Dream Journal Questions...

Hi All...

I have two questions...

One, I use my iPhone to record my dreams and then type them into my computer later though that could be a few days later. is this okay? i don't see anyone talking about this. i started doing this because my handwriting after being asleep is atrocious and i think i get way more detail initially by talking.

Two... what do people do with their journals? I've analyzed my dreams once.
okay i've only been keeping it for two months so... not a big sample. still i'd like to know because i haven't done much with mine.

I know everyone says to keep a journal.

many thanks,
bg

Well, if you record them, you have them on hand to type up later, and that's a good thing. I should start doing that again because I never have time to just flat out type them up.

Of the dreams I actually do have written down, I just like reading them. I don't really analyze them cause I don't see a need to. They're just fun to read and remember the feelings and everything else that happened.

I actually have a really similar way of doing my journal. I have a paper one next to my bed that I jot down notes in whenever I WBTB or when I get up in the morning. Then, when I have time (after work or school or whatever), I sit down and type the dreams in detail using my notes to jog my memory.

So basically, whatever works for you. The iPhone thing is a good idea because the sooner you write down a few things about your dreams after waking, the better. Because if you were to just wait until later in the day to write anything down at all, chances are you wouldn't remember nearly as much.

Journals can have a few good uses. First of all, you can look back and see if you have any recurring dreams, nightmares, symbols, or characters. These things can be used to do reality checks IRL, and thus help you get lucid. It's fun to look back on old dreams too, and you may find patterns or meanings in them by reading them over again in the future. Most importantly, just the act of keeping a dream journal helps you remember your dreams better, and helps you have more lucid dreams. Also, when you pay attention to your dreams by keeping a journal, you will find that they will get more vivid and interesting after a while (and more fun, too!).

When it comes to dream interpretation, you are really the most qualified person to interpret your own dreams. No one else but you has experienced them--no one else can know your subtle thoughts and feelings, or that certain symbols or people can have particular meanings to just you. So while it can be helpful to get another person's point of view, ultimately if an interpretation doesn't feel right in your gut, then it's not right. Always go with your own instincts and feelings first.

Naiya wrote: "Most importantly, just the act of keeping a dream journal helps you remember your dreams better, and helps you have more lucid dreams. Also, when you pay attention to your dreams by keeping a journal, you will find that they will get more vivid and interesting after a while (and more fun, too!)."

This is the ultimate point in keeping a dream journal (IMHO). Keeping up with the journal keeps dreaming on your mind. Many times I have been in a normal dream and thought, "I gotta remember this dream so I can type it up in my DJ." That instantly made me lucid. Also alot of people, me included, love to read other's dreams and it is also rewarding to look at your progrees after you have practiced dreaming for a while. I also noticed that all the dreams in my DJ, after glancing at them, trigger my memory and I can remember them. I have had many lucids which I, regretfully, didn't type up. Now they are lost forever. Lucids are experiences that you want to keep! Good Luck!

Wow, this is fabulous information. I sure am glad i have recorded my dreams starting two months ago - maybe three. Can't wait to start trolling for dream signs. Thanks, Naiya!
Have a few suspects!
Do you think lots of people here post their dreams here for reasons like you said, KingYoshi--- (I'm debating whether to post my dreams). Would people read them? I don't even read my own... maybe i should.
I have noticed that the more I get involved. the more i get involved. kind of creeps up on me... in a really nice way.
something i do for me.
i like it.
warmly,
bg

People are encouraged to read each other's dream journals and post comments in them. So don't be shy about reading dream journals. When someone posts comments in your journal, it's always great motivation to keep it updated. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by beachgirl

Do you think lots of people here post their dreams here for reasons like you said, KingYoshi--- (I'm debating whether to post my dreams). Would people read them? I don't even read my own... maybe i should.

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Oh I am certain people will read them. I try to read as many peoples dream journals as possible. Its great way to get ideas, new methods, and whatnot. Plus many are very entertaining. I always encourage members to record the dreams on the site, but I understand some like their privacy. Well, good luck to you!

Yes, doing it later is fine, sometimes it's beneficial because you are working on long term dream recollection.

I occasionally go back and read mine if I'm in a dry spell. Reading it gives me motivation and lets me notice dream signs that I've been missing.

I also enjoy reading peoples dream journals, even though I haven't lately :embarrassed:

Also try to write as much detail as possible. For me I have increased how vivid my dreams are with dream journaling. My dreams now often include sight, touch, and sound very vividly. I have tasted something once in a non-lucid dream and it was amazing, probably one of the best things I ever tasted. So just remember the better you dream journal the better your dreams should become.

As far as analysizing dreams do you guys do that at all?

i know a fruedian appraoch is, x in yoru dream corrolates to y subconscious desire/feelign or whatever.

not sure I can get down with that kind of logic seems to rigid.

when i keep a dream journal i notice reacuring places and themes but sometimes its just crazy randomness.

what sort of meaning do you guys attach to dreams?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bennyben

As far as analysizing dreams do you guys do that at all?

i know a fruedian appraoch is, x in yoru dream corrolates to y subconscious desire/feelign or whatever.

not sure I can get down with that kind of logic seems to rigid.

when i keep a dream journal i notice reacuring places and themes but sometimes its just crazy randomness.

what sort of meaning do you guys attach to dreams?

---

Well, I agree with you. I don't look for meaning in my dreams, nor do I bother with interpretations. I sometimes like to look through and laugh at how crazy my mind is, lol. Now, often times, I can pretty much figure out why I dreamt this or why I deamt that. Like I said, I personally use my dream journal to basically keep my mind on lucid dreaming. Plus, I enjoy the comments from various users and alot of people seem to enjoy to read them.

^This

I used mine to identify a dream sign just this morning (guess what...it's Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom cast...yeah, didn't see that one coming). :D I choose not to publish mine, but that's just me. Overall, I basically use it to keep me motivated (and also to keep track of the number of dreams, the vividness, etc.) I recommend you get the download from the Dream Journal forum (first sticky). It makes it more fun.

Thanks, everyone!!!

I think i will post.
and add in some of my older dreams since i've been keeking a log. why not?

i think it just adds to the motivation.

Started EWOLD. I know i should have started sooner. Print is WAY to small on in my mass edition paperback. grrrr.. But... seems to be a great book. can't find another version.

nice to think other people would want to read my dreams.
come to think of it, i started reading other journals too now.

first thing i learned... for myself... there are many levels of WILDs. mine are all over the map!

anyway...i need to see what's going on for everyone else, too!
warmly,
bg