Dream Report: I Dreamed I Had Died
Bruno, a tradesman in his 40s, was in a big process of life-change. Taking responsibility for a long-term pattern of addictive behaviour, he had entered a training programme to overcome the addiction, and then personal counselling to deal with traumatic childhood memories. After two years, he had learned new ways of thinking and communicating, and felt a great deal better about himself, which meant he was much more relaxed. His marriage had improved greatly, and he was enjoying family life. He realised he was handling risky situations with ease, and that he no longer even felt tempted by his addiction. Then he had this dream. Since he had recalled only two dreams in six months, it struck him with great force.
Dream report: I Dreamed I Had Died
I dreamed I was lying in bed beside my wife, and I had died. Then I was standing beside the bed as a spirit, wearing a robe like my blue nightshirt, talking to her. I told her I was dead but quite okay – and I would stay with her for a few days more. She was crying, but not surprised when I spoke to her. Over the next few days, I had several conversations with her, advising her what to do with mortgages and other possessions, how to safeguard herself. I spoke to my daughter, and told her not to miss me too much, because I was happy. Then I woke up, feeling relieved and peaceful. Then I felt stunned: shit – that was awesome! I was dead, but I’m alive!
The dream was an amazing experience, and I’ve been feeling very happy ever since. I’m not afraid to die, if that’s what it’s like. I feel peaceful in myself.
He reflected on the dream with his therapist. They came to the conclusion that it symbolised the death of an old self, and awakening to a more spiritual level in his being. He was freed from the self-centred demands of his addiction, and settled his affairs, so that he could wake up to a new quality of life.
His inner spirit had symbolised the change in his personality by using the startling metaphor of death – and he had survived! No wonder he felt so happy now.