When I wake up in the morning, I write. This practice started when I was very young but I honed the skill and habit when I was at University in 2002. At that time, I came across Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. She describes a practice called Morning Pages and even now, twenty-some years later, I still practice this daily routine. The big difference between writing for Morning Pages and writing for this blog is that Morning Pages are meant to be purely stream-of-consciousness writing, without stopping or filtering, for a straight period of time. When I write for this blog, I do edit for grammar, tact and purpose. So it’s not completely uncensored the way Morning Pages are, yet, I suspect there’s a hint of it in the text, since I do write these Recovery Chronicles in the morning when my mind is free from the clutter & criticism of the day. There’s something so open and freeing about the early morning thoughts, isn’t there? That’s what I try to capture in these Chronicles.
I hope sharing my day-to-day life journey with you brings some inspiration. At times, because of the challenges in my life’s circumstances I’ve been very misunderstood. I hope these Chronicles bring understanding.
When I wake up and feel overwhelmed I do a few things that helps bring clarity, focus & determination. In my meditation, I envision myself doing the thing I want to do, for example, walk 5k steps before noon. When I imagine it, I observe if any negative emotions come up, such as anxiety or fear. If it does, then I work with the solutions for those negative emotions (which I’ll explore in more depth in upcoming articles). Once I shift the anxiety or fear, and feel Confident & Courageous about the situation then I get up and go do the thing.
The other thing I do is listen to inspiring (usually classical or solfeggio) music while I’m writing because this calms the nerves at an unconscious level while I’m focusing on a certain task.
The third thing that’s helpful is doing some form of EMDR or tapping. This helps to relax the nervous system so I can bring peaceful energy to the day.
In time, I can share some of these resources with you but for now I just want to share how helpful they are.
Because my trauma began in infancy and was continuous until my 20s there’s a lot of stored emotion in my body that isn’t processed. Sadness, hurt, guilt, fear, jealousy, anger – I run the gamete. It’s all there. On any given day I never know what strong negative emotion I’m going to wake up to. That’s why I developed a practice many years ago, of working through the negative emotions as soon as I wake up, so I can face the day in the best version of myself. I want to face the day coming from a place of Peacefulness and Enthusiasm – not fear & anxiety.
There are two other practices which I also do regularly – yoga and walking. I’ve struggled with both of these since the first car accident in 2019 but I do practice both regularly. These two practices keep me grounded and keep my body healthy.
So these are the main things that help me manage symptoms of PTSD without medication. What techniques, strategies or practices help you? Leave your favourite stress-relieving practice in the comments below.
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There are four foundational principles that I use when doing dream interpretation. These are explored in greater depth in my EBOOK Unlocking the Power of Your Dreams and I’m going to break down one of the most important ones in this article: Take the Metaphoric Meaning Before the Literal.
These four principles establish that dreams are the universal language that connects the whole human family. These principles make it possible for me to hear a dream from anyone in the world and be able to discern it’s meaning in a significant way for the dreamer. The four principles are:
All Human Beings are Equal
Humans are Dual-Natured (lower nature & Higher Nature)
All Dreams Guide Us to Develop our Higher Nature Qualities
All Dreams Use Metaphors to Convey These Messages of Growth
Catastrophic-Type Dreams and the Metaphors
Often times when people dream of a catastrophic event, such as a flood or school shooting, they wake up fearing the dream is prophetic and they want to do something to prevent it. They wonder why are they having this dream and what does it mean to them. The vividness of details of these kinds of dreams stick with the dreamer long after they awaken.
The tendency is to think the dream came to warn them that something catastrophic may happen in the future. While this is somewhat true, it’s not true in the way the dreamer first thinks.
All dreams exists outside of space & time. Dreams come in advance of situations in order to prepare us. The dreams show us areas of growth. For example, if you have a dream of a school shooting, there may be a lot of fear that comes up. That fear is the key to the solution for the dreamer.
To get to a state of not feeling fear, the dreamer needs to have a lot of Courage to look at things in new ways, to do new things, to develop new skills. When they develop these new skills that prepare them for the situations they’re facing in real life then they won’t have fear anymore because they have the skills.
It’s like when someone is just learning to drive a car. In the beginning, there’s a lot of fear and that’s good, there should be fear. Driving is a big responsibility and if not done properly can cause injury or damage to the driver or someone else. So the fear signals that there’s a need for learning new skills. Once the new skills are learned the fear goes away and the driver is capable and competent to drive on roads now.
Our life circumstances are like that as well. When a situation is occurring that requires new skills, our dreams will reveal to us that we have fear and the fear indicates where the learning is needed.
