Why You Should Be Dream Journaling

When my grandfather was alive, we had many deep conversations about spirituality and the afterlife. During a few of those conversations, he also promised me that if there was a way for him to contact me from the other side after he passed away, he would do so.

True to his word, he kept his promise. Our connection has remained strong ever since, and he continues to guide me from the other side.

It’s been well over two decades since his death, but I still have visitation dreams and mediumistic experiences in which he communicates with me. I feel incredibly blessed for these encounters, and they have confirmed much of what I’ve always believed about the afterlife and the spirit realm.

Grandpa was one of the few people with whom I could openly discuss my psychic abilities, mediumship, and paranormal experiences growing up. He was incredibly open-minded and spiritually aware for a man of his generation and background.

Not only was he a firm believer in the existence of the soul beyond this life, but he was curious about all things mystical and supernatural. I vividly remember him telling me about an out-of-body experience he had, describing how he had seen his own body from above as he “floated”.

One of the most valuable lessons my grandfather taught me was the spiritual significance of our dreams. He grew up at a time when dreams were losing their mystical significance in society as scientists began to increasingly view the dream state purely through a psychological, biological, and neurological lens.

But while researchers were exploring dreams as a mere technical function of the brain, my grandfather held on to the traditional, spiritual view of dreams, seeing them as messages from the divine and a means of communicating with the deceased. He also believed that dreams had predictive qualities and provided guidance for our life choices and decisions.

I have dreamt in my life, dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they have gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind ~ Emily Bronte

My grandfather’s wisdom and insight inspired me to begin keeping a dream journal at a young age. As a spiritual practice it has had a profound impact on my life and my path in many wonderful ways.

Dream Journaling As A Spiritual Practice

I often encourage my clients to begin journaling their dreams as a powerful tool for personal insight and spiritual growth. By keeping a record of my dreams for many years, I’ve gained immense clarity and guidance. It has become one of the most important tools in my spiritual toolbox.

By periodically reviewing your past dreams, you begin to notice patterns, symbols, or even predictions that have come true. Over time, you begin to see your higher self and spirit communicating with you, offering guidance, clarity and wisdom through the dream state. It also allows us to communicate with loved ones, whether from this life, past lives, or future lives.

Your dreams contain profound messages that can help you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, so don’t dismiss their importance. By committing to the practice of dream journaling, you open the door to deeper self-knowledge and spiritual understanding.

Here are some of the things I have learned about dreams and dreaming:

– We can access any information we need in our dreams if we ask for it.

– Dreams often warn us about future events.

– Health insights often come through dreams.

– Diet affects the quality of our dreams.

– Our soul leaves our body when we sleep.

– We astral travel to other dimensions and higher realms in our dreams.

– We often communicate with deceased loved ones in our dreams.

– Dreams also allow communication with people currently in this life.

– Information from past lives can be accessed through dreams.

Your dreams are the seeds of your future successes. Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny ~ KT Witten

How To Improve Your Dreamwork

If you feel like you don’t dream or can’t remember your dreams, there are tools that can help you enhance your dreamwork. Here are some tips for enhancing your dream experiences and help you remember and make the most of this amazing spiritual resource.

SET A CLEAR INTENTION

Before going to bed, focus on a specific intention for your dreams, also known as “dream incubation.” Whether you want to connect with a loved one, gain insight into a health issue, or explore a spiritual question, a clear focus can guide your dream experiences toward meaningful outcomes.

For example, during a particularly stressful time in my life, I had a dream in which I was drinking rose tea. I didn’t know at the time that rose tea could help with anxiety, but I later researched it and found that it was exactly what I needed to calm myself down.

By consciously focusing on a specific question, problem, or desired guidance as you drift off to sleep, you direct your subconscious mind to work on that intention during your dream state. This practice can help you gain insight into unresolved issues, connect with loved ones who have passed on, or receive creative solutions to challenges in your waking life.

