First, a "dream" is a form of thinking that occurs when (a) there is a certain, as yet undetermined, minimal level of brain activation, and (b) external stimuli are blocked from entry into the mind, and (c) the system we call the "self system" (the "I," the "me") is shut down. This may seem overly complicated, but it is worded this way because we don't just dream during sleep, but also on some occasions in very relaxed waking states when we "drift off" and suddenly realize we have been dreaming. Two careful studies have shown that people are awake (by EEG criteria) during these episodes. (The fact that we don't need to be asleep in order to dream may have some important implications. For example, it favors a "cognitive" theory of dreams over theories that talk about neurophysiological or neurochemical changes during sleep that supposedly produce dreams.
Second, a "dream" is something we "experience" because the thinking is very real and makes use of our senses -- especially seeing and hearing; because usually we are the main actor; and because a dream is sometimes very emotional (but not always).
Third, a "dream" is what we remember in the morning, so it is "a memory" of the dreaming experience.
I heard from someone (I don't remember who) that WeHoldAllTheAnswersInOurDreams (and yes I do believe this crazy unproven statement). How amazing is that? I guess we need to sleep more in able to have more control and awareness in our own lives. Too bad that we get caught up in so much other useless things and yes that does depend on what we consider pointless.
My Pointless List:this list could be long.
- Yelling
- Math
- Having a conversation w/ someone who doesn't ask about you and only goes on about themselves
- Talking Trash (that includes rumors)
- Being in a job that you don't like
- Medication
- Having cold feet (literally and figuratively)
- Giving Up
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