It’s the Little Things – Editorial
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It’s the little things, like having a dream. Not in the broad sense of some grand hope for your life, but in the literal sense of dreaming while you sleep. Such a small thing, shared by everyone, that is the source for everything from inspiration to prediction. At least, that is what I remember.
Let me start by saying I have nothing to complain about in my life. I have been blessed more than I deserve and know there are many people who do with less. But if I were allowed a selfish want, it would be to dream. This little thing many don’t ever think about. If I were to tell you that when I go to bed in the evening, I lie down, almost immediately fall asleep, and don’t wake till I rise in the morning, you may well be jealous. I sleep like a rock. If you were to ask, I would say I never moved an inch during the night. I would also tell you that I did not have a dream. In fact, I never have dreams. But that is not quite accurate.
During a period of time seeking professional guidance, with what were likely early symptoms of PTSD, I had mentioned this lack of dreaming to the people with all the letters behind their names. I came to learn that is unlikely I do not dream, as this is a needed release of our subconscious minds that staves off what would begin to border on true insanity. Luckily, we all agreed I was not insane yet, so obviously I must dream. What I had lost or learned to suppress was the ability to recall those dreams when awake. It was explained that this was likely a protection mechanism developed to avoid the dreams that were not all pretty girls and unicorns. The nightmares that haunt many combat veteran’s nights. And that may well be the case, all I know is I go to sleep, wake up, and nothing has happened in my head through the whole thing. If my mind holds the things of nightmares, I should feel blessed.
And, in a way, I do feel blessed if that is the purpose. But I also feel cheated. Along with all the bad memories are great memories. I have travelled the world, seen many exotic places, done a million things, had caring family and friends, and had more than my share of lovers. What wonderful scenes would my imagination create to play back in stunning technicolor to dazzle my sleeping hours? What inspiration could be bled into the pen when I sit to write? What questions would bang themselves out to an epiphany? I fear the baby has been tossed out with the bath water and all I have now is remembering when it used to happen. Though it has been so long now that I can’t remember when it did.
It’s the little things, like having a dream. Sometimes, we take them for granted until we do not have them anymore. Thankfully, I can still daydream!
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commonsensiblyspeaking 
dreams are so powerful and important to us for many reasons
So true Brad, I too cannot recall most of my dreams, although there are two from my childhood that I’ve never forgotten…
Thanks Francisco!
You’re welcome my friend!
Have you ever thought about trying psychedelics – they seem to be coming more acceptable…
They do seem to be having a revival, but I will leave that to the Leary’s of the world. I avoid anything where I may not feel in control of myself.
I can see your point, although they could be taken while under the watch of a trained specialist. But I’m like you, I would always wonder about the long term effects…
I’m not jealous that you don’t (remember your) dreams. I only remember one dream that was so scary that I woke up shaking and crying and almost hyperventilating. Most of my dreams are about people I’ve known who are then put together with other people I know in places I’ve been. I usually forget a dream within a few minutes of awakening and moving around, though some last longer. I only recall one beautifully significant dream that I wish had been a memory and even though it wasn’t, have that memory of what it felt like when I woke up. Also, I seldom fall asleep quickly, so my mind has more time to ruminate over people, places and things while I’m awaiting Mr. Sandman, so maybe my conscious sneaks some of those ruminations into my sub-conscious just as I drift off…
Certainly, I think the more time we spend n the twilight of sleep, hovering somewhere between awake and fully asleep. may add fuel to the fire for dreams. I hope all your dreams are goods ones in the future!
I think your dreams are inside of you and they are bleeding into your pen whether you consciously witness every step of the process that creates the stunning dazzle.
I like how you think Geoff. Thank you!
I rarely remember my dreams anymore, Brad, and I don’t have any PTSD issues. Perhaps age is a factor since my short-term memory has also declined when I’m fully awake. Every once in a while, I will remember a dream about teaching. They typically involve less than ideal situations where something has gone amiss, such as an out-of-control kid, showing up late to work, or having a teaching lesson go south because something ridiculous happens in my classroom.
Thanks Pete! Maybe age is a factor. Sadly, it is getting harder and harder to find people older than me to ask.
Hello Brad my friend. I think it is a protective thing and also could be a blessing. I too, don’t remember many dreams. As a child I had three dreams that were repeated. Two were horrifying and one was about flying (I so wish I could have that dream again) but the other two I don’t have anymore and I am thankful for that. OK, you really pulled me in with this one Brad so I went to the web and found many articles that talk about the decline in dreams as we age. So that may actually play into what you are experiencing. Either way I am grateful you don’t have bad dreams.
Sending love,
Jonikens
Thanks for sharing your own experiences Jonikins! It helps to think we are not the only ones. Sending love in return!
You are welcome. It was very interesting. You are not alone my friend. Very interesting topic and well written of course. You certainly spiked my interest. Love ❤️ Jonikins
I am jealous that you fall asleep quickly. I toss and turn for hours. It takes so long for me to fall asleep. I often remember my dreams though.
My dreams are usually very vivid and leave me somewhat disoriented when I wake up because I can still feel someone touching me, or sense a presence. It feels like I was instantly transported back to my bedroom.
This includes horrendous nightmares that stay with me for days, so you are blessed in that regard.
Dreams do inspire me, however, and I keep a dream journal for this reason.
You’re right, it is the little things we take for granted.
I am the one who is jealous. Not of the nightmares, of course, but to have dreams so vivid and real that they become a part of your experience must be amazing. I’ll see you in my dreams!
If you dream of me, it surely is sad you don’t remember them. Haha. I’m kidding. Sometimes, those dreams are nice, but lately a specific kind of dream has been reoccurring. It wakes me with adrenaline pumping, and it’s not always easy to fall back asleep, which is annoying. There’s pros and cons to everything, though.
Yes, everything has its yin and yang!