Definitions: (1) a state of mind marked by abstraction or release from common reality; reverie; (2) something notable for its beauty, excellence, or enjoyable quality; (3) a strongly desired goal or purpose; (4) something fully satisfying a wish <as an ideal>
Quotes:
• If you can dream it, you can do it. — Walter “Walt” Elias Disney (1901-1966) American animator & film producer
• It may be those who do most, dream most. — Stephen Leacock (1869-1944) English-born Canadian teacher
• It’s as though (our daydreaming mind) is allowed to have a genius moment before our lumbering, bureaucratic idea of thinking puts on a tie and gets in the way. — Michael Harris (1980-) Solitude {2017}
• If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1872) On Walden Pond {1854}
• Dream is the personalized myth, myth the depersonalized dream; both myth and dream are symbolic in the same general way of the dynamics of the psyche. But in the dream the forms are quirked by the peculiar troubles of the dreamer whereas in myth the problems and solutions shown are directly valid for all mankind. — Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) The Hero with a Thousand Faces {1949}
Parable: Once, Chong Chou dreamt that he was a butterfly. A butterfly flittering and fluttering around, happy with himself, doing as he pleased. He did not know he was Chong Chou. But then he woke up, and there he was, solid and unmistakably Chong Chou. But he did not know if he was a butterfly dreaming that he was Chong Chou, or Chong Chou who was dreaming that he was a butterfly. Between Chong Chou and the butterfly, there must be some distinction. This is called the transformation of things. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
Reflection:
Dream versus Fact
Include in your dream the decision to do your best with what you’ve got. You’ve still got to look into your future with clarity, hope, faith, and courage but realize these same qualities are keys for doing your best right now. As you are doing your best in the current situation, you are developing those qualities for the realization of your dream future. Without developing the appropriate qualities specific to your ambition, you will not be able to smoothly step into your dream.
There is a natural intuition letting you know if you are capable of actualizing something. Unfortunately, there is a problem. This mechanism gets confused with the constricting reactions of fear. How do you separate your natural, positive knowing from the fear keeping you from moving? First, assess your outer world. As you do, remember and accept you are responsible for now because of your decisions and choices from the past. Know what your current external realities are. Then visualize your ideal future. Draw the curve connecting the now with the future. Compare it to the curve of where your present decisions are taking you. After that, assess your inner world, especially your qualities of confidence, self esteem, and faith. What qualities are you developing in your current reality? What qualities are needed to let you live your dream?
Comments:
• Don’t miss out on your life. Destiny is always greater than you are at the present time. If you live up to it in your own mind, you will feel complete and satisfied, but only temporarily. There is always more.
• Following your dream doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to make a million dollars. It does mean you are going to strive for what you consider to be your highest ideas and ideals. You may not be successful in the eyes of society, but if you do what you have decided, you will experience happiness because you have pursued your most enjoyable qualities.
Admonition: It is important to be inspired by your heroes. Yet always remember their dreams were different from yours. Do not berate yourself for not measuring up.
Questions:
• What will I most be remembered for when I die?
• What will I remembered when I wake up on the other side?
• When I look back on my life, will I have accomplished my fondest dreams?
Symbols: 1) a stormy sea; 2) bird of paradise flowers
Fictional Figure: The Sleeping Beauty — Charles Perrault (1628-1703) French author