Types of Dreams

'Dreams', the word itself creates a subtle subject of interpretation and illusion. This article is an attempt to present a description on the types of dreams people come across in their day-to-day lives.
Dreams are among the myriad mysteries of Nature which still stay unraveled and hidden from the light of discovery and openness. Dreams have no definition to characterize them, nor do they have any definite identity. They are always there in all our lives, but they are still like a stranger, unknown and questioned! Some attribute dreams as a channel which let away all such elements of the mind which lay trap in darkness, while we are conscious. They may be regarded as a show case of the semi conscious state of the mind, which gets lightened while the body sleeps. On the other hand, for some, dreams serve as mere recaps for all that we touch, see, feel, hear, think and all that goes on while we are awake. Some dreams are funny and some scary. Some make sense while some seem to be completely lost in the ocean of confusion. The concept of dreams is something like a shadow behind a screen. We can identify the shape and the movements, but we remain helpless in getting close to its real identity.

Dreams and Their Interpretation

Lucid or Understandable Dreams
As the name itself suggests, these dreams are able to present an almost clear picture of themselves to the dreamer. Lucid dreams lie under the realization of a person and so he is aware that he is dreaming. Lucid dreams are controllable by the dreamer and the incidents which might take place is such dreams are somewhat maneuverable. For instance, if you are dreaming about crossing a river, then you might decide to get a boat to do so, rather than crossing the river unintentionally.

Telepathic Dreams
Telepathy is defined as an apparent communication from one mind to another without using sensory perceptions and this is what forms the basis of telepathic dreams. In these dreams, there is an involvement of a misty and an unspoken language. This language acts as an abstract carrier of messages, from one's thoughts to another's in dreams. These dreams serve as hidden channels of communication between individuals who are close to each others; such as in the case of soulmate. There have been cases where some people have dreamed about something which is similar to one of the person next to them in bed. There also have been incidents wherein, a person has shared a similar dream with another who is miles away.

Predictive Dreams
Predictive dreams are the ones about which experts have their say as to be cautious about or pay heed to. They may be indicative of something which might be dragging your mind to somewhat in the future. Predictive dreams are an apt example of what most people say that their dreams have come true. Scientists attribute such dreams as a mere subject of coincidence. For example, on the night before a long journey, you dream about your accident. Now, it would be unwise or may be irrational if you cancel the trip, merely blaming the dream. It might be your fear of traveling which have led to dream and unconsciously imagine the accident. Likewise, for instance you dream that the car in which you are going to travel is red and has the name of the driver written on it. The next day, you are about to be picked by the same red car bearing the driver's name. Now, you might have some good reasons to be worried about. But again, according to statistics, such incidents are a mere play of coincidence. However, dreaming about something which you have never seen before, is also a subject to be concerned about. That is the reason why, predictive dreams should not be taken for granted, but at the same time, should be persuasive enough if they have to be considered seriously.

Nightmares
Most of us might be familiar with nightmares and most people might have also experienced them. These types of dreams are usually disturbing and often leave the dreamer anxious and frightened after waking up. Nightmares often leave their imprint of their incidents and happenings on the dreamer's mind due to their frightening nature. What causes nightmares? According to experts, these dreams are a manifestation of some issues or situations which you have been avoiding or running away from. Often people tend to overlook several unsolved issues in their lives and these issues begin troubling the unconscious mind. So it can be inferred that nightmares serve as a guide which persuade you to face your troubles and find a solution for them. It is unlikely that such dreams will showcase the exact situations which you have been avoiding. However, they will give you hints clear enough for you to understand that it's time that you pay attention to all that is worrying you and affecting your life. Causes of bad dreams such as nightmares may also be related to some terrible experiences which the dreamer might have had to face and is not comfortable to discuss with anyone. Nightmares should not be interpreted as 'bad' dreams. Try to get closer to them and you will realize that they are your friends, helping you and guiding you to face your fear head-on!

Repetitive Dreams
Dreams which reoccur more than once and do not seem to be unfamiliar to people are known as repetitive dreams or recurring dreams. Such dreams are common and they are important to whoever dreams them. They are kind of message bearer about the dreamer's procrastination or ignorance about certain things. They indicate that there is something very important, which the dreamer must understand and must accomplish for his own safety. For instance, a student is well aware that if he does not study well before his exams, it is most likely that he will end up his career in a bad place. However, the student pays no heed to this and overlooks his studies. Now, the fear of ruining up his career is somewhere imprinted in the unconscious mind of the student and this very fear manifests itself through recurring dreams. So, until the student starts focusing on his studies, such dreams will keep recurring from time to time. This was, however, a simple example. In some cases, it might become challenging to determine the meaning of such dreams. In such cases, visiting a psychoanalyst is a viable option to consider.

There may be several other categories or sub categories of dreams, and why not? Every individual has a unique thought process. Know that, when dreams are happy, they are meant to be cherished and enjoyed. And, when they seem to trouble you, it means that they are urging you to notice a broken link that needs to be mended.
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Published: 1/19/2010
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