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Ultimately, the dream is showing the dreamer where there’s an area that needs developing and if the dreamer develops these qualities then if the horrific dream scenario does end up happening in real life the dreamer will be prepared to help because they are not limited or constrained by the fears they may have had if they did not have the dream.
How do you use a metaphor in a nightmarish situation to transform your Self?
The key to transforming metaphors in nightmares is to become the positive opposite of the nightmare. So if you are in a flood in the dream then you need to flood the environment with positivity. If you are being shot at in the dream, then you need to “shoot out” encouraging words to others in real life. If you are being buried beneath an avolanche in the dream then you need to be an “avalanche of positivity” in real life.
This isn’t going to happen over night but it gives the dreamer a vision to work towards. Gradually, over time, skills develop and fears subside. Then if a catastrophe ever were to occur in real life, the dreamer will be calm and fearless and be able to help a lot of people.
This is one of the key strategies in dream interpretation.
What catastrophic dreams have you had? Leave them in the comments below and tell me what other dreams you would like to read about.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event, such as a life-threatening experience, natural disasters, or even sexual or physical assault. PTSD can lead to the development of a wide range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and depression. For those who struggle with PTSD, it can be challenging to manage these symptoms and find ways to heal from the trauma they have experienced.
However, one powerful tool that can aid in the process of healing PTSD is dream interpretation. Dreams are an important aspect of the human experience and can provide insight into our subconscious mind. In particular, understanding the symbolism of dreams can be helpful in processing traumatic experiences and providing insights into the underlying emotions and feelings associated with the trauma.
In this article, we will explore the symbolism of dreams related to water and cars, two of the most common symbols that can appear in dreams and hold important meanings for most people. By understanding the significance of these symbols, individuals with PTSD can gain valuable insights into their subconscious mind, and ultimately, aid in their healing journey.
Water and PTSD
Water is one of the most commonly reported symbols in dreams, and it can represent a variety of things depending on the context in which it appears. Generally, water is seen as a symbol of the emotions, relationships, and the flow of life. In dreams, water can take on many forms, such as rivers, oceans, lakes, or even rain. The meaning of water in a dream can vary depending on its characteristics, such as the color, temperature, and clarity.
For individuals with PTSD, dreams of water can be particularly powerful. Trauma can create feelings of emotional overwhelm, and dreams of water can symbolize this sense of being swept away by their emotions or circumstances in their waking life. A dream of being caught in a flood or tidal wave can represent a sense of being out of control or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. It can also suggest that the dreamer needs to let go of their resistance and go with the flow of life.
Additionally, dreams of drowning or being trapped in water can symbolize the feeling of being trapped or unable to escape from the trauma. These dreams can be particularly distressing for individuals with PTSD, as they can re-trigger feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.
However, dreams of water can also provide opportunities for healing. In dreams, water can also represent renewal, cleansing, and transformation. Dreams of water can symbolize the need to let go of the past and move forward with a sense of clarity and purpose. By understanding the symbolism of water in their dreams, individuals with PTSD can gain insight into their emotions and feelings, ultimately aiding in their healing journey.
Cars and PTSD
Cars are another common symbol that can appear in dreams and hold important meanings for individuals with PTSD. Cars can represent the self, the journey of life, or how the dreamer gets from Point A to Point B. In dreams, cars can appear in various forms, such as driving a car, being a passenger, or even witnessing a car accident.
Dreams of driving a car can indicate the dreamer’s level of control over their life’s direction. If the dreamer is driving confidently, it suggests they are in control of their life and moving forward with a sense of purpose. However, if the dreamer is struggling to control the car or feeling lost, it can suggest a lack of direction or a sense of being stuck in their waking life.
For individuals with PTSD, dreams of cars can be particularly relevant, as they can symbolize the journey of healing. Dreams of driving a car can represent the progress made in healing from trauma, while dreams of being a passenger can symbolize the
Another common theme in dreams of PTSD survivors is that of being chased or pursued. These dreams often reflect the feeling of being constantly on guard and hyper-vigilant in waking life, as well as the fear of being attacked or harmed. Understanding the meaning behind these dreams can help survivors to process their emotions and experiences in a healthy way, and to develop coping strategies for dealing with PTSD symptoms.
For me, the recurring dreams about water and cars were a way for my subconscious to process the traumatic experiences I had been through. In my case, the dreams symbolized the ending of a long-term intimate relationship and the loss of control I felt as a result. By analyzing the symbols in my dreams and exploring their meanings, I was able to gain insight into my own emotions and experiences, and to begin the healing process.
