Destination Dreamscape

The word dream is such an unassuming one, yet it holds incredible power. Dreams can transport us from the boring and mundane to the exhilarating and terrifying. They evoke comfort, fear, love, sadness, hope — and so much more.

Over the last couple of years, the value I place on dreams has grown significantly. Come with me as I explore this beautiful world we so often take for granted.

Recurring dreams, nightmares, and lucid dreams are often grouped into common categories. But to me, fitting every dream neatly into a box feels limiting. Each dream, each experience, is as unique as you and me. While we may share traits or similar ideals, who we are — and what we take from each dream — will always differ. And here we are again, back at that old subject: perspective.

So why do we dream? While we don’t understand everything about them, science often explains dreams as a coping mechanism. They may help us process emotional buildup, manage stress, solve problems — or replay that strange comment we made to a waitress on April 12, 1995. I understand and even agree with that perspective to a degree, but I feel dreams don’t get the credit they deserve. They don’t just help us cope — they are conduits for growth, healing, learning, and more.

I am a lucid dreamer — though that hasn’t always been the case. I remember dreaming as a child, but back then it felt more like what science describes: a release of emotional buildup. Looking back now, I can see how much I needed an outlet for feelings I didn’t yet understand. As an adult, having learned to account for my emotional breadth, dreams have become a source of growth. Through reflection, meditation, and even the insight of others, they have offered lessons in humility, personal strength, and a deeper appreciation for the ethereal things in life.

As I mentioned, I am a lucid dreamer by definition, though the clinical definition feels somewhat minimal. In my own exploration, I would describe it as a severe case of vivid lucid dreaming. Science considers them similar, while both can be vivid, only lucid dreams include in-the-moment awareness. I feel mine bridge both because they are always vivid, I am always aware it’s a dream, and I have complete autonomy.

It is a strange yet freeing feeling — to know you are asleep in your bed, yet somewhere else entirely, making decisions freely and knowing you are safe no matter the outcome. That awareness removes self-imposed restraints and allows you to fully invest in the moment.

With that, I want to share one of my short favorites from the last two years. Please know these are middle-of-the-night documentations, so writing structure does not apply.

10/13/24 - Spent two days aboard a cruise ship. On day one I found an unoccupied hidden suite. That is where I remained hanging out enjoying the breeze and water for the first two days aside from leaving to eat and check in with family. On day three my brother got on board and I was eager to take him to this awesome new place I had discovered. On our way there the captain had to make an aggressive maneuver to change our route which caught us all off guard. After that we never found the room again. We spent days trying to find it and were able to find many more but never the first one again. At one point we heard a worker say that they found a bunch of personal belongings that were mine (insert fist and last name here). The staff saw us and eyed us suspiciously so we snuck into the conference room to check it out but none of the things were mine. We went back to searching for the ever elusive suite I had found and enjoyed but we never located it again. We had an absolute blast for days searching and discovering so many other places, many that were occupied but just as many that were vacant. Despite failing it never bothered us we were having the best time exploring as if we were kids. Note* We were younger in the dream than we are now but by all means were not children.

When I woke up, I didn’t immediately understand why this dream lingered — but it did.

To you, it may seem like a simple story. For me, it was the reinforcement I needed at that point in my life. It held five key lessons.

First, why was I on a boat with my family, yet alone? My love for the room — wanting to stay there and share it with my brother. The room represented my comfort zone, the place I could retreat and feel safe. At the time, I didn’t believe I deserved that safety. It was an ugly season in my head, friends.

Second, the water and the sea were beautiful — but they represented the unknown. That overwhelming sense of not measuring up, not being who others need you to be, constantly comparing yourself to those you admire. Not familiar with that? Good — it’s less than pleasant. Or maybe it’s the anxiety tied to crowds, public speaking, commitment, or vulnerability. We know we could step into the water and enjoy it, but it feels safer to remain hidden. Yet I am learning that safe does not often equal growth.

Third, the sudden course change. No captain makes that maneuver without reason. What better metaphor for correcting your path?

Fourth, my name being announced when the luggage was found. My brother and I had done nothing wrong, yet we chose to sneak in rather than simply ask. Why? Perhaps for the exhilaration but primarily because just asking does not always guarantee the truth. The lesson? I am not meant to carry other people’s baggage — especially when they assume it belongs to me. Only I get to decide what I carry, just as you do in your own life.

Lastly, my adventure with my brother confirmed something deeper: outside of that room, he has always been a safe place for me. Once he arrived, I no longer needed to hide. Yes, we searched for the room, but I could enjoy the journey again without pressure or fear. I hope when you finish reading this, you remember those people in your life who serve as safe harbors. I am blessed to have many, and this dream reminded me of that.

So I’ll leave you with these questions: what do dreams mean to you? Are they simply something that happens to us? Are they thought-provoking? Do you remember them vividly, or only as a faint residue upon waking? For me, dreams are a fascinating world to explore and learn.

Now to keep this from becoming pages long, and to share my thought process with you I am toying with the notion of making this a multi-part series. So I would genuinely love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you’re willing to share. We still need to cover recurring dreams, nightmares, false awakenings, healing dreams, night terrors and more after all.

As with most of my articles, I have a challenge for you: start keeping a dream journal. You may feel silly at first — I did — but the more time you spend reflecting on them, the more meaning you will uncover. Days, weeks, even months later, new insight can emerge.

When the world feels heavy, let the universe speak through your dreams and remind you of what you may have forgotten about yourself.

In the end, you receive what you need in the moment. So take the time — and see what message is waiting for you.

Always remember:

It’s okay to feel.

Your emotions are what make you human. So feel deeply, love fully, and never let the music die. It’s the sound of life itself.