Friday, September 02, 2005
Dreams
A couple of things have reminded me about the influence and importance of dreams lately, perhaps especially Suzie's post and a couple of conversations. So let me recount a dream I had this morning with my amateur psychoanalysis of it.
I was kayaking in the ocean with a few family members. It was a beautiful day and the sun was sparkling on the green Waitemata water. I've already mentioned my fear of sharks, but as we kayaked some people began to get into the water and swim around.
Suddenly and majestically a large sea animal broached the murky surface. I got the feeling that it was a whale, but it seemed more pre-historic. It was a grey-green colour and its raised spine was visible along its back. Although the creature was friendly I was worried for the safety of those in the water and also worried that I would be tipped from my kayak into the water.
I think the ocean represents the unknown, the subconscious and especially the world of affect: feelings and emotions. I feel comfortable when separated from my feelings by an artificial surface -- utilising and being effected by them, but not immersing myself in them. The people that got into the water immersed themselves in their feelings. I was scared for them. The prehistoric beast represented something huge and unknown for me, perhaps the results or possible consequences of such immersion. I think both its leviathan size and ancient age have some significance relating to the huge primordial fear of being swept away with emotion.
Are there any seers or shrinks out there with another interpretation?
To finish, here's a video proving that kayaking is bad for one's health and a pdf explaining my theology of dreams in more abstract terms.
The Dream
I was kayaking in the ocean with a few family members. It was a beautiful day and the sun was sparkling on the green Waitemata water. I've already mentioned my fear of sharks, but as we kayaked some people began to get into the water and swim around.
Suddenly and majestically a large sea animal broached the murky surface. I got the feeling that it was a whale, but it seemed more pre-historic. It was a grey-green colour and its raised spine was visible along its back. Although the creature was friendly I was worried for the safety of those in the water and also worried that I would be tipped from my kayak into the water.
The interpretation
I think the ocean represents the unknown, the subconscious and especially the world of affect: feelings and emotions. I feel comfortable when separated from my feelings by an artificial surface -- utilising and being effected by them, but not immersing myself in them. The people that got into the water immersed themselves in their feelings. I was scared for them. The prehistoric beast represented something huge and unknown for me, perhaps the results or possible consequences of such immersion. I think both its leviathan size and ancient age have some significance relating to the huge primordial fear of being swept away with emotion.
Are there any seers or shrinks out there with another interpretation?
To finish, here's a video proving that kayaking is bad for one's health and a pdf explaining my theology of dreams in more abstract terms.
Craig (mars-hill) Friday, September 02, 2005
