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Dream of the Month (October 2003)
Dr. Holloway's Comments: Identifying Characteristics: Attacking animals often represent people who have “attack” energy to their treatment of us. Dreams that recur in an “endless” loop sometimes reflect dilemmas that defy our rational attempts at problem solving. When this is the case, there are usually three ingredients to the mix that are helpful to understand. The first is identifying the “monster” in the real life situation. Bears may be symbols when a certain male is reminiscent of threatening energy experienced in the past. Symbolically this is the stalker, the bully, the predator, either in realistic terms or in subjective experience. The second element is how present experience triggers an old feeling of being helpless, being “in a fix,” or somehow having huge odds stacked against you. Even when such feelings seem warranted, it can be helpful to recognize the domino effect going on. Collapsing inside, or letting your worries run away with your creative abilities can be counterproductive. Now is a time to go out of your way to stabilize your inner experience, through prayer, meditation, counseling, friends support, reading positive books, etc.
The third element is how your own strategy impacts the drama. Going back to the scene of the first attack seems to bring on new problems. Is there any sense in which you are returning to the trough, and then being surprised and horrified when the same problems arise? The little dog may represent your sense of loyalty and love – is this being “eaten up” and sacrificed to some problem? Be willing to try a new tactic, to see things from a new vantage point, and above all, protect your own energy, your sense of self from being “devoured” or consumed. You are not a meal for your challenges. You are whole, powerful and complete, with certain lessons and obstacles littering your life path. Identify the pieces of the story, and withdraw your energy from it. You may have to deal with it, but you do not have to sustain it with your life force.
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