Why Do We Dream?

Dreams are more than just stories we tell ourselves at night—they serve essential functions for our mind, body, and spirit. From emotional healing to creative insight, dreaming is an innate part of being human. If dreams weren’t necessary, evolution would’ve phased them out long ago. But they’ve remained, proving just how vital they are.

Open Your Third Eye

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Let’s explore why we dream and how dreams can help us emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.

Dreams Help Us Stay Asleep

Ever dreamt of a thunderstorm only to realize later it was a garbage truck outside? That’s your brain working to keep you asleep.

Dreams serve as a buffer between your conscious awareness and external distractions. They allow your body to stay in that crucial restorative sleep cycle by weaving outside stimuli into your dream narrative. Without dreams, even small interruptions might wake you up. So in a way, dreams act like a soothing lullaby for your brain.

Dreams Balance Our Emotions

Our emotional lives don’t stop when we go to bed. Dreams help us process and rebalance feelings from the day. If you’ve ever gone to sleep feeling hurt or anxious, only to wake up calmer after a night of uplifting dreams—this is no coincidence.

You might find yourself dreaming of laughter with loved ones, vivid colors, or peaceful animals. These dreams help the subconscious counterbalance daily stress or emotional pain, offering gentle healing so you wake up more centered and refreshed.

Dreams Are Tools for Problem-Solving

The phrase “sleep on it” exists for a reason. Our brains often work through dilemmas in the dream state. Even if you don’t remember the dream, know that problem-solving is happening in the background.

Remarkably, many breakthroughs have emerged from dreams:

• Paul McCartney dreamed the melody for “Yesterday.”

• Einstein’s theory of relativity was reportedly inspired by a dream.

• The design of the Singer sewing machine came through a dream vision.

Dreams are a mental workshop where imagination and logic meet.

You Are Your Own Best Dream Interpreter

Forget outdated dream dictionaries. While they can be interesting, they rely on fixed meanings that may not reflect your personal experiences.

Take the word “web.” Decades ago, it might have brought up images of spiders. Today, most would associate it with the internet. The same goes for symbols in dreams—their meanings are fluid and personal.

When interpreting your dream, always ask yourself:

• What does this symbol mean to me right now?

• What emotion did I feel during this dream?

Trust your intuition—it’s your most powerful tool.

Common Dream Themes and What They Mean

Let’s explore five frequent dream themes and what they might reveal about your inner world.

Flying Dreams

Flying symbolizes freedom, expanded awareness, and spiritual elevation. If you’re soaring through the sky, it often means you’re gaining perspective on something in your life.

Think of different heights offering new views—from a ladder, to a mountaintop, to outer space. The higher you go, the broader the perspective. So in your dream, ask yourself:
“What part of my life do I need a bird’s-eye view of?”

Enjoy the ride and remember—you are the pilot of your dreams.

Being Chased

Dreams of being chased often reflect inner conflict. You’re likely running from a part of yourself you don’t want to face—perhaps a truth, a fear, or an aspect of your personality.

Try to turn around in the dream. Ask the pursuer:

• Who are you?

• Why are you chasing me?

Once you understand what you’re avoiding, you can begin integrating that part of yourself with compassion instead of fear.

When the Chaser Is Scary

We all have a “shadow self”—the darker aspects of our personality. But darkness doesn’t mean bad—it simply means hidden. These dreams invite you to embrace your whole self, including the parts you usually reject.

By facing your shadow, you stop being dominated by it. In your dream, ask:

• What aspect of my dark side wants to emerge?

• What can I learn from it?

Wholeness comes from self-acceptance.

Teeth Falling Out

Sometimes, it’s just a message from your subconscious: Go see the dentist. But if you’re already on top of your dental health, the dream may be symbolic.

Ask yourself:

• Have I said something I regret?

• Am I speaking my truth, or holding back?

• How do I speak to myself—lovingly or critically?

Crumbly, weak, or discolored teeth may point to poor self-talk or emotional suppression. Choose words that uplift both yourself and others.

Infidelity Dreams

These dreams don’t mean you—or your partner—are being unfaithful. They’re symbolic, often revealing what’s missing or desired in your life.

Dreaming of intimacy with someone else? Ask:

• What quality does this person represent?

• Is that something I want more of in my life?

If you dream of your ex, it may signal unresolved feelings. If you feel resentment or pain, it’s time to work on closure.

Dreaming of your partner with someone else? Again, it’s not about the other person—it’s about what they represent. Do they seem confident, secure, successful? Explore how those qualities are showing up (or lacking) in your own life.

Falling Dreams

The classic falling dream often indicates a loss of support or stability. You might feel ungrounded, uncertain, or abandoned in some area of life.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I feel unsupported?

• What goals feel shaky right now?

• Where do I need to establish firmer footing?

This dream reminds you to reconnect with your foundation.

How to Interpret Your Dreams: A Simple 3-Step Guide

Step 1: Feel Into the Dream

Focus first on the emotion of the dream. What were you feeling while it happened? That emotion is often the most direct message from your subconscious.

Step 2: Start a Dialogue

Ask, “How does this dream relate to my waking life?” Be open and patient—the meaning might come immediately, or unfold days or weeks later. Write it down and revisit it often.

Step 3: Release What No Longer Serves You

If your dream reflects the past, ask why you’re still holding on. Clinging to pain, guilt, or resentment only holds you back. Use your dream to release old energy, and move forward lighter and freer.

Dreams as a Creative Portal

History is filled with artists, inventors, and thinkers who received inspiration in dreams:

• Mozart composed melodies in his sleep.

• William Blake painted visions he saw in dream states.

• Even Billy Joel has spoken about songs arriving while dreaming.

To unlock this dream wisdom:

• Go to sleep with peaceful intention.

• Visualize answers coming to you.

• Keep a dream journal.

• Trust the process.

Your dreams are not random—they’re full of insight, imagination, and healing.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Gift of Dreaming

Dreams are one of your greatest untapped tools for growth, healing, and inspiration. They help you navigate life with deeper insight—and the best part? You already have everything you need to understand them.

So honor your dream space. Pay attention. Reflect. And most importantly, trust yourself.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re eager to explore dreams, intuition, and personal growth further, tune in to The Intuitive Hour: Awaken Your Inner Voice podcast—recognized as one of the Top 8 Podcasts of 2022 for Interpersonal Skills.

With over 180 episodes, you’ll find tools, insights, and intuitive teachings to expand your awareness.

Ready to decode your recurring dreams? Consider a personalized reading session to gain deeper clarity and guidance from your subconscious.