Our Dreamer Writes:
Dear SMYD,
I can't remember not making images. As a child, I read voraciously, but found it
easier to express myself through drawing and painting than by writing. When I sketch and paint, I feel at "home."
Painting connects me with myself.
Yet, throughout my life, I’ve put off this
powerful desire to paint in favor of pleasing others and following instead what
they said would be good for me, or what I “should” do. As I gracefully age, I realize it is
essential to embrace what is mine to do. And, I'm clear now that creating art is mine
to do. I think I’m ready for a big
change – to do what I’ve always wanted to do – be an artist!
I rarely remember my dreams, so why, when I’m
teetering on the brink of an important life event, would I have this dream
about a rat, the one creature I have always
abhorred! Rats just gross me out and
give me the shivers.
In my dream I’m in
a basement room and I see a rat there, looking at me. But instead of shrieking or running as I’ve
done in the past, I do the unimaginable - I pick him up and toss him out the
window! It was so much easier than I
thought it would be! He was gone out the
window and I did it! I was very proud
and happy with myself for doing it!
Signed,
An Artist with a Rat
Dear Artist,
You will appreciate that our dreams speak to
us in ways similar to the way art speaks to us – through metaphors, puns and
plays on words! So, on one level your
dream suggests you’ve rid yourself of a nasty companion. You used to be timid and would run from him,
but no more. Hooray. But that explanation alone is unsatisfactory.
To get to a deeper understanding of your
dream, brainstorm the ways to think of a rat beyond his status as a disgusting
and scary rodent (although that is a starting point). But, he’s not just an unwelcome
houseguest! Given the context you
offered, consider the metaphor of a rat as one who betrays another. In your waking life, you tell us you have
betrayed your own true self by setting that artistic self aside and sublimating
your deepest desire. You’ve been a rat
to yourself!
Now, you say you “think” you’re ready to make
a life change and go for your goals. On
any such journey of transformation, we each must face our internal rats. Happily, in thinking about life changes and
wanting to pursue your dream of being an artist, your dream suggests that you
recognize that part of yourself that can be a rat...that can betray you and hold
you back. When you take the rat and toss
it, you felt good, strong, empowered! Good
for you Dear Dreamer! It speaks to how
you will feel when you're true to yourself!
Sweet Dreams to You!
SMYD
sendmeyourdreams@mail.com
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