Dreaming Into Presence
Tune into presence in your waking life–and while you sleep
Hello friend,
It thrills me when I meet a new person and discover–as we get to know each other– that our interests and passions, background and life experiences overlap and intersect in unique ways. I’ve learned to trust what Carl Jung referred to as synchronicity when my encounters evoke those kinds of connection. Have you had those kinds of experiences?
It’s been true for me in getting to know Tzivia Gover, a wonderful writer and new friend. Tzivia–who is collaborating with me on today’s post–shares my passion for examining dreams, exploring spirituality and creative expression. We met last fall through Ritualwell, where I co-facilitate ADVOT, a community for Jewish writers. Tzivia and I also discovered a shared and specific fascination with the complex Biblical story of Sarai/h and Hagar.
Since today is our final week on the theme of ‘Presence,’ it’s an ideal time to share a writing prompt from someone with Tzivia’s expertise in how dreams and writing both offer us ways to live more soulful lives, both on and off the page. I have really enjoyed reading her book, Dreaming on the Page over the last few months!
“I’ve been remembering dreams all of my life,” Tzivia told me when we spoke about this collaboration. “From early on, I sensed that dreams had a lot to offer. Whether we remember them or not, dreams have information. We’re natural storytellers. There is a human need to dream…and tell stories.”
Tzivia emphasized the ways that dreams connect us to our imaginal worlds and can also connect us with ancestors. Her insight affirmed something that often happens when I dream: re-uniting with loved ones in strange and unexpected ways. Sometimes I forget when these beautiful dreams come to me, but scrawling them down in a journal when I wake (to pee around 2-3am usually or sometimes in the first light of morning) helps me to capture them.
You can listen to Tzivia’s prompt at the arrow and also read it below. Get curious about what kind of information and stories may be there…waiting for you in dreams!
“Dreams don’t know boundaries or religion,” Tzivia reminded me. “Dreams come to all of us.”
Writing Practice: Set aside 5-7 minutes for this practice. Write in a journal or open a ‘Journey with The Season’ document where you can return each Sunday.
Prompt: Start by writing down a dream. It could be a dream from last night, last week or even as far back as childhood. Write it down then play with it a bit. See if you can find a story or poem in there! Some quick tips include inserting some line breaks, as you would when writing a poem or change it from first person to third person, and see if that opens up a line of story. So instead of ‘I was running’, try ‘she was running, or they are running.’ See how that simple tweak shifts things and maybe opens up new possibilities.
Whatever you do—have fun! I wish you sweet dreams and inspired writing...Tzivia
Deepening practice: I started keeping a dream journal two years ago as part of my spiritual director training. It took a little getting used to and a lot of patience! I don’t remember dreams every night and sometimes I’m too lazy to write them down. When I was first getting started, these amazing free resources really helped me. Check them out! Put a journal and pen by your bed and see what happens. And for more inspiration about connecting writing and dreams, Tzivia’s book is the thing!
Wishing you presence and connection when you wake and when you sleep. With love, Gabrielle Ariella
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