Common Dreams
21 November 2023

Common Dreams & Their Meaning

Dreams, yes those mysterious dreams! The age-old fascination with the enigmatic world of dream interpretation has captivated us for centuries. And let's be honest, it's not hard to see why. Figuring out the hidden meanings behind those wild and wacky mental escapades can be as enlightening as stumbling upon a forgotten stash of chocolate in the back of your pantry. Enter the legendary Sigmund Freud, the Sherlock Holmes of dream analysis. He believed that dreams were the secret gateway to our unconscious desires, the posh road leading straight to the depths of our twisted psyches. According to Freud, by delving into the obvious content of our dreams, we could expose the clandestine wishes that plague our poor, neurotic souls.

But hey, don't just take Freud's word for it! The world of popular culture jumped aboard the dream interpretation train, turning it into both a mesmerising entertainment spectacle and a journey of profound self-reflection. Dreams became the ultimate mental playground, filled with symbols that begged to be deciphered like an ancient hieroglyphic puzzle. So, do dreams hold any significance or are they just random mental jumbles created by our sleep-deprived brains? Can we unlock the secrets of our deepest desires by unlocking the secrets of our dreams? Well, that's where the plot thickens. The truth is, whether your dreams spill the beans about your innermost emotions depends on a multitude of factors.

Dream Interpretation

Modern theories have dared to question Freud's take on dreams, suggesting that they may have a more biological origin or even be influenced by something as mundane as our sleep position. But the dream interpreters and analysts of the world refuse to be discouraged. They're determined to crack the code, to unveil the true meaning behind those common dream themes and symbols. So, my intrepid dreamer, while the jury is still out on the definitive answer to whether dreams mean anything, one thing is undeniable: the allure of the dream realm persists. It continues to bewitch and seduce us with its tantalising mysteries, tempting us to explore the uncharted territories of our subconscious minds.

Researchers have found that the seven most common dreams involve being attacked or chased, being late, loved ones dying, falling, flying, school, and sex. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common dreams and what dream interpretation books have to say about them…

I’m Totally Naked in Public

Ever had that cringe-worthy dream where you strut into school or the office in your birthday suit, exposing more than just your flaws? Well, fret not! Dreaming about being in your birthday suit is about as common as finding someone who genuinely enjoys kale smoothies. According to the wise words of Penney Peirce, the esteemed author of "Dream Dictionary for Dummies," those vivid visions of public nudity might just be your subconscious way of confessing your fear of being a fake or baring your not-so-picture-perfect imperfections to the world. So, go ahead and embrace those dreamy insecurities, my dear dreamer!

I’m Dying

Dreams about death are a real head-scratcher. It's like your subconscious is a twisted horror movie director, making you witness the demise of loved ones or even your own demise. That’s freaky, right? But fear not, because dream gurus have an interpretation for this madness. According to the wise words of Lauri Loewenberg, dreams about death stem from our deep-rooted anxiety about change and the great unknown. It's like a dramatic remake of death, with the same level of mystery on the other side. Our quirky dreaming minds, in all their creative splendour, associate change with biting the dust. Loewenberg even claims that dreaming about the death of a loved one is just our hidden fear of change, especially when it comes to our offspring. As our little angels transform into real-life adults, our parental brains start searching for the cute little pumpkin that once was. These death dreams are basically mourning sessions for the passage of time. And hey, here's something mind-blowing. People on the brink of kicking the bucket and their loved ones have some serious trippy dreams too. These dreams get all deep and meaningful, filled with a comforting presence, preparing for the endgame, chilling with the deceased, and even dealing with unfinished business. It's like the dream version of a heart-to-heart talk before saying goodbye forever. So, next time death barges into your dreams uninvited, just remember that it's your brain's quirky way of handling change and the big unknown. Embrace the weirdness, my friend. Dream on!

Dreams Explained

Help! I’m Falling

Dreams about falling from great heights are as common as finding a single donut in a box of a dozen. But, let's bust this myth that if you meet the cold, hard ground in your dream space, you'll be taking eternal slumber in real life. Nah, that's just a load of baloney. But hey, what the heck do these dreams mean then? According to the dream gurus and even some nerds who conducted a study, falling dreams are like neon signs flashing that something ain't rainbows and unicorn farts in your life. It's like the universe's way of elbowing you in the ribs and saying, "Psst, buddy, you're going down a sketchy path." Maybe it's a hint that you need to hit the cosmic brakes and reassess your choices. Or perhaps you should change lanes and head in a different direction, sort of like a GPS rerouting your life. Russell Grant, the smart wordsmith behind "The Illustrated Dream Dictionary," says, "Dreaming of falling is like having a backstage pass to your deepest fears. It's like the fear of failing at work or watching your love life take a nosedive." Deep stuff, man!

But no need to worry because dreams about falling can also be a gentle reminder to cut loose and live a little. You know, like when a spontaneous song comes on the radio and you throw caution to the wind and bust into some killer dance moves at a stoplight. Just like that, falling dreams might be nudging you to let your hair down, embrace life's rollercoaster, and sprinkle joy like confetti. So, next time you find yourself free-falling in the dream realm, don't sweat it. It's just your subconscious trying to drop some truth bombs. Take a moment to evaluate and maybe even recalibrate your path. And, most importantly, remember to let loose, laugh a little, and savour the adventure called life.

