Storytelling … helps us see the themes that circle in our lives, the deep themes that tell the myths we live. It would take only a slight shift in emphasis … to focus on the storytelling itself rather than on its interpretations. --- Thomas Moore

What are themes?

The theme of a dream is that important message, idea, or perception that the dream is attempting to bring to your conscious mind. The theme gets right to the heart of what your dream is trying to say.

… also …

The theme of a waking life event is that important message, idea, or perception that the event is attempting to bring to your conscious mind.

Why explore themes?

Dreams usually come to us as stories. The storytelling form makes it easier for you to direct your focus on what is important for your health and well-being.

Most approaches to dream work emphasize analysis of the symbols in your dreams. But symbolic analysis of the dream places your concentration on interpretation rather than on the dream story. You are likely to get so caught up in trying to determine what the dream “means” that you might miss the point of the story.

By working directly with the theme or themes of the dream you can simplify the dream evaluation process. You get right to the “heart” of the dream.

What is the “heart” of the dream?

The “heart” of anything is generally accepted as the central, most vital part. It is the center of your being. It is the place where the deepest emotions and sensibilities are felt. It is that place within your personality where soul essence resides. Dreams come from this center. Your dreams are trying to awaken you to your soul purpose, your soul essence. The dream theme is the vital message coming from this place, filled with all the emotion that will spur you on to new discovery and a higher level of awareness about yourself, and what you need to grow and develop.

Are there methods for determining themes?

Robert P. Gongloff offers methods for identifying the themes of your dreams and waking life events in his new book, Dream Exploration: A New Approach.  These methods can also supplement your symbolic representation work. Check the book page for excerpts from the book.

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