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Dreams hold many mysteries. While there are several theories explaining why we dream, no one can definitively claim which theory is correct or how accurate any of them truly are. A dream journal can be both a memory keeper and a wonderful source of insight into your inner world. Keeping a dream journal requires discipline, but once the habit is formed, it can become an inspiring and soothing resource in the long run.
A dream journal is especially ideal for those who wish to have recurring dreams, revisit specific dreams, or understand important details that need to be explored. Ultimately, it will become an enjoyable experience that offers deeper understanding of your subconscious world. Below are the steps for writing a dream journal – a journal for your soul.
Steps
Getting Ready
Choose the right journal. There are countless pre-designed dream journals available, but they are not strictly necessary, and designing your own can be more creative and enjoyable. Things to consider when selecting the right journal include:
- Length: How long do you plan to record your dreams – one year, a shorter or longer period? Consider the level of detail you want in each entry – combined with how long you intend to maintain the journal, this will influence the length of your journal.
- Organization: If you want to categorize the pages by themes (such as “Recurring Dreams”, “Dreams about Dogs”, etc.), a binder-style journal will allow you to easily rearrange pages. Be sure to choose a quality cover to protect the journal.
- Quick notes: It may be important to add notes that you’ve written elsewhere. Ensure that your journal has enough space to insert additional papers if needed.
- Don’t forget about colored pens. If you plan to use different colors to represent separate themes or recurring interpretations, be sure to consider them when purchasing your colored pens.
- Consider using a box, basket, or other storage option for the journal and pens. This way, everything will be neatly stored and readily available.
- If you travel often and want to keep your journal with you, think about getting a travel cover or protective box so it can go anywhere with you.
Arrange a spot for your dream journal. The best time to write in your dream journal is usually right after waking up. Therefore, placing it close to your bed is ideal. The main issue with recalling dreams is that you might forget them almost immediately upon waking. So, make sure the journal is always within reach!
- If you have a container, such as a box or basket, you can easily move it or store it in a drawer or cupboard when cleaning, while also keeping it out of sight from curious eyes.
- Placing a reading light next to your bed is another great idea. If you wake up in the middle of the night and feel the urge to write, the immediate light source will help you jot things down before the dream fades away.
- If you prefer to record your dreams by voice on a recorder, make sure it’s convenient to use and that your files are organized and regularly backed up. Having spare batteries on hand is also useful in case you forget to turn the device off at night.
Write the date of your next entry as you finish the current one. This way, you won’t waste time thinking about the date when you wake up and can dive straight into your dream. Some people prefer to write the date after completing the entry in the morning, while others like to do it the night before as part of a 'preparation ritual.'
- If you write the date the night before, you might also want to include a few lines about your emotions. Your feelings can have a big impact on your dreams. In the future, these quick notes might offer valuable insights into the emotions behind unexpected or surreal dreams.
Organize your journal in a way that makes it easy to review your dreams. There’s no right or wrong way to set up your journal. However, organizing it so that you can easily see the connection between the dream and its interpretation will be helpful.
- The column method: Draw a line down the center of each page to separate the dream from its interpretation, allowing for clear comparisons.
- Top-to-bottom method: If you don’t want to divide the page into columns, simply write the dream first and place the interpretation below. Generally, dreams are the most sensitive part of the journal and should be given more space. Interpretations can be secondary and less urgent.
Record and interpret your dreams.
Dreaming. Use your usual sleep methods and remind yourself to write your dream journal in the morning. By doing so, trying to remember the dream in your subconscious might help you capture it more clearly.
- Check out various articles on dreams on Mytour for ideas on dreaming, controlling, and influencing your dreams.
- Using a bell or beep alarm instead of a radio or music is better. A voice or music can distract you and cause you to forget your dream’s details. Waking up naturally, without a timer, is often the most peaceful and effective method.
Record your dream. As soon as you wake up, start writing down your dream. If possible, head to the bathroom only after you’ve finished writing, because any interruption could cause you to lose key details or the entire dream itself. With more experience, this might become less of an issue, and recalling your dreams will become easier. However, for beginners, minimizing distractions is crucial.
- Write down everything you can remember. At first, it might be challenging to decide what to write and sift through thoughts that arise from your memory of the dream. But over time, you’ll be able to better capture the messages of your dreams, including characters, symbols, colors, emotions, actions (like flying or swimming), interactions with others, shapes, or anything else in the dream.
- Find a few adjectives to describe the most vivid and striking images and emotions from the dream. For example, if you dream of a house in flames, you might write: "The house blazed in bright red, intense, and terrifying," with emotions like "uneasy, fearful, curious."
- Some people like to draw pictures or use colors to express the emotions or themes of different dreams (colors themselves can be a significant part of dream interpretation).
Write freely. Don’t try to structure a story while recording your dream. Just focus on quickly writing everything you can remember before the details fade from your memory. Shaping the narrative and interpreting the dream can wait until later.
Know when to stop. A dream journal is not a marathon, and only a few people spend their entire morning journaling. It’s best to choose one or two of the most impactful or memorable dreams. After recording one or two dreams, your memory of the others will likely become fuzzy, so it’s better to pick the most vivid ones as they hold the most meaning and resonance with you.
Name each dream. Giving your dreams titles is a helpful habit. When titling your dream, try to capture the main emotion or theme within it. This makes it easier to revisit the dream later, and also provides a summary of your overall reaction to it.
Review your progress. At first, just remembering enough to write more than a few lines might feel difficult. Stay consistent because the more you write, the more easily you’ll recall details, until it becomes second nature. Therefore, it’s important to keep journaling every morning, even if the dreams seem dull or unclear. Sometimes, these dreams have their own stories, and only by recording them will you realize they weren’t meaningless after all.
Begin interpreting your dream. It's perfectly fine not to start interpreting your dream immediately. Writing it down is a new skill and an important part of the process. You can always come back and interpret it later, as long as you’ve included the main emotions when describing the dream. When you're ready to interpret, use the knowledge you’ve gained from books, online resources, and your own intuition. Not everything will be clear at first, but make an effort to dive in.
- Sometimes, the meaning of a dream doesn't become clear until you recognize patterns, and it seems like something in your life needs more attention. In fact, more important messages tend to repeat themselves to make sure they reach you.
- Read articles on dream interpretation to learn more about how to decode your own dreams.
Personalize your dream journal. Ultimately, how you use and manage your journal is a personal choice, dependent on your preferences. If you feel