Recurring Dreams
Understanding and Interpreting Recurring Dreams
Recurring dreams are dreams that we experience over a long period. While different people may have similar dreams, the events, settings and themes in our dreams most closely resemble those from our own personal experiences. Two people could experience the same type of recurring dreams, such as the dream of falling, but the meaning of those dreams can be entirely different for both people. Dream interpretation is an interesting concept that can help you understand many aspects of yourself and your life. To help you better understand your recurring dreams, below are the top 10 recurring dreams and their meanings.
The Top 10 Recurring Dreams and Their Meanings
1. On the Run. Metaphorically, if someone is chasing you in a dream, you may be running or hiding from something in real life that you need to face. A hurtful memory, a feeling you are avoiding or a conflict you would rather not handle can all represent that person hunting you down. Although a chase can feel frightening, there may be nothing to fear as you may be running from something positive. A love you are not ready to admit, for example, or an undiscovered talent. Interestingly, experts believe this recurring dream happens in REM sleep, when the body is paralyzed, so that you do not act out your dream. This physiological experience can also make you feel like you are running in slow motion.
2. Falling. We all experience the frightening dream of falling, only to wake up startled yet safe in bed. In the dream world, falling can signify a number of things, most notably a sense of loss of control. A lack of foundation in your life and a feeling of fear of abandonment can also cause you to dream about falling. Some dream interpreters believe that the dream of falling may represent the transition from one sleep stage to another.
3. Locked Out, Lost or Unprepared. If you feel lost or unprepared in a dream, you might feel lost or unprepared in real life. Settings like schools, careers and new homes in dreams all represent change and if you feel unprepared for those changes, expect dreams filled with impenetrable lockers and doors, labyrinthine buildings and missed or late appointments. These dreams also signify anxiety over seizing opportunity, insecure social status, doubted performance ability, hidden feelings and a thirst for knowledge. Locked doors in dreams also represent feelings of frustration and a need to express your feelings about a real life situation.
4. Naked in Public. You may find yourself naked in public, but there is no need to feel embarrassed. Although public exposure in dreams may represent a hidden fear of exposing something you are hiding, experts agree that these dreams simply show that you are revealing the “real you.”
5. Losing Your Teeth. Like falling, dreams about losing your teeth symbolize feelings of powerlessness and loss of control. Experts link this symbolism to feelings that things are decaying and falling apart in your life. Spitting out a tooth or noticing that all your teeth are missing can also mean that you have problems with self-esteem and speaking your mind. On the other hand, it could mean that it is time for you to see the dentist.
6. Running Slowly or Paralyzed. If you are currently facing hardships and obstacles in life, you may find yourself running in slow motion in your dream. You may also feel held back, unable to make progress in a particular situation or stuck in a rut of self-sabotage, all of which can cause you to run slowly in a dream. Dreams of paralysis also fit into this category and symbolize the same circumstances.
7. Flying. If you find yourself flying in a dream, concepts such as freedom of expression, creativity and achieving the impossible are most likely a part of your inner mantra. Congratulations on your positive attitude and really cool and fun dreams!
8. Submerged in Water. Overwhelming circumstances in life, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, or feeling out of control can all lead to dreams of drowning. A huge wave may also represent a life challenge, while a flood might represent feelings that you are “over your head” in some life aspect.
9. In the Bathroom. Finding yourself in a bathroom with no stalls might represent an inner desire and frustration for more privacy. People who seek privacy are generally parents of young children. Thinking too much about increased income and not spending money can also cause a bathroom to pop up in your dream. Sometimes dreams about the bathroom only serve to keep us from wetting the bed. You may have a dream about the bathroom and then suddenly wake up with the urge to go.
10. Trapped, Locked Up or Buried. People can feel “trapped” over many circumstances. The wrong career move, endless debt and other serious problems in our waking life can leave us trapped, locked in a room or buried alive in our dreams. If you find yourself trapped in a dream, then you probably feel trapped in some aspect of your life. Perhaps you feel like you cannot change a certain situation or maybe someone is holding you back from living up to your full potential.
