the memory thing is interesting. it’s in there but it has to be deliberately engaged to unfold. i feel like it must have a connection to any theory of the imagination (which I’m not well versed on)
Discussion
I've done quite a bit of work with dreams and worked with a Jungian Analyst for about a year a long while ago (10 years+).
We aren't meant necessarily to know what is rattling around in our unconscious mind. I think it's in part to protect ourselves from self-TMI.
I have a habit since childhood of resting as long as I can in the limbic state between dreaming and becoming fully awake. This is a fun place to explore but be careful. Sleep paralysis can arrive and with it comes the illusion of the hag. Once you know what she is (your mind trying to understand why it is partly awake and can not move creates her), it's not so scary.
If you do what you are already doing before bed but also want to wake in your dream and consciously take part in your dream it works the same way.
PS if you make a list of all the elements in the dream and do free association on it, also good.
PPS I think each thing in a dream is you trying to understand you. They are symbols that your mind creates out of what is stored from your past up til the dream. Intimate.
i'll stfu now and go on the xtrainer.
thank you for this reply!
i’ve heard some harrowing stories of sleep paralysis, and this bit you describe is new to me. being conscious of what and why the mind is doing what it does seems like an important frame to consider.
will definitely try the free association on elements of the dream
and what you say about the dream being you trying to understand you… i was marveling at how stable one’s own sense of self is in dreams when everything else is up for grabs, so to speak. like i’m not showing up as an animal or another person as far as i know
enjoy the xtrainer
yw. I dreamed last night too. it's in my daily 5. weird spooky coincidence. 🏋️♂️