Dreams of a Rabid Sports Fan & A Rejected Friend

Our Dreamer Writes:

Dear SMYD,

I’m a big SF Giants fan, but I have a feeling this dream is not really about their famous closer.  What do you think?

I dreamed that Brian Wilson had shaved his distinctive beard.  I saw only his face, like a floating head in front of me.  His face looked a little pudgy and he had nicked himself in several places. 

He was planning to leave the Giants and go into another completely unrelated line of work.  He said something to the effect that he had been uncomfortable for a while and wanted to move on.  I was surprised, but understood his decision.

Signed,

A Rabid Fan

Dear Rabid Fan,

Our dreams choose images and people from our lives and use them as metaphors to illustrate and help us understand our own circumstances. 

Your dreaming self chose an extremely distinctive character indeed!  Brian Wilson is well known for his unmistakable appearance (not to mention his scorching fastball!). 

But you’re correct – your dream is more likely to be about you and your life, than about Brian Wilson and his.  A useful approach to a figure like this in a dream is first to think about what kind of person he is and what he stands for.

We could say Brian Wilson is a well-defined figure with a strong skillset.  Are you like that?  Are you well known for a particular thing and that thing only?  Do you love it on the one hand, while feeling restless or uncomfortable with it on the other hand?

For Wilson to change his trademark look could signify a major change for you, Dear Dreamer.  Have you made a big adjustment in your life, your very identity, or are you considering one?  Have you been feeling uncomfortable for a while, even though you do something very well and are even known for it?  Are you thinking of making a key shift in your life’s work or your mode of operating?

As in your dream, the new you would seem different from the person you’re known to be.  Some people (even you!) might be surprised by the change, but they would understand and respect it. 

Moving on requires parting with what’s familiar and customary, leaving some habits behind.  Those might be things that are expected by others, but no longer satisfying for you.  Your dream suggests you’ve made your decision on some level. 

Be true to yourself, Dear Dreamer!  Oh, and Go Giants!

SMYD

Our Dreamer Writes:

Dear SMYD,

I dreamed I was trying to hug my friend Elaine (not her real name), but she didn’t want to hug me.  She turned her head, made a face, and pushed me away.  I tried again, but no use. 

I’ve known her a long time and we’ve hugged many times.  Why would she turn away like that?

Signed,

Rejected in Schenectady

Dear Rejected,

Could it be that you’re trying to be something you’re not?

Think about Elaine.  What qualities does she have that you might be trying to embrace?  Realistically, you can only be yourself.  When you try too hard to be like someone else, or to get too close to someone else, you run the risk of putting him or her off.  This can put a frown on an otherwise friendly relationship.

What is the benefit of becoming more like Elaine?  Must you discount yourself to achieve your goal?  If so, you lose more than you gain in the process.

Consider backing away just a little from Elaine, or from whatever/whomever you might be pursuing.  Gain some perspective and perhaps you will see a better method of approaching your friend, or developing the quality you so desire.  Work to recognize your own desirable traits and strongest talents. 

Be a friend to yourself, Dear Dreamer!

SMYD

           

Married a Stranger!

Our Dreamer Writes:

Dear SMYD,

I dreamed I married a young, handsome, good man.  But I hardly knew him!

We are in a house that’s large and he’s very proud of it.  But I see it’s dated in every aspect.  All the furniture is worn; all the paint is chipped or sloppy or unattractive; all appliances are dated and crusty. 

I am especially dismayed at the kitchen being so small with only two tiny cabinets.  This seems to be his family’s house, his mom’s house.

I try to put on a happy face, but my emotions show, and he is deflated.  He says we’ve made a mistake.  I say no, we love each other but need to get to know each other. 

Too Soon a Bride?

Dear Too Soon,

I can’t help wondering if you’re a bit impulsive. 

Your dream suggests you’ve made a commitment before looking past the superficial qualities of the arrangement.  As soon as you take off your rose-colored glasses, you begin to see that some things are below your standards or expectations.