I’m Being Chased!

Ever had one of those spine-chilling dreams where someone, whether you know them or not, is hot on your heels like a cheetah chasing down its prey? Well, you're not alone. It turns out plenty of people experience these thrill-fest dreams. But what the heck do they actually mean? Let's dive into the twisted depths of your mind, shall we? According to those peculiar beings known as dream interpreters, these chase scenes play out in your psyche because you're trying to dodge something in your everyday life. It's like your subconscious is screaming, "Hey, wake up and deal with this thing you're running from!" Tony Crisp, the author of "Dream Dictionary," goes even further, suggesting that being chased in a dream might be your desperate attempt to outrun your deepest fears and hidden desires. Intriguing, isn't it?

However, my fellow dream enthusiasts, it's not just about any old pursuer. Oh no, it's all about the identity of the creepy crawler on your tail. Picture this: you're sprinting full speed ahead, heart pounding like a bass drum, and then you glance over your shoulder to catch a glimpse of your relentless nemesis. Could it be a looming shadow of your most dreaded phobia? Or perhaps it is a twisted embodiment of your unspoken fantasies? Yes, folks, the key to unlocking the secrets of your chase dream lies in the identity of your pursuer. Is it:

  • An Unknown Chaser: If your pursuer is a mysterious, unknown figure, it might represent a childhood experience or past trauma.
  • An Animal: You might be hiding from your own feelings, anger and passions.
  • Opposite Sex Member: Crisp suggests this means you are afraid of love or haunted by a past relationship.

So next time you find yourself being pursued through the dark corridors of your subconscious, don't just brush it off like last month's fashion trend. Embrace the adrenaline rush, and ask yourself: What am I dodging in my waking life? What fears or desires am I running away from like a track star from hell? And most importantly, who the heck is chasing me? Trust me, my dream-dwelling comrades, these nighttime escapades can reveal more than you'd imagine about the wild terrain of your mind.

I'm Flying

Look! I’m Flying

Isn’t it amazing, the enchanting realm of dreams, where mere mortals sprout wings and take to the skies like majestic birds. Yes, many among us have experienced the delight of soaring high above the clouds in our slumbering moments. Oh, what a thrill it is to feel the wind caress our faces as we navigate the celestial playground. But let us not forget, for even in dreams, fear can find its way into our hearts. Yes, for those with an aversion to towering heights, the flying dreams might be a tad more hair-raising than delightful. The spine-tingling terror of looking down and realising just how far off the ground we are can send shivers down our spines. Oh, the conflicting nature of these dreams, my friends! Tony Crisp, the wise author of the "Dream Dictionary," sheds light on this duality that exists within our airborne fantasies. You see, the dreams of flight can represent two distinct facets of our souls. On the one hand, they embody our yearning for freedom and independence, an irresistible desire to break free from the shackles of being very ordinary. So cool! The sensation of soaring through the air, liberated from the chains that bind us! It tempts us to spread our wings and defy gravity, to revel in the euphoria of self-reliance.

But alas, these dreams carry another whispered message from the depths of our subconscious. They might just be a subtle hint that we long to flee from the realities that plague our waking lives. Oh, how we yearn to escape the trials and tribulations of our existence! These dreams, my friends, might just be our mind's way of whispering, "Run away! Run away from it all!" Now, let us delve into the realm of sexuality, for Tony Crisp has tapped into a particularly fascinating aspect of our airborne adventures. Flying alone, he observes, is the most frequent manifestation in our dreams, revealing the essence of independence that resides within us. But wait, there's more! Flying, it seems, may also hold a key to unlock the unconventional aspects of our sensuality. Can you imagine it, my dear reader? Our desire for freedom from the constraints of society finds its expression in the very act of flight. Just as we soar through the heavens, our sexual selves yearn to break free from the norms and restraints that confine us. Oh, the audacity of our subconscious minds!

So, the dreams of flight may offer us a glimpse into both the boundless possibilities of freedom and the yearning to escape the struggles of life. They may even whisper to us the secrets of our deepest desires, hidden behind the veils of societal expectations. Embrace these dreams, readers, for they hold within them a tale of liberation, of fleeing from the realities that burden us, and a tantalising taste of our untamed sensuality.

My Partner is Cheating on Me

Discovering that your beloved partner is engaging in a steamy affair with another person can be more devastating than finding out that all the chocolate in the world has mysteriously vanished. In fact, the experience can leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. Does this twisted nocturnal vision foretell a future of unfaithfulness? Or could it be a scandalous glimpse into an on-going betrayal? Well, fear not, for the bright wordsmiths Trish and Rob MacGregor, who possess the mystical knowledge of dream interpretation, assure us that such dreams are often just the fruit of our paranoid imaginations. They claim that these dreams act as a cunning test of the boundaries between our fantasies and the harsh truths of the waking world. However, the enchanting duo of Eve Adamson and Gayle Williamson, masters of deciphering dreams in their "Complete Idiot's Guide Dream Dictionary," present us with a slightly different perspective. According to their sage advice, dreams of unfaithfulness may indicate deep-rooted insecurities surrounding trust, loyalty, and communication in the sacred union between you and your chosen paramour. If, by some twisted turn of subconscious fate, you and your lover find yourselves betraying one another in the vivid realms of slumber, it may signal a desperate cry for something that is currently lacking in your relationship. So, don’t worry about these scandalous visions of infidelity! Instead, take a moment to reflect on the cracks that may have formed in the garden of love. Use these dreams as a magnifying glass to uncover the underlying issues that threaten to unravel the intricate tapestry of your relationship. And never forget, the power of dreams can be both a mischievous jester and a compassionate harbinger of change.

