What are your dreams telling you?
As portals to our psyche, our dreams help us process our waking lives, says J.M. Debord, author of The Dream Interpretation Dictionary. Read on to decode the signals your subconscious is sending!
If you dream of… Being chased: You’re finding hope
While scrambling to get away from an oft-invisible threat reveals fear or anxiety, it also offers hope—movement in a dream suggests forward momentum, says Debord. In other words, rather than being stuck in a stagnant state, your mind is likely racing toward a solution that will ultimately help you catch your breath, relax and create the sweet dreams that lead to peace of mind.
Opening doors: You’re awakening to new strengths
The common theme of coming across a secret room suggests you’re finding new aspects of yourself, from untapped creativity to new ambitions. Says Debord, “If the room is dark, it hints that you’re not yet aware of that part of yourself, but when the lights are on, you’re awakening to your strengths.”
Flying: You’re going places
Soaring freely shows you’re leaving behind self- doubt. And if you’re on a plane? “Something outside yourself is likely a big part of your journey,” says Debord. “For example, your career may be ‘ taking off.’” Whether you’re flying on your own, à la Supergirl, or are a passenger, one thing is clear: You’re about to go even higher.
Being back in school: You’re surmounting a new obstacle
“School prepares you for the next steps in life,” says Debord. “That’s why dreaming of missing an exam or being late for class shows anxiety about an upcoming change. When you wake up, just reaffirm to yourself that you can ace whatever ‘test’ you’re facing, and these dreams should soon stop.”
Water: You’re unleashing a wave of inner strength
“A calm sea symbolizes inner tranquility, while turbulent waves point to indecision,” says Debord. And the fact that your feelings take the form of water hints at your adaptability; after all, water is fluid, showing you’re able to “flow” with the punches and rely on your resilient spirit.