Dream of the Month (October 1999)
Dr. Holloway's Comments: Identifying Characteristics: Smoking in dreams often reflects an addictive pattern, blood loss represents a loss of energy and vitality.
It is easy to see that this dream is in large part a signal from the body to stop smoking. These “alarm” dreams are quite common to smokers and particularly to youngsters who have just started the habit. Not surprisingly many people respond to them by quitting smoking and improving their health practices in general. But research shows that habits are more difficult to change when we view them from moralistic and judgmental perspectives. This dream hints that your own conflict about the issue may be making it tougher to kick the habit. Try to view it as a problem to solve instead of a question of character or ethics, and you will feel freer to find the support, method or program that works for you. When we are truly ready to make a change, we begin to dream of “3 characters” who are present. This is true when people are ready to leave abusive relationships, to lose weight, to go after a great career, or to change a habit. Your 3 roommates are likely there because you are more eager and ready to tackle this issue than you think! When the psyche has gathered it is forces in this way, things that seemed impossible in previous years can be accomplished much more readily than ever before. Finally, the blood that is coughed up suggests that in order to make this change, you need some special support. Not only with the habit itself, but with other issues that tend to drain and challenge your energy. Make a pact to get more positive resources in your life, whether that means a support group, the counsel of friends, a therapist or the church of your choice. By “feeding” yourself with positive experiences you will be in a more balanced and healthy position from which to make lasting changes to live the life you really want and deserve.
|