Just like your new spouse, you are disappointed, but you want to make a go of it.  In the dream, the normal sequence is reversed:  Instead of getting to know someone, or getting familiar with a situation before committing to it, “marrying it,” you jump in first and ask questions after.  This doesn’t doom the new arrangement, but it does put a strain.

If you’ve already made the leap, your work is laid out for you.  Your partner is willing, but may be grounded in an old way of doing things---as things were done in his mom’s house.  This is the mindset with which you must deal.

If you haven’t yet committed to the arrangement, think long and thoroughly before you do.

Best Wishes to You, Dear Dreamer!

SMYD

Working on a Perfect House

Our Dreamer writes:

Dear SMYD,

In my dream I am working on a house that is in almost perfect condition.  My brother is helping me.  We seem to be tinkering around the edges, maybe even creating work where no work really needs to be done, fixing things that don’t need fixing.

The police come and make us leave.  We wade into a creek and go upstream.

What could it mean?

Signed:  Confused

Dear Confused,

Is there something you are avoiding?

Many times our dreams will create a scenario to explain something to us that we are denying to be true.

Your dream suggests that you’re working on something that doesn’t need any more work.  Do you have a project ready to hand in, or call finished, that you just don’t want to let go of?  Your dream says you are making work, or making excuses not to be done!  Does that sound familiar?

The police, an internal voice of authority, are telling you to move on.  But when you do, you go upstream, the hard way.  Why do you avoid “going with the flow?”

Think about your brother.  If you were to describe him to someone who doesn’t know him, would you say he’s a person who doesn’t want to take a step in a new direction?  He could be representing a part of you that, in the same way, finds excuses for not trying something new.

Taking a step in a new direction does mean leaving your comfort zone, after all.  Your dream suggests you’re ready for a new challenge since the one you’ve been working all is all but perfectly complete.  You can leave it now in good conscience and embark on a new adventure, if you will.

Consider your options, Dear Dreamer! 

Sweet Dreams!

SMYD

Dragging a Coffin

Our Dreamer Writes:

Dear SMYD,

I have had this dream several times over the years.  It always worries me.

In this dream I am dragging a coffin around.  It’s my coffin.  Sometimes I’m near a highway and try to hitch a ride.  But even though a driver stops, I can never get a ride because of the coffin.  It scares people away.

This dream bothers me!  Why do I keep having it?

Signed,

Worried Sick

Dear Worried Sick,

Recurring dreams can give us some true insights into an ongoing issue or concern.  It is helpful to jot the dream down when you wake up along with a narrative, or even just a list, of the things concerning you during your waking life.  It is surprising how quickly a pattern might emerge:  When I’m dealing with “X” I have this same dream!

Dragging a coffin around suggests that you might be carrying or holding onto a part of yourself that is dead, or that you should let die. 

Perhaps it’s an attitude that comes up every time you apply for a new job, or when you have a chance for a new relationship.  It prevents you from catching a ride and making real progress.  You cannot get to that new place as long as you drag along this dead, outdated, defeating part of yourself.

Your dream offers you an excellent opportunity for reflection and growth.  Consider talking with a trusted friend or counselor if you need help gaining objectivity.

Know thyself, Dear Dreamer!

Sweet Dreams!

Fungus on My Scalp

Our Dreamer writes:

I dreamed that some sort of growth colonized my scalp.  It was fields of tightly packed fungi, light greenish yellow, and with little heads like cauliflower.  They made my skin crawl, were stubborn and itchy, and very unpleasant.  They presented a danger of taking over my entire head.

Beautiful Dreamer,

The dream suggests it's time to take a look at any negative and depressive thoughts you've allowed to take hold and grow in your mind.  This dream seems to have created an apt symbol for them! 

You must be extremely diligent in ferreting out these fungi (these negative thoughts) and eliminating them!  Next time you get into the shower, scrub your scalp vigorously!  It feels very good!    In the same way, you must be determined to find these thoughts, understand them, and root them out.

Perhaps this dream relates to your job, or a relationship, and any feelings of frustration they bring on.  Over time, frustation can lead to feelings of anger and defeat, even depression.  Your dream exhorts you to take action now to rid yourself of these stubborn patterns of thought!

Best wishes to you, Dear Dreamer!