Dream Interpretation - Old houses indicate old states of mind

Dreams of houses often reflect the dreamer’s state of mind.  The home is where s/he lives mentally or emotionally when it comes to a particular aspect of waking life.  Today’s dreamer returns with some longing for her residence of many years to find a new perspective on her memories.

Dear Carolyn,

While I was on vacation I had two dreams set in my old house, the home I lived in for 38 years and moved from two years ago.  I was so proud of that home ~ so many memories and so much personal growth!  Transitions, change can be so hard.  I have some nostalgia for our life before the move.  Here is what I remember of the dreams:

I am showing the home to a couple, both of whom are former clients.  He is a member of a spiritual group, Sufi; she is a lute musician.  I was their massage therapist.  So, we are outside the master bedroom which had a beautiful garden with azaleas and rhododendron.  The bushes are small and rounded and I make some excuse that they need help and the new owners have given me permission to be here and I will do the maintenance.  Then as we go into house and I am going to show them around, the wife gets a gleeful, playful look in her eyes and says,"First I'm going to use the bathroom!!!"  End.  

The other fragment of a dream took place in the guest bedroom that looked as it did right before we moved, empty.  I did my yoga practice in this clean empty room.

Signed,

Home Sick

Dear Home Sick,

In your dream you return to the home you were most proud of with a spiritual and artistic couple, those parts of yourself that flourished there.  By way of excusing the diminished state of the flowering plants there, you say that the new owners have given you permission to hang around and do the maintenance on those plants.  

The setting and your actions may indicate that you are working to maintain some of the past beauty and ambiance of that home in your current circumstance.  It also suggests that perhaps all things were not so big and healthy as you thought they were.  In retrospect, some things may seem empty, as did the guest room where you worked before.  The shock of this feeling sets the tone for your look back.

The sequence in which the new resident is going to the restroom before she looks around may speak to a need for you to ‘eliminate’ some negative emotions or memories before maintaining the plants that seem stunted and need help. 

Regarding her apparent glee in your dream ~ her happy anticipation of going to the restroom before you begin your maintenance of the gardens:  What a relief it can be to leave some "stuff" behind!  In fact, Dear Dreamer, to truly cultivate the beautiful memories and ambiance of that residence, you must leave that stuff behind!

Sweet Dreams to You!

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