Souly for Retrievals!

[Yesmar00]

Dreams that contain challenges can be set up by guides as training scenarios.  This could have been one. You clearly acted as a helper and even lifesaver for the kid.
So yes, this 'smells' already like retrieval work (preparation / training).   

I was thinking about that possiblity for sure. It definitely stuck out compared to my other dreams. I don't usually save people in them so this was fascinating. I have been asking my helpers to get me involved. I have a strong feeling that this was either a test or the real deal. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have prepared for me.

[Lumaza]

I agree 100% with Volgerle, (as usual)! 

The "do-over" experiences are indeed "training grounds". I went through, and still do today, years of those experiences. I learned so much through them though, even though some of them were extremely intense. I made a thread here years ago on the "do-over" subject. I just searched for it and can't find it. Oh well. It was likely under my former name here on the Pulse, which was "Lionheart".

My first "do-over" experience that I was consciously aware of, had me on a hill overlooking a highway. Just then a incredible accident occurred in front of me. The highway was busy at the time, and it created the most violent, ear crushing chain reaction pileup. My task in this was to find a way to stop the accident before it occurred. Almost everything I did to avoid it failed. I found myself stuck in a "loop". I had to relive this devastating pile-up again and again until I finally found the solution. After I awoke, I found I was tired all day long. 

I can fully understand why most people don't have LDs or even any recollection of their dreams. They can be pretty intense and if you haven't yet "acclimated" yourself to the NPRs while consciously aware, they can be a serious shock to your system. It's tough enough to live consciously aware in this reality, without having to be thrust into another!

[EscapeVelocity]

Look at just how quickly your Intention has produced results, nicely done!

I would add a few of my insights/ideas to consider into this conversation besides the good points made by Volgerle and Lumaza.

That feeling that this was somehow more than a usual dream is your intuition gaining experience. This feeling is a signal that will grow clearer and more evident. Also, the fact that you noticed the differences in the situation and behaviors of people around you.

A 'do-over', a 'repeater', a 're-set', a 'loop'...these occur in both very personal and important dreams that are sending us a message we need to understand, and also in teaching environments (simulations) such as this retrieval likely was. So, again a very strong signal that this is not a normal dream.

In an experience such as this, the learning environment is purposely designed to be very simple: in this case, an elevator, a child and a waiting area with an apparent parent (guide?). Being an arrangement of energy fields, each component has its unique form and function and the challenge in navigating the NPRs is to be aware of the infinite ways we perceive the form and function of a being or situation we encounter. This is especially important within a retrieval. One function to consider is the elevator and how a child can get lost within it; in a symbolic fashion, I mean.

The other aspect that stood out I think may relate to any concerns you may have had about controlling your emotions in such a rescue environment. This scenario allowed you to notice the lack of emotion with the child, the parent and even yourself. It feels like an invisible curtain or dampening field is placed around you. Early on, I wonder that the Guides may do this for us, but gradually we learn to do it ourselves. You even seemed to have questioned the 'emotional cloaking' by seeking even the slightest emotional response from the 'parent'...again, I wonder that was your intuition at work and another lesson within a lesson.

Excellent experience!   

[Lumaza]

I just did another search in our search engine above, and I came across this thread of mine in the past here that talks about the "looping" phenomenon being either a possible precursor to Retrievals or an actual Retrieval itself.
https://www.astralpulse.com/forums/welcome-to-dreams!/hero-dreams/msg339582/#msg339582