I’m Pregnant

I’m Pregnant!

Dream interpreters, those mystical soothsayers of the subconscious, love to spin their web of intrigue when it comes to dreams of pregnancy. According to the words of David C. Lohff, a dream dictionary author extraordinaire, these dreams could be a delightful dance between creativity and terror, where a woman may find herself haunted by the fear of becoming a subpar mommy. On the other side of the dreamy spectrum, we have the esteemed Tony Crisp, who struts in with an entirely different beat, bringing forth the notion that baby-bump dreams suggest the dreamer is sprouting some astounding potential or deepening a relationship. Finally, the suave and debonair Russell Grant, the dream interpreter of our dreams, doesn't hesitate to whip out his crystal ball and foretell that these dreams may signify the approach of ominous hurdles on life's treacherous path. Oh, the twists and turns of dreamland never cease to amaze!

I’m Taking a Test

Dreams about taking tests are more widespread than the number of TikTok dance challenges out there. So, Craig Hamilton-Parker, the grand guru of "The Hidden Meaning of Dreams," decided to chime in with his two cents. He claims that having dreams about exams could actually expose your deep-seated fear of floundering. I mean, let's face it. Exams are equivalent to a stress sandwich smothered in a hot mess sauce. They force you to confront your countless flaws and inadequacies. And if you happen to dream of bombing a test, arriving fashionably late, or realising you didn't study a lick, well, buckle up because that's your subconscious screaming, "Hey buddy, you're not prepared for reality's cruel curveballs!"

Help! My Teeth Fall Out

So you had a dream where your pearly whites decided to ditch you? Well, according to the dream guru Penney Peirce, losing teeth in the dream realm is like a twisted game that can have a whole bunch of interpretations. Brace yourself! Firstly, it could be that you're fretting about your looks. Yes, your attractiveness may be on the forefront of your mind, and losing teeth is your subconscious way of saying, "Hey, what's happening to my sexy smile?" Trust me. You're not alone in this dental dilemma. But hold on, there's more! Losing teeth in dreamland might also be a red flag for your communication skills. Maybe you're worried about saying something cringe-worthy or putting your foot in your mouth. It's like your subconscious is shouting, "Gather your thoughts before you turn into a verbal train wreck!"

However, the plot thickens! According to our dream dictionary expert, those pearly whites hold some serious power. It's not just about chewing that juicy steak; it's about being assertive, decisive, and oh-so-self-protective. So, if you find your teeth falling out in your dream, brace yourself for a loss of personal power. Yep, those chompers bring more than just a dazzling smile! Dream interpretation is all about finding the hidden treasures in the depths of your mind. So, whether you're worried about your looks, your communication, or your personal power, it's time to face those fears and reclaim your dental dominance. Because who needs teeth in dreams? You've got the witty style to conquer the world, with or without a billion-dollar smile!

Sweet Dreams

Dreams, oh sweet dreams, where imaginations run wild and logic takes a backseat! Let us mention some other popular dream themes that tend to be fairly common. They include:

  • Discovering New Passages and Rooms
  • Being Inappropriately Dressed
  • Can’t Find the Toilet
  • Arriving someplace late
  • Having a Huge Wave Approaching You
  • Finding Loads of Money

So, fellow dreamers, brace yourselves for the whimsical journeys that await us in the land of dreams. From discovering secret passages to fashion mishaps, from bathroom escapades to the thrilling waves of life, and not forgetting the serendipitous treasure hunts! Embrace the unpredictable, the extraordinary, and the utterly fantastical, for in this realm, our minds float free like fireflies.

My Final Thoughts

So, come on, spill the beans! Are these dream interpretations hitting the nail on the head or are they totally off base? Don't worry, because your dreams are as unique and personal as your favourite pair of socks (and let's hope they're not as stinky). Chances are, the things you encounter in your dreams are just manifestations of the everyday worries and recent happenings in your life. But hey, how do we crack the code of these wacky dreams? Step one: grab a pen and paper, pronto! Dreams have a sneaky way of slipping through our fingers like an oiled-up eel, so scribbling down every detail as soon as you open those peepers will help jog your memory. Then, it's time to dive into the dream's contents and ask what the heck it all means. What's your personal connection with these bizarre events? What kind of emotions did they unleash upon you? More often than not, you'll discover that your dream is just a twisted reflection of the stuff happening in your waking life. Sleep tight and let these dreamy adventures carry you away!

“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” - Vincent Willem van Gogh