Dreamwork

Dreamwork is a self-reflective, self-awareness practice. A practice through which you will gain self-knowledge and understanding.

“Dreams are the guiding words of the Soul.” Carl Jung

I first started working with my own dreams quite some time ago and I am so glad I did.

I left school with the belief that I was dumb and stupid despite somewhere deep down knowing this wasn’t true.

For a few years I was a bit lost. I told myself I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But the truth is I didn’t believe I could do what I dreamed of doing, so I told myself I didn’t know. Secretly I knew what I loved. I loved psychology, sociology and self development.

I spent a lot of time in the shop called Mysteries in Covent Garden, alongside Watkins it was one of the first shops that sold books about personal development.

Alongside meditation, journaling and other practices I discovered dreamwork. I started to work with my dreams. As I started to take note of my dreams I noticed that a figure turned up again and again. It took a shape very similar to that of the teacher in the Pink Floyd video for Another Brick in the Wall (if you don’t know it look it up its great).

Through journaling I came to consciously realise that one particular teacher at school had bullied me. Through working with this image it became evident to me that it was an internalized bully.

It was stopping me from following my heart’s desire and doing what I loved. I was telling me I was stupid and dumb just as this actual teacher had. I could see through dream work just how much unconscious power this internalized character had over my waking life. It was through dream work that I was able to work through what was holding me back.

I was lucky that education was free back then and I was able to do a foundation course. On handing in my first assignment my wonderful tutor said that she thought I was dyslexic. Tests confirmed this and it was such a relief. As it was something I knew deep down but having it recognised, validated and acknowledged was huge.

My authentic self got to reclaim a love of learning. I completed my foundation course and went on to university to get a degree in Psychology and Sociology and I loved it. I still love learning. I have continued with both my studies and with a personal dreamwork practice. It’s a big part of my personal development and self awareness practice. I see dreamwork as a practice of self-care. It continues to be a deep conversation with myself.