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Dream WorkshopA Guide to working with Dreams, Vision and Dreamquesting In last months work we were looking at the Jungian - Senoi approach to dream actualisation, we will continue from there.  Another major aspect of this approach is using dreamwork for changing archetypal patterns. This is perhaps most vividly seen in working with recurrent dreams or nightmares. It is the assumption that the recurrent dream directly mirrors an archetypal pattern in the psyche which is blocking the free flow of libido, or life energy. One example would be that of one woman’s inability to relate fully to men sexually because of a trauma pattern locked into the psyche by an early rape experience. This pattern might continually show itself in nightmares in which the original rape scene is re-enacted, or in recurring dreams of terrifying, dominant males. There are many kinds of locked in archetypal patterns other than those induced by trauma. Dreams show us what those patterns are and Dreamworkshop helps us change them. Dream re-entry is usually the preferred method; and what seems to happen in an emotionally powerful dream re-entry is that the person is able to experience the pattern as it is, make new choices regarding it, and then experience, without forcing it, the pattern coming to a new, more creative level. A blocked archetypal pattern is one in which a situation is being aborted and cannot come to resolution. Thus certain archetypal patterns express themselves in recurrent dreams or dream themes because our psyches want and need transformation so that the energy of the psyche can flow more freely. Many of the most profound and basic dreamwork experiences have been in this area, which concerns not only severe traumas, but the more normal locked-in patterns caused by childhood experiences, innate dispositions and life events left unresolved in the outer. People report such experiences as bringing former relationships to completion in an inner process and dealing effectively with strong ambivalences within the psyche. Sometimes such changes are dramatic, occurring with one dream re-entry, and sometimes they occur in a more gradual process involving work on a whole series of dreams. Another major category of dreamworkshop activity is the experience of meaning or relating to transpersonal or spiritual forces reflected in the dream state. Most of us have at least some dreams in which spiritual symbols appear. Whether it be temples, crosses, gifts, treasures, mandalas, healing guides, high mountains, journeys into the cosmos, or even terrifying dream experiences of great abysses, atomic explosions, and raging hell fires, we are all faced with a symbolism of a nonpersonal and transcendent nature. In working with the more cosmic dream, one important thing to note is the dream ego’s relation to these larger forces. Dreamwork in this approach means not only experiencing cosmic forces, but also relating to them meaningfully without being overwhelmed. Too many of us want the path of ecstasy without the groundwork of integrating whatever comes up in daily life. Through the dream and its dreamwork, many of us find a guiding power at work in our lives and at work also in the larger community, and through dreamworkshop we have the chance to establish a creative and active relation to such a source. In the sense then of following a direction more meaningful than anything the ego can create alone, we work with dreams to develop a spiritual life. Such a process is and will always remain a great mystery. Using dreamworkshop to deal with everyday reality is our last major category for the dreamworkshop process. One of the central values of dreamwork is developing a relationship to ones own inner authority. Dreams come from within, from ones own sources and not from some outer authority, however knowledgeable. The dream, the, coupled with a dream actualising methodology, enables people to become self-determining and self directing in their daily lives. What are my choices in this life situation? What is really going on here in this relationship? Why am I depressed? What can happen between this person and myself? Why am I acting this way? These and innumerable questions about daily life can be meaningfully worked with using dreamworkshop as a guide. Dream research seems to be indicating that we need to dream in order to stay mentally healthy. But we may also need dreamworkshop to become conscious of life and to become self-or-centre-directed, perhaps the most advanced state of a healthy mentality. A note of caution All that has been described is based on many peoples dreamwork experiences, and any one person may feel a bit overwhelmed, as well as excited by what has been presented. All of us are always beginners at many things. If you choose to use dreamworkshop in working with your own dreams, take things a step at a time. In later issues we will be presenting a detailed description for how to proceed from the beginning and move along at your own pace. How this information is used is solely the reader’s responsibility. If for any reason you feel psychologically overwhelmed in working with your dreams please seek competent therapeutic help. we have given a comprehensive introduction to dreamworkshop, and hope it has attracted you to consciously move towards actualising your own dreams and thereby live your life to the full. Next month and for the ensuing months we will be looking at dreamworkshop methods. This will bring a complete and practical approach to dreams and working with them. Using a step by step format to introduce you to the basics of dreamwork. You may of course simply read this information to gain inspiration and knowledge, at another level, you may return to it over and over again as you dream your life onward, and use what is presented to process more and more fully your dreams and your life. You may decide to work alone or with friends, in individual therapy or analysis, or in a dreamworkshop group. One of the typical statements of people who have trained themselves in this approach, is that they have learned an important new set of skills for processing and enhancing their own growth. But people gain not only skill in working with dreams, but also an intensity of personal experience which puts them profoundly in touch with their own source guides. They may experience through dreamworkshop a whole new development in consciousness and personality. To process is everything. It is not enough to live, to experience life. To be fully alive we must also reflect on life. And we go beyond reflection to integration. The dream source is always sending us dreams which point to the most meaningful potentials for transforming aspects of our lives. We must first go to the inner before we can go to the outer. We are, most of us, stuck in, identified with, outer events and circumstances, and therefore we are are more reactive to, than choiceful about, whatever happens to us. Through dreamworkshop, we will use the dream as the arena for first experiencing potentials before we go to the outer life to manifest them. So next month we will discuss Developing your dreamwork methodology and the central techniques of dreamwork. Until then sweet dreams and happy reading. Maélwys /|\
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