The nature of my work is play. Starting in my early twenties, when I studied to become a gestalt therapist, bringing dreams and dream fragments into the light of day has been a key part of how I relate to dreams and teach others to see how their dreams can illuminate their waking hours.
Gestalt is all about bringing our dreams and feelings and fears into play. One doesn't exactly act out a dream. The facilitator/therapist, usually focussing on one person at a time (who's then in the "hot seat"), draws out dream stories and helps the participants give voice and body and movement to each element in the story. You can imagine how exciting it was to have the role models of these pioneers of the modern stage on the hot seat. "Carmen, you're trying to get up the staircase. Now you're the stairs. What do you want to say to Carmen?" Zowie! It was thrilling.
Of course, if one aims to play with or tell or reflect on one's dreams, you have to be able to recall them ... or at least moments from them. I often hear friends and clients say, "I don't dream." Pardon by barnyard mouth, but that is hogwash. Dreaming every night is part of your being a human animal. But what if you just don't remember that you dreamt? Truly (and I'm happy to be your Glinda), all you have to do is night after night, as you are slipping into sleep, articulate your desire and intention to remember. It helps to have paper and a writing utensil at bedside. At first it will be hit or miss. Don't despair. Be grateful for every fragment, every moment you remember, and the dreams will speak more and more and become utterly memorable.
Another time I will elaborate with examples. But for now, important to make clear is that the gestalt approach is NOT analytical (see Freud & Jung), but holistic and humanistic. It is an active, emotional, integrative approach to therapy that really brings (sometimes dramatic) results.
In an upcoming post we will talk about lucid dreaming. Be prepared to have your mind blown. My inspiration for my journeys in lucid dreaming are Carlos Castaneda and my friend ξανθός. No, that's not her name. That's Greek for blonde and her name means blond (or golden yellow) in Old Greek. Ah, the heck with it. I'm talking about Xanthia. There. I said it.
Next time I'm going to tell you another Bear story, hoping you will take inspiration from the Story of My Rebirth (nine months ago)! Namasté.