The Theory Of Dreaming
For centuries, People have pondered the meaning of dreams. Why do we dream? What are dreams for? Are they a portal to your inner self? Or are dreams simply a method for your brain to defrag the information of the day?
The Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis
One neurobiological theory of dreaming is the activation-synthesis hypothesis. It states that dreams don't actually mean anything; they are merely electrical brain pulses that pull random thoughts and energy from our memories.
This theory suggests that we are simply constructing stories by stitching together a narrative from fragmented electrical pieces of information.
This theory implies that dreams don't hold any deep symbolic meaning. They are simply byproducts of the brains effort to organize and interpret random signals.
Other Theories
Over the years, numerous theories have been put forth in an attempt to understand the mystery behind human dreams. I list a variety below. Unfortunately none of them leave me feeling compelled to analyze my dreams.
Activation-Synthesis Theory - dreams are neurological phenomena necessary for memory consolidation.
Threat Simulation Theory - dreams are a nightly rehearsals to improve threat perception and avoiding skills and aid in survival.
Reverse Learning Theory - dreams help us to unlearn or forget unnecessary information for the purpose of memory efficiency and organization.
Quasi-Therapeutic Function Theory - dreams allow the dreamer to process trauma in a safe environment.
Defense Activation Theory - dreams are hallucinary activity that protects the brain's visual cortex from being repurposed ( taken over) by other senses.
Social Simulation Theory - dreams are simulations of social events helping to strengthen social perception and bonding skills.
Continual Activation theory - dreams keep the brain active during sleep, maintaining its functionality. (Memory lubrication)
Expectation-Fulfillment Theory - dreams discharge emotional arousals from the day allowing us to handle new emotional arousals the next day.
Memory Consolidation Theory - dreams help transfer short term memories to long term storage.
Cognitive Theory- dreams are representations of daily experiences and beliefs - no hidden meanings - that reveal how we appear to ourselves.
Decluttering Theory - dreams help clear confusion from the mind and prepare it for the next day.
Carl Jung Was on to Something
But dreams are so much more that memory consolidation, efficiency and brain lube. Carl Jung. maintained that dreams are direct expressions of the mind itself - an expression of an individual's unconscious state through a language of symbols and metaphors. It is difficult to understand, he said because dream language is so much different from our waking language.
Dreams Do Have a Purpose
Today, thanks to the work of Michael Sheridan of the Aisling Dream Interpretation School, we know that dreams do contain a universal language of symbols and metaphors. We know the amazing power of dreams. And we know that dreams are worth listening to.
Dreams are meaningful experiences that can provoke insight, guidance and even prophetic information.
Dreams bring unconscious material into conscious awareness and through this facilitate healing and personal growth.
Dreams are constantly asking the dreamer to accept all aspects of his personality including emotions he may avoid in waking life.
Dreams ask the dreamer to face his fears to heal and to come to terms with them.
Specific symbols and scenarios in dreams point toward health issues, spiritual gifts, personal relationships, career, and even life purpose.
Dreams contain messages and encounters with spiritual beings.
Dreams guide us and direct us.
So What Should I Do With My Dreams?
If you want to truly understand yourself, your behaviors and why you think the way you do, you need to listen to your dreams. Analyzing your dreams and understanding what they're trying to tell you can enhance your life in ways you may never have imagined.
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