Get a Grip on Dreams

[Telos]

In your Barnes and Noble bookstore, you might notice a section of small cardboard-colored books, titled "Get a Grip on _______" with something filled in the blank. I saw one on Physics and another on Philosophy, thinking it would be nice if they had one dreams. And... there it was!

The paper has a texture like that of a brown paper bag, and is marked in a haphazard artistic manner to suggest to that it is old, has been broken-in, almost like it could be rubbish. Odd that it has a kind of warm, homely effect. Although the thought would be nice, I've seen no stamp to indicate that it was made from recycled paper, which usually creates this brown effect.

To my pleasent surprise, I found this a very reliable and scientific book. It espouses no particular view, theory or interpretation of dreaming, and is clear on what ideas came from where.

I actually found this book to do what its title says. If you are confused by the many airy new age books and foggy reference materials on dreaming, this book will "set you straight," while opening your eyes to other interpretations of dreaming, including those throughout history as well as some of the post-Jungian ones.

However, it is far from being indispensible. As long as you know that no harm can come to you in dreams, I firmly believe that reading material won't help you very much. What's infinitely more important is your active participation in dreams, which can be done just as well without books.

Also, I am disappointed by the large focus it has on "dream interpretation." Although I am impressed by the objective viewpoint, by offering diverse and conflicting theories and methods of interpretation, I am personally uninspired by the entire exercise. The last half of the book is sort of compendium of interpretations on various common dreams (teeth falling out, flying, etc.). But if you're turned on by that sort of thing, then I'd recommend this most highly, for you'll probably discover facts that you didn't know. For instance, did you know that even the ancient Greeks had dreams of being naked and embarrassed in public?

Last, but not least, the author admits to never having a lucid dream. After mentioning Stephen LaBerge's claim the people can learn to have lucid dreams, she inserts a small statement, saying that, try as she might, she hasn't been able to teach herself. I respect that, but I wonder how the book might have been different if she had succeeded.

Perhaps it's best that she hadn't, though, for the "self-help" urge might have diverged. This book is very thorough in its scope and very succinct in its information - a remarkable feat for any topic - and very down to earth. The historical-cultural treatment of dreams is especially interesting, as well as some facts on medical knowledge. You will not be disappointed by questionable claims of chakra stimulation or energy work or be distracted by affirmations saying that you're infinite... If you, like me, have been flying so much in your lucid dreams that you've forgotten how to come back down, this book will assist you.

It's $5.98 American and shelved somewhere close to the bargain section.