Rachel Perry
If you are a PTSD survivor who is experiencing recurring dreams or nightmares, I encourage you to explore the symbolism in your dreams and to seek help from a qualified therapist or counselor. By understanding the messages in your dreams and working with a professional to process your emotions and experiences, you can begin to move forward in your healing journey.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are also practical steps that you can take to manage the symptoms of PTSD and reduce the frequency and intensity of your dreams. These can include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and engaging in physical activity or exercise.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are also practical steps that you can take to manage the symptoms of PTSD and reduce the frequency and intensity of your dreams. These can include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and engaging in physical activity or exercise.
It is also important to surround yourself with a supportive community of friends and family who can offer encouragement and understanding as you work through your healing process. Joining a support group or seeking out peer support from other PTSD survivors can also be a valuable source of comfort and connection.
Finally, remember that healing from PTSD is a journey that takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. With the right support and resources, it is possible to overcome the challenges of PTSD and to live a happy, healthy life.
Ultimately, understanding the symbolism in our dreams can be a powerful tool for healing from PTSD. Dreams can offer insight into our emotions and experiences, and can provide a way for our subconscious to process trauma in a healthy way. By working with a qualified therapist, practicing relaxation techniques, and building a supportive community, PTSD survivors can begin to move forward in their healing journey and live a fulfilling life.
Some people ask me when did I first start doing dream interpretation. The short answer is that I started learning the approach that I now use in 2009 when I shared a dream with Richard Hastings, founder of Dreams for Peace. But the longer answer is that I had a powerful dream when I was 7, about my parents driving a car into water, and that was the very beginning of my profound relationship with dreams and dreaming.
Interestingly, the three significant dreams that mark my dreaming journey all relate to cars and water. To me, this indicates that my lifelong journey has been about healing relationships in my own personal life but also when I work with others.
So the first dream was when I was 7 and I dreamed that my parents, and the parents of my best friend, were driving on a bridge that then split apart and the car plunged into the water and they all died.
The next significant dream was when I was 22. I dreamed a white car hit a moose. The moose shook it off and went into the woods. The car wasn’t drivable. In the morning, in real life, when I woke up and looked out the window I saw a white car in my driveway with damage to it’s front end. Later while I was eating breakfast, a woman knocked on the door. She told me she hit a moose last night and needed to park the car in my driveway because it wasn’t drivable.
The last powerful recurring dream I had was when I was 32. I was regularly dreaming about my house being flooded. Some of those dreams included trying to drive away in the flooded roads or trying to escape before getting caught in the flood.
WATER & CARS IN DREAMS
Water and cars are common symbols that can appear in dreams and hold important meanings for most people. Both of these symbols can represent different aspects of life, and understanding their significance can provide valuable insights into the subconscious mind.
Water is one of the most commonly reported symbols in dreams, and it can represent a variety of things depending on the context in which it appears. Generally, water is seen as a symbol of the emotions, relationships and the flow of life. In dreams, water can take on many forms, such as rivers, oceans, lakes, or even rain. The meaning of water in a dream can vary depending on its characteristics, such as the color, temperature, and clarity.
One common way that water appears in dreams is as a tidal wave or flood. These dreams can be overwhelming and frightening, as it indicates a feeling of being swept away by their emotions or circumstances in their waking life. A dream of being caught in a flood or tidal wave can represent a sense of being out of control or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. It can also suggest that the dreamer needs to let go of their resistance and go with the flow of life.
This was certainly true for me. The water dreams in my childhood and in my 30s represented the ending of marital relationships which had a huge impact on me. When I got married, I expected it to last a lifetime. When it was clear it wasn’t going to last, I truly felt devastated. That strong emotion was showing up in my dreams as floods.
Moving on to cars, they are often seen as symbols of the self, the journey of life, or how the dreamer gets from Point A to Point B. Cars can represent the dreamer’s sense of control and direction in their waking life. In dreams, cars can appear in various forms, such as driving a car, being a passenger, or even witnessing a car accident.
Dreams of driving a car can indicate the dreamer’s level of control over their life’s direction. If the dreamer is driving confidently, it suggests they are in control of their life and moving forward with a sense of purpose. However, if the dreamer is struggling to control the car or feeling lost, it can suggest a lack of direction or a sense of being stuck in their waking life.
Being a passenger in a car can represent the dreamer’s relationship with others in their waking life. If the dreamer is sitting in the passenger seat of a car, it can suggest they are allowing someone else to take control of their life or that they need to trust others more. If the dreamer is in the back seat of a car, it can indicate a sense of feeling overlooked or powerless in their relationships.
