-2 hours of alpha level dream phase sleep a night.
So, why do some people remember dreams and some don't. There may be several reasons, but one thing in particular, is necessary. You have to wake up within about 5 minutes of completing the alpha phase. Otherwise, you will not be able to recall it. However, that is when most people will naturally wake up - if they are not using an alarm clock.
What can you do to remember more of your dreams? First, decide that you want to and tell yourself (preferably out loud) that you will remember your dreams. Ideally, do this right before you go to sleep. Your body and brain will actually listen to you and co-operate. If it doesn't happen right away. give it time. It will happen. That's how it worked for my husband. Once he began to make an effort to remember his dreams, he did. It's also helps to get a good night's sleep. Insomnia can get in the way of dreaming and sleeping. At some point, I will address this. There are some simple things that will help most people get a much better night's sleep.
Secondly, it is very important to record your dreams - if you want to be able to benefit from them. We have all had the experience of having a vivid dream, waking up and shortly thereafter, not be able to re-call it. As soon as you can, after awakening, write down what you remember. Having a notebook or journal and pen near the bed is a good idea. Write down every little detail you can remember - even if it doesn't make any sense. You can always analyze it at a later date - if it is recorded. Once you learn how to understand your dreams, you will be amazed at what they tell you, and more importantly, what God is telling you through your dreams. So, start recording and keep reading. Analysis and interpretation will be addressed soon. Until then,
Sweet Dreams,
Melody
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