Our dreams are potentially an on-going source of feedback from the inner Self or spirit to the conscious Ego, often providing a kind of mirror to observe ourselves in relation to issues of emotional concern in our lives. Nightmares present issues of high anxiety or horror, which the dreamer feels inadequate to deal with. A recurring nightmare means that the relevant issue is unresolved in the dreamer’s life, a repeating pattern which demands attention for the sake of mental, physical or spiritual wellbeing.
There are a number of different causes for nightmares, including toxic conditions in the brain, sleep deprivation, high-stress circumstances, severe internal conflict, or exposure to violence (or threat of it). The nightmare is essentially a cry for help to the conscious mind. It is usually in metaphorical form, and components of the imagery can offer clues to resolution, such as inviting the figure of fear to speak, or continuing the story-line towards a new outcome. Margaret presents a range of examples from her clinical practice, and invites others to share from their own experience.