January 20, 2010
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All genius is a conquering of chaos and mystery
the tide is on the turn
it’s time to haul the anchor up and leave the land astern
we’ll be gone before the dawn returns
like voices on the wind— Al Stewart, Lord Grenville
We read that sleep is like a journey. Along the way, we pass through physical stages that scientists tell us about, different kinds of rest that serve our various needs of body and mind. In the morning, we arrive, we hope, in a good state to benefit from another day. But we also travel in our dreams. We don’t remember many dreams, but from what we do, it’s plain that we involve ourselves in a kaleidoscope of images, emotions, actions and words conjured up from our memories and fancies. Again and again, we are dashed on the rocks of our inner lee shores, unable to steer clear or to put any distance between ourselves and our experiences there.
I remember dreams quite often upon awakening, but they mostly go away after I’ve been up for a few minutes. If I quickly explain or write them, I can put a version of them into long-term memory, but even then, I know that details are lost. I impose a narrative where one may not have existed; pattern-maker, I tidy up. I cannot say that forgetting troubles me too much. I put no stock in superstitious or magical views of dreams. Then again, I do think they can help you understand your own emotions and state of mind. After all, they are created by you, not brought to you by some mythical external force.
Nowadays, there are so many new findings about how sleeps works, both in humans and in animals (e.g., birds). There are sophisticated new products designed to help you analyze your own sleep. But we still know so little about consciousness and how thoughts arise in our brains. Sleeping and dreaming will retain their essential aura of mystery for some time to come, despite all our genius. I think I’m glad about that.
Comments (6)
What would life be without mystery?
As Freud himself said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. My dreams always seem to be about something seeping from my superego that happened a few days previously. And the elements tend to be silly. But always work themselves out in the end. Usually meaning that whatever it was that bothered me will work out. Although, sometimes my dreams afford me some plot fun. And those tend to show up in the writing.
**The former RedHairedCelt is now just Jesse. Good to see you posting again. I sent you a friend request so I can keep in touch with you again. Hope you and your family are doing well. Still in school?**
@JVRCisMe - Hey there! Nice to get back in touch. I got my degree in 2007 and have since obtained a diploma in International Travel and Tourism. I hope soon to be working as a travel agent. Maybe as soon as next Monday, if my Friday interview goes well! *fingers crossed*
I like a little mystery in life. I don’t need to know the ins and the outs of EVERYTHING.
Thanks for the visit and hope you have a peaceful 2010 too. I was told two interesting things about dreams long ago – one was to pay attention to the emotion in the dream. Another was if you find yourself in a house or other structure, consider the lower floors to be your subconscious and the upper floors your more conscious mind.
@lionne - I didn’t know that about the floors… hmm, going to have to think about that next time I remember a dream!