Reverse image of Statute at the Ming Tombs
~ Original photo courtesy of Steve Byrne
The Senoi dream techniques are invaluable; even the rehearsal of them prepares the dream field for resolution of conflict. Children are particularly adept at utilizing these simple methods. If you have a child experiencing nightmares or fear of sleep, as my own grandson did, have him/her prepare an imaginary dream journey backpack. Fill it with tools: a flash light, food to overfeed the monsters with, etc.
Senoi Dream Guides
An interesting read: Senoi Dream Theory: Myth, Scientific Method, and the Dreamwork Movement ~ G. William Domhoff ~ March, 2003
In the practice of dreamwork the issue of whether the Senoi tribes ever practiced these techniques is not of particular note except as a matter of historical truth. I have observed these techniques in practical application - especially for small children they clearly demonstrate efficacy. As an adult, one must be willing to play with the mind of a child, keep it simple, don't intellectualize the process. . . just pack your bag with the simplicity of a child. The child (unconscious) is reassured when it feels the adult (conscious) is prepared for eventualities.
Confront and Conquer Dream Danger
- DON’T RUN from danger in a dream.
- TURN and FACE whatever is frightening you.
- If there is a Frightening Creature in your dream CONFRONT it:
- STARE into its EYES
- OVERFEED it and make it HELPLESS
- Force it to perform some activity that EXHAUSTS it (i.e., climb a mountain)
- MAKE FRIENDS with it by petting it.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: TALK TO IT
- Ask what it wants - why it has been so unfriendly.
- Remember a dream enemy is an enemy only as long as you are afraid of it. Once a dream enemy has been confronted
and conquered it must GIVE YOU A GIFT.
- If you have been unfriendly (in a dream) toward someone you know, then you should make an effort to understand why
you felt unfriendly in the dream.
Pre-Sleep Rehearsal
- In the imagination's eye see yourself within a dream scene and practice
tactics for modifying or changing the scene and the level of dream action.
- Initiate stop-action, fast-forward, and slow-motion processes.
- Opt to fly when falling
- Construct a way out when trapped (whatever you can imagine is possible in the dream state)
- Call in dream allies for assistance or advice
- Demand and secure positive return from any interaction with negative figures in the dream.
- Pursue productive, unique, and alternative
paths: be an explorer of the dream landscape rather than a mere observer.
- Outfit your own imaginary safety kit for all occasions and situations.
- Create personal dream cues for triggering enough awareness in the dream state to change the circumstances
and level of interaction:
- Direct focus to fingers, hands, and arms to initiate action when feeling paralyzed
- Direct focus to legs and feet when off balance to regain footing
- Begin flying or use a parachute from your safety kit, instead of falling, by noticing a sense of weightlessness
- Direct the focus toward the head or the color green when emotional content seems overwhelming (usually this
is the point at which most will awaken; but it would be more productive
to stay within the dream by taking action to change the level of intensity).
- Direct focus to the heart and lungs when voice or thoughts become frozen
Dreams as High Play
If you dream of FALLING tell yourself that the next time you will dream of FLYING instead, or that you will land
SOMEWHERE INTERESTING even if you do fall, and that you will land SOFTLY.
If you know that DREAMS CAN BE FUN then you will begin to remember the ones in which you are enjoying yourself.
If you find a DREAM FRIEND in your dream let this friend help you, and show APPRECIATION to your friend. Don’t
forget to ASK FOR A GIFT TO REMEMBER HIM BY. Call on your dream friends
whenever you need help in a dream.
The GIFT can be a poem, a song, a painting, a story, or something useful, an invention or solution to a problem.
It is important that you GIVE THE GIFT FORM in everyday waking life.
REMEMBER to SHARE your DREAMS and the GIFTS you receive from your dreams with others who are interested.
If you are given a story or song in a dream write it down when you wake.
If you are told the solution to a problem tell someone about it.
BRING YOUR DREAM GIFTS INTO THE MATERIAL WORLD.