Category: Ideas

Do Dreams Have Meaning?

Sometimes, dreams that we have while we sleep can seem like a random collection of ideas. But do they actually have an underlying meaning?

Entire books have been written about dream interpretation. Figuring out what a dream means can be more art than science. Making sense of something that at times might appear nonsensical takes some effort.

Of course, there are times when it is not that difficult. Some dreams are straightforward. If you have a dream about, say, needing to go to the bathroom, you will probably wake up to find you need to go to the bathroom.

But other dreams are less clear. Fantastical, impossible things often happen. Laws of physics are routinely violated. Time does not always flow linearly. Things that shouldn’t be frequently are. What to make of them?

A problem that arises is that no one knows why we dream in the first place. One popular theory is that dreams are the way our brain processes the events that happen to us during the day. Our short-term memories are transitioned, perhaps, into long-term ones. Or maybe we just relive the mental pathways that have recently been created. Watching a scary movie will give you nightmares, for example.

There is also a perception that eating rich, heavy foods will lead to extreme flights of nighttime fancy, particularly if we eat close to bedtime. It may or may not be true, but enough people do both things — eat big meals and subsequently have crazy dreams — that they seem connected.

So which is it? A way for our brains to make sense of the events of the day? A response to physical stimuli? Our subconscious trying to communicate ideas we aren’t ready to think about? A random assortment of ideas and thoughts?

Do dreams have meaning?

Related questions: Why do we sleep? Dreams: Color or black and white? Do you have trouble sleeping?

 

 

When Have You Had A Sudden Change Of Viewpoint?

As humans, we try to be consistent. However, sometimes circumstances lead to a sudden change of perspective. Has this happened to you?

One reason why this sudden change might occur is simply through collecting additional data. You might start out believing, say, that Columbus discovered America. You add more information to the picture, and then finally some piece of data makes you realize that it isn’t true.

Another way is a sudden re-framing of the data you have. An example of this is the move ‘The Sixth Sense’ with its twist ending. The revelation makes you reinterpret what happened all throughout the movie.

Sometimes, you can change your mind just by thinking about the situation. You might just realize — by yourself or with the help of someone else, like a therapist — that you were simply wrong. You never bothered to examine your beliefs, or were blinded by emotion or fear, or some other reason. But suddenly your error is exposed, and it changes how you think.

There are other ways you might change your mind quite suddenly. Has it happened to you? What led to the change? And how did you change the way you think about similar things because of it?

Related questions: What is necessary to change your mind?What beliefs do you have that might be wrong?How do you adopt new ideas?

Is There A Conversation You’ll Never Forget?

Have you ever participated in a conversation that immediately seared itself into your memory? Has a talk you’ve had ever been that impactful?

Conversation is the primary way we humans communicate with each other. While some conversations may be routine or trivial, others can be profound or even life-changing.

For instance, think of the discussions you have had while falling in love. That might eventually lead to making room for someone else in your life. It might even result in marriage and possibly starting a family. While there are other ways to express love, talking is something we all engage in all the time.

Can you think of conversations that you have had that have stayed with you long after? Have you had discussions that have changed your life? What, if anything, can you identify as a commonality in these meaningful interactions?

Related questions: How can we encourage meaningful conversation? What makes something memorable? Where do shared ideas exist? How can we maintain wonder? How can we become better listeners?

Do You Have A Personal Philosophy?

Do you have a guiding principle in your life, one that helps you make the day-to-day decisions you are called upon to make? Do you have a personal philosophy?

Philosophy, for some, is an intimidating-sounding word. It might conjure images of long-dead, long-bearded, humorless men lecturing others on how to behave.

In reality, though, philosophy just means thinking about your life. If you have ever wondered about the world and your place in it, you have participated in philosophy.

It is one of the oldest areas of knowledge, which makes sense. What differentiates us from other animals is the size of our brain, and using that brain to ponder anything and everything comes naturally to us.

While there are numerous philosophy texts and classes, concentrating on great thinkers over the last two or three thousand years, it can be surprisingly relevant on a personal level. If you develop a set of personal guidelines, and individual mission statement, as it were, you are building a personal philosophy.

For example, one person might choose kindness a core belief. Be as kind as possible to everyone you meet, no matter their age, race, or religion. When faced with an unexpected or new situation, first think: “Can being kind help make this situation better?”

Alternately, someone might reason that the only person they are truly beholden to is themselves. Personal comfort, achievement, and happiness is what is most important. After all, you have just one life, and no one else lives it.

Admittedly, these examples are simplistic. As you live your complicated life, chances are there are a number of different guiding principles and motivations. Still, a personal philosophy is helpful to have, and useful to spell out in detail.

What guides you? What is your personal philosophy?

Related questions: What makes you you? How do we become our best self? Is there a principle according to which you try to live your life? What gives you purpose?

What Are Your First World Problems?

What are your first world problems — that is, problems that only arise due to success or opportunity. For example, your groceries not being able to fit in your refrigerator.

They are problems, of course, although it is useful to put them into context.

Share why if you wish.