An Easy, Quick, Unusual Dream Journal Tool and Interpretation Technique that Really Works

There are all types of dream interpretation theories and paradigms. There are many online discussion boards and quality websites that list extensive dictionaries of dream symbols and meanings, and entire sections at bookstores dedicated to the often complicated and elusive science and art of dream theory and analysis.

It is difficult to dismiss the importance of the Dream. On a social level, the Dream is undeniably a large, central thread in our collective cultural tapestry. On a personal level, the effects of a dream-- a disturbing image, risqué event, or even just a general, indescribable atmosphere--can impart a lasting, profound imprint that for better or worse, cannot be shaken.

For those interested in dream analysis and exploration, it is certainly pertinent to investigate any or all resources mentioned above. There is no shortage of information and tools available. The technique I outline in this article is in no way a professional or ultimately diagnostic tool. It is meant to be used as a springboard of sorts-one tool among many. In most dreamwork writings, it is advised that one keep a dream journal. This technique is meant to be incorporated in such an environment.

Having said that, the results of using this technique can be absolutely expository and simply astounding. I have explained this technique to people who have gone on to use it, and then received phone calls or otherwise have had hours-long conversations with them, talking about the amazing, insightful results and revelations that have transipred in its use.

I first read about this technique at least 25 years ago, in a now-long-forgotten new age-y dreamwork book at the Topeka Public Library. From what I have gathered on the internet, it is based in a pseudo-Freudian theory and referred to as 'direct association.' Its success basically relies on rewriting the dream, using word association. Why is it so successful? It is often said that the language of the subconscious is conveyed with pictures and imagery.

Dreams then, from the subconscious, relying on their language of images, tell a story. The process of translating the story-filled images to words via a writing process is an apt meditation. Writing with intention engages both the subconscious and the conscious; it is both a visual, unfolding creation and a cerebral exercise. The further step of the direct association technique renders it all the more powerful. Because your dream is your story, and the writing and association process, with all its innate translative power, is a medium conducive for interpretation, there is a great chance for your subconscious mind to transcribe and narrate its story, and real meaning can drop its fetters and walk from the shadowy cave into the sunlit world.

Direct Association Dream Technique

What you will need:

A notebook or journal, a pen or pencil, and a dream to ruminate upon.

The technique:

Write down an entire dream in as much detail as possible. Be literal and tangible in describing everything. Now, choose a sentence of this written dream that seems to be meaningful: an idea that is disturbing, surreal, blissful, or just weird. On a separate piece of blank paper, write out the sentence exactly as it is already written, except put only one word of the sentence at the beginning of each line. Leave a line or two between each word. Now, beginning with the first word in your now-vertical and fairly spaced sentence, say out loud then write down any associations you make to that word. The key is not to censor yourself one bit. If the word is "bible" and "hockey" comes into your head uncensored, write it down. Say the same dream word again, then write down another association. Continue with this word association until you have written10-25 associated words.

Continue this association process for each word of your dream sentence. When you are finished, you should have what looks like a large, rambling, incoherent paragraph of writing. The next step is to re-write the dream sentence using this unstructured, unconnected dream paragraph. The only rules are to use words in the order they appear in the dream paragraph, and to write it so it makes grammatical sense. Omit as few words as possible while still retaining the integrity of storytelling and grammar. Use as much punctuation as necessary. You may also insert benign connective words and prepositions in as needed. When you are finished, you should have a small, somewhat logical paragraph that probably holds some meaning for you.

Notes:

When you are word associating, make sure you say the words out loud. Say the associations out loud too, then write them down. Do these steps as quickly as possible. Make sure to always go back to the dream word before writing down an associated word. This step--a return to the original word-- is what separates 'direct' association from 'free' association.

You will notice that you get a large story from the original short dream sentence. It can be interesting to dissect the entire dream using this technique. Just be sure to only pick the most pertinent sentences, and for the final analysis, present them as paragraphs in their proper order.

You may choose to skip over connective words and pronouns like "and", "this", "he", or "I" in your associations, or you may associate with them like you do other words. It is my experience, that similar connective words arise in association, and can be used strategically. If duplicate words arise within the vertical dream sentence, for example, if you have the word "horse" in the same dream sentence, treat the word separately, and provide its own direct association for it each time it occurs.

It is important to do the direct association step for all the dream sentence words in one sitting. Your subconscious is narrating a story, and any disruption will break the storytelling flow.

Sweet dreams!