Lastly, witnessing a car accident in a dream can represent a sense of chaos or disruption in the dreamer’s life. It can also suggest a fear of losing control or being involved in a harmful situation.
In conclusion, water and cars are two powerful symbols that can appear in dreams and hold important meanings for me. Water can represent the emotions and the flow of life, while cars can symbolize the self and the journey of life. When these three powerful dreams showed up in my life they were impossible to ignore and as I sought to understand them, I was led down the path in life to where I am now, interpreting dreams online and helping people in their personal growth & transformation.
If you would like to read more about how to use the messages in your dreams to change your life, check out my new EBOOK “Unlocking the Power of Your Dreams”. You can use the CODE: dreamz0 to download the book for free today.
I often talk about the solution to fear. When it shows up in a dream it means the life situation the dreamer is facing is more complex than what they have skills for so there’s fear. It’s a natural, healthy fear to have when. you’re doing something new for the first time and learning new skills, for example, when you’re learning to drive. The fear comes in because of the challenge of learning how to drive and all the responsibility involved. But once you learn the skills, the fear goes away. Personal growth and transformation is like this as well.
Learning is a lifelong process that benefits us in various ways, from broadening our knowledge to increasing our confidence and reducing our fears. Taking courses and learning new skills are essential to our personal and professional growth, and they play a critical role in unlocking our potential and realizing our dreams. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of taking courses and how learning new skills can reduce fear and anxiety.
Learning New Skills
One of the significant benefits of taking courses is the opportunity to learn new skills. Whether it’s a new language, a musical instrument, or a professional certification, learning new skills can be a transformative experience. By learning new skills, we gain a sense of accomplishment, build self-confidence, and improve our mental health.
For example, learning a new language can be a great way to broaden our horizons, connect with different cultures, and improve our cognitive function. Research has shown that learning a new language can improve memory, enhance problem-solving skills, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Similarly, learning to play a musical instrument has been shown to have numerous cognitive and emotional benefits. Playing an instrument can improve memory, sharpen concentration, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem.
Learning new skills can also be a great way to break out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves. By taking on new challenges, we can develop resilience and adaptability, which can help us overcome obstacles and thrive in new environments.
Reducing Fear and Anxiety
Another significant benefit of taking courses and learning new skills is the reduction of fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety are natural responses to new experiences or challenges, but they can be debilitating if left unchecked. By learning new skills, we can develop a sense of control and mastery over our lives, which can reduce our fears and anxieties.
For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, taking a public speaking course can help you develop the skills and confidence necessary to overcome your fear. Similarly, if you’re afraid of heights, taking a rock climbing course can help you face your fears in a controlled environment and develop the skills necessary to manage your fears.
Learning new skills can also help us cope with stress and anxiety. By engaging in activities that are enjoyable and challenging, we can reduce stress levels, improve our mood, and enhance our overall well-being. When we feel empowered and in control, we’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by our fears and anxieties.
Unlocking the Power of Dreams
If you’re looking for a transformative learning experience that can help you unlock your potential and reduce your fears, consider taking the Unlocking the Power of Dreams course. This course, created by Rachel Perry, is designed to help you explore dream interpretation and self-transformation.
Dreams are powerful tools that can provide us with valuable insights into our subconscious minds. By learning how to interpret our dreams, we can gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This, in turn, can help us overcome our fears, develop self-awareness, and make positive changes in our lives.
The Unlocking the Power of Dreams course is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the world of dream interpretation and self-transformation. It’s designed to be accessible and engaging, with a combination of video lessons, interactive exercises, and helpful resources.
In this course, you’ll learn:
The basics of dream interpretation
How to recognize and interpret common dream symbols
How to use dreams as a tool for self-discovery and self-transformation
How to overcome fears and anxieties using dream analysis
How to Develop a Dream Practice
And so much more!
Unlocking the Power of Dreams is a unique and transformative learning experience that can help you unlock your potential and reduce your fears. By learning how to interpret your dreams, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.
All in all, taking courses and learning new skills are essential to our personal and professional growth. By broadening our knowledge, building self-confidence, and reducing our fears and anxieties, we can unlock our potential and achieve our dreams. The Unlocking the Power of Dreams course is an excellent example of how learning new skills can be transformative and empowering. It’s a unique and accessible course that can help you explore the world of dream interpretation and self-transformation, and it’s a great way to take the first step towards realizing your full potential. So, why not invest in yourself and take the Unlocking the Power of Dreams course today? You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you unlock the power of your dreams.
Dreams For Healing 
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