For effective dream incubation, it’s important to formulate your intention clearly, perhaps by writing it down in your journal, expressing it in a bedtime prayer, or repeating it to yourself as a mantra. When you wake up, record all relevant details in your dream journal and reflect on how the dream aligns with the intention you set the night before. This process not only enhances the quality of your dreams, but also strengthens your connection to spirit and your inner guidance.

USE AN OLD SCHOOL JOURNAL

I am a firm believer in the use of an old-fashioned, hard-copy dream journal. Unlike a digital device, which can be very jarring and disorienting first thing in the morning, a paper journal offers a more tactile and tangible connection to the mysteries of your dreams that digital versions just can’t replicate.

I find that writing my dream notes by hand helps me to slow down my thoughts, allowing me to fully process and reflect on the details of my dreams. The act of physically turning the pages of your journal also brings a sense of continuity and history, making it easier to see patterns, recurring symbols, and significant shifts in your dream experiences over time.

There’s also something inherently satisfying and intimate about holding a notebook filled with your handwritten thoughts and unconscious insights, making it a more meaningful tool for dream exploration.

BEST PRACTICE TIPS AND TRICKS

Create a relaxing sleep environment: A quiet, comfortable space can enhance the quality of your dreams. Consider using essential oils such as lavender or soothing sounds to promote relaxation before bed.

Use the magic of moonstone: Moonstones are known to improve dream recall and enhance the clarity of your dreams. Place a moonstone under your pillow to “reel in” vivid and memorable dream experiences.

Install a dreamcatcher: Place one above your bed where it can create a conducive atmosphere and serve as a constant reminder of your dream intentions. A dreamcatcher is a Native American cultural object consisting of a circular hoop with woven web-like net inside and decorated with feathers, beads, and other sacred items. Traditionally the main purpose of a dream catcher is to protect the sleeper from bad dreams and evil spirits, while allowing good dreams to pass through and gently slide down the feathers to the sleeper below. Bad dreams and nightmares, on the other hand, are caught in the net and dissipate with the morning sunlight.

Disconnect from digital distractions: Adjusting your digital habits can significantly improve your sleep cycle and enhance your dreamwork. Start by reducing screen time at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed, as the blue light from devices disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Instead, create a relaxing, tech-free nighttime routine that signals your mind and body that it’s time to wind down, such as meditation, prayer, or gentle breathing exercises.

Brew some herbal tea: Some herbal teas, such as mugwort or chamomile, are known to enhance dream vividness and recall. Experiment with drinking them before bed to see if they improve your dream clarity.

Take a melatonin supplementation: The use of a safe melatonin supplement can improve your dream experriences by supporting a more consistent sleep cycle and encouraging deeper sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body, primarily in the pineal gland. It helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. But it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting melatonin supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Keep your dream journal handy: Keep a dream journal next to your bed so you can record your dreams as soon as you wake up. Dreams can fade quickly, and writing them down immediately ensures that you capture the details.

Review your dream notes regularly: Date each of your dream entries and review your past dreams regularly. Not only will this help you see connections between past and present, but it will also reveal how dreams have guided or predicted certain events in your life. I don’t recommend using a generic dream dictionary to interpret your dreams. Instead create your own, as dream symbols have unique meanings for each person.

Keep track of symbols and themes: Even if the dreams seem fragmented or incomplete, write down everything you can remember. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, themes, symbolic elements and recurring symbols that will deepen your understanding of your dream experiences; create your own personal dictionary of these symbols to better interpret your dreams and understand the messages they carry.

Reflect on your feelings: Dreams are often most significant and meaningful when they evoke strong emotions. If you are experiencing intense feelings in a dream, reflect on recent situations in your waking life that may be related, and write about how these experiences connect.

Listen to the warnings: Our dreams often come with warnings. For me, nightmares sometimes indicate that my diet needs attention. Dreams of falling suggest that I need to regain control in some area of my life. If you’re dealing with a fear or an unresolved issue, ask for guidance in your dreams. You may uncover the root cause, perhaps even from a past life, and gain valuable insight into how to deal with it.