Why Dreams Don’t Use Ordinary Language

Jung questions, “But why, one will ask, can’t dreams be open and direct about it, and say it clearly without subterfuges that seem to mislead in an almost cunning way?” “I am often surprised at the tantalizing way dreams seem to evade definite information or omit the decisive point.”
The answer is because dreams are a subliminal process. They exist on the fringe of consciousness. Psychic contents below the level of consciousness do not have the qualities that conscious contents possess. They are not clear or definite and even the way the different parts and people relate to each other are vague and are more like analogies instead of being rational and understandable. All dream-like conditions have these qualities whether it be dreams, fatigue or fever. If a dream was to produce a definite thought, it would lose the quality of being a dream and immediately become a conscious content.
Dreams use the language of symbols because symbols are able to encompass the vaguely apprehended psychic reality. The dream’s message may often be telling us something that is only known on the hidden nature-bound level of the body which is too complex for conceptual formulation.
Leslie Zimmermann is a Jungian Analyst trained in the philosophy and psychology of C.G. Jung in Zurich and is based in Johannesburg. She offers a range of services, which she integrates, to meet the needs and aspirations of people. In a word, her work is in the service of wholeness. Wholeness includes both our vulnerabilities and our strengths, becoming conscious of our own unique mix of these, honoring our own unique way of functioning and with this knowledge and confidence, contributing as only we each can in our own way, to this evolving world we find ourselves to be a part of.
Besides having a Diplomate qualification in Analytical psychology, which qualifies me to write about the theory and practice of dream interpretation, I also have an Honours degree in Applied Psychology and a Masters degree in Research psychology, which qualify me to write about theories of human development, personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, sociology and ethics. Also, theories and knowledge pertaining to sleep and dreams from a perspective of neuropsychological and biological systems.
Leslie specializes in Analytical Psychology, Voice Dialogue, Life Coaching solutions for business executives. Consulting and coaching for family owned and home-based business
For an appointment Leslie Zimmermann can be contacted on:
Email: leslie.zimmermann@gmail.com
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