Last night, I had a visit with my best friend. Of course, I haven’t actually seen her in almost nine years—not in person, at least—because she was stolen from us by cancer all those years ago. But last night? It was as if none of that heartbreaking experience had ever happened.
The dream unfolded like a cherished memory come alive. I was back in her house, a place once brimming with warmth, laughter, and the quiet rhythm of her love. We were in the kitchen, where we had spent countless hours together when I’d visit. She was always cooking in life, and apparently, she still does in death. She moved through the space with the same ease and grace I remembered, preparing a meal for her family and friends. The kitchen hummed with life—the clatter of dishes, the savory aroma of something simmering on the stove, and the gentle melody of her voice as she orchestrated it all with quiet joy.
We were getting ready for a celebration—a big get-together like the ones she had loved so dearly in life. Fellowship, equal love, togetherness, the laughter and warmth of family and friends gathered under one roof—these were her treasures, and in the dream, they shone as brightly as ever. She was the glue that held us all together, the matriarch whose wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support had been the foundation of our family. And now, even in this dream, her presence carried the same weight and beauty.
As I stood in that kitchen, watching her move as though time and death had no claim on her, a deep sense of peace and love washed over me. It was beautiful, beyond anything I could put into words. She radiated the same joy, the same love, as though her spirit was untouched by the pain and loss of this world. For a brief moment, I felt as though I’d been transported back to that era of my life—a time when her laughter filled the air and her presence was a steady comfort.
When I woke, my heart was full, my soul stirred, and my mind flooded with questions. Was this just a dream, or something more? Was it a memory, a message, or perhaps a glimpse into something eternal? Dreams like these are not easily dismissed. They feel too vivid, too profound to be merely the product of a wandering mind. They leave us with lingering emotions, questions, and a yearning to understand.
What are dreams, truly? Why do they stir us so deeply? And could they be more than just fleeting shadows of the subconscious? These questions invite us to explore the intricate web of science, philosophy, and spirituality, seeking to unravel the profound mystery of why we dream and what those dreams might reveal.
The Science of Dreams
Dreams are, at their core, a universal human experience. From a scientific perspective, they occur primarily during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a stage characterized by heightened brain activity that mimics wakefulness. Neuroscience has shed light on some potential purposes of dreaming:
Memory Consolidation
Dreams may serve as the brain’s filing system, helping us process, organize, and integrate the experiences, emotions, and information of waking life. By strengthening important neural connections and discarding irrelevant details, dreams may aid in learning and adaptation.
Emotional Processing
Dreams often reflect unresolved emotions, particularly those tied to complex or intense experiences. For instance, symbolic dreams may help us confront fears, process grief, or reconcile conflicting feelings in ways our conscious minds cannot.
Problem Solving and Creativity
In the dream state, the mind is free from the constraints of logic, allowing us to explore novel ideas and solutions. History is rich with accounts of breakthroughs inspired by dreams, from scientific discoveries to artistic masterpieces.
Random Neural Activity
One of the more mechanistic theories is the Activation-Synthesis Model, which suggests that dreams are the result of the brain attempting to make sense of random neural firing during sleep. While this view emphasizes the randomness of dreams, it doesn’t fully account for their emotional depth or symbolic resonance.
Science offers valuable insights, but it often falls short of capturing the profound, personal, and often spiritual significance that dreams like mine seem to carry.
Philosophical and Spiritual Perspectives
For centuries, humans have sought to interpret dreams through lenses of philosophy, spirituality, and mysticism. These perspectives offer rich, nuanced interpretations that go beyond the confines of science.
Carl Jung’s Collective Unconscious
Jung believed that dreams connect us to the collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of archetypes and universal symbols. Recurring motifs, such as journeys, water, or guiding figures, reflect humanity’s shared psyche and provide insights into personal and collective growth.
My dream of her presence, her guidance, and her love could be seen as an archetypal encounter with the “wise elder,” a figure that nurtures and protects us in times of emotional or spiritual need.
Messages from the Divine
Many spiritual traditions view dreams as sacred communications from higher realms. In the Bible, dreams guide prophets and foretell events, while indigenous cultures often see dreams as journeys that connect us with ancestors, spirits, or cosmic truths.
Was my dream a message from her spirit, a sign that she is still watching over us, still holding us together even beyond death?
The Soul’s Playground
Some spiritual thinkers suggest that dreams allow the soul to wander beyond the physical plane. Neale Donald Walsch, in his Conversations with God series, writes about the idea of dreams as a place where the soul remembers its divine origins, exploring realms untethered by time and space.
Perhaps this dream was not just a memory but a glimpse into a reality where her presence remains as vivid and eternal as it felt.
Eastern Perspectives: Maya and Samsara
Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize the illusory nature of reality through the concept of maya. Dreams, like waking life, are seen as transient and symbolic, offering lessons and opportunities for spiritual growth. Tibetan Buddhists practice dream yoga to achieve lucidity in their dreams, using them as a tool for enlightenment.
In this view, my dream may have been a moment of spiritual insight, a reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring connection between souls.
Dreams as Mirrors and Messengers
Dreams are more than random firings of the brain or simple reflections of our waking lives—they are mirrors, reflecting our deepest fears, desires, and longings. They are messengers, carrying insights and truths that transcend words. My dream of her was not just an echo of the past; it felt like a conversation, a reunion, and a gift.
Whether viewed through the lens of science or spirituality, dreams challenge us to explore the vast, mysterious terrain of our own consciousness. They remind us of the interconnectedness of life, death, memory, and love.
Embracing the Mystery
Ultimately, the beauty of dreams lies in their mystery. Whether they arise from the brain’s intricate wiring, the depths of the collective unconscious, or whispers from the divine, they invite us to wonder, to seek, and to feel.
The next time you dream, take a moment to linger in its glow. Write it down, reflect on its meaning, and allow it to guide you—even if only a little closer—to the infinite depths of who you are.
The Twin Tree Project 
I have always been fascinated by my dreams. I keep a journal by my bed. I have had dreams involving a world that grows with me since I was a child. It’s an alternate universe yet I recognize myself. If that makes sense. But the place and situation are different. I dip into this realm once or twice a year, sometimes more.
I also have dreams where I’m given messages from the dead. I think I’ve told you this. It’s been awhile since I’ve been visited in the way. The last one was a guy from my high school. I was watching a dream through his eyes. It was odd and I’m still not sure if there was a message. I don’t tell people involved unless I’m sure I have something that makes sense.
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