Sometimes we’re looking for a sign, some guidance or support from the universe. This exercise helps you find that message you’ve been waiting for right in front of you.
- Think about something that has been weighing on you lately.
- Write about a positive recent event. Start with the line, “Last night I dreamt…” It doesn’t need to be anything significant; it can just be a pleasant day or activity.
- Circle the nouns.
- Underline the verbs.
- Highlight adjectives and adverbs
- List them with one on each line.
- Imagine that each one of these nouns (object, person or place); Verbs (actions); Adjectives or adverbs (descriptive words) are a symbol of something else as if it were a dream. Imagine that this dream is a gift sent to you by the universe/ your wise self/ God (whatever fits for you) to help you in your current life situation.
- Start by writing about what each thing symbolizes to you personally, then think about what it might symbolize more broadly for example within religions that you are familiar with, within mythology or stories that you’ve heard, in pop culture, in history, etc. then consider using dictionaries, or symbol dictionaries to see if there is any symbolism for these things that you were not aware of that might fit for your situation. Also consider puns or dual word meanings.
Person – who or what might they symbolize? Examples: a period of time in your life; authority figures, in general; your fear? Maybe their name has meaning or their profession. If you feel that the person symbolizes themselves, consider what your relationship to them has been.
Objects-What does this object symbolize to you. Is there an activity, an event or a period of time that this reminds you of? What is it generally used for? What does it symbolize in broader society, mythology, stories or history?
Places- What does the place symbolize to you personally, what does this place represent more broadly, what is it known for, do you have history with this place or does it remind you of something in your life. Could it represent something broader for example a basement could represent the foundation of your life/belief system, values, etc. a tunnel could represent a rebirth experience, schools represent a time of learning.
Actions- Consider whether the actions are literal or symbolic: climbing out of a hole might be a new might be a new beginning/rebirth.
Descriptive words – are there colors that represent, or numbers, shapes that represent certain things to you, or are more broadly symbolic.
9. What does this “dream” mean to you now?
Here’s my example:
ISSUE: Stress about son’s unresolved and ongoing health issues.
Last night I dreamed that I was hiking in the forest in the early spring. The terrain is hilly, there are leaves everywhere on the ground. I pass several oak stands and occasionally a large boulder. There is still a bit of snow but bright green moss is starting to show up beneath it. My husband is sometimes in front of my sometimes behind, as is my dog. The weather is cloudy but not cold. I’m not out of breathe but am exerting myself.
My list of nouns, verbs & adjectives and what they symbolize to me…
Forest-Can’t see the forest for the trees. Calming, safe. Health. Trees in forests care for each other, send nutrients to struggling ones and make room for canopy to get sunlight. Feels like a place I can hide.
Trees-Source of oxygen, “my brothers and sisters” part of the same nature I am part of.
Leaves-Dead leaves on ground, letting go of old stuff, making room for new. Old stuff/past seasons of life fertilize the ground.
Snow- winter – harder times
Moss-survives with little light or water, can be used as bandage to stop bleeding
Oak Stands- feel mythological. Druids see oaks and oak stands as magical and sacred. Looks like women’s circles.
Boulders-Solid unmoving markers of time. Have to go around or climb over. I must move because they will not.
Dog- crazy, energetic, curious, unthinking, loyal, reactive. Reminds me of the dog on the Tarot card “The Fool” which is a person going on a journey apparently on a whim, with little preparation, the little dog symbolizes the fool’s connection with nature.
Husband- my best friend, reassuring, partner, we’re in this together.
Trail- life, journey,
Hills- challenges, but also give a good view/perspective
Spring- time for new life/breakthroughs, a break from hard weather
Hiking- enjoyable, moving, takes effort
Exertion- not easy but doable.
The Meaning I Found…
Meaning- No season stays forever. Changes come and while some hard things might stay (illness/dead leaves) they can be used to fuel wisdom or understanding. Nature can be a healing balm (Moss). Reminding myself I am not alone, the I have a community/forest and wise women/ancestors (oak stands) who have gone before and whom I can learn from, I also have my partner. My dog reminds me to stay curious and keep my energy up the trail goes ever on with occasional moments of perspective (view from the hills). Look for “boulders” of wisdom, support, perspective on the way. Also boulders could be challenges that require, rerouting the path.
Check out my upcoming two day Creative Memoir Writing- A Therapy Workshop this October. For more information contact joy.eidse@gmail.com. To register, Click HERE or poster below.
Other creative writing therapy exercises can be found here:
It's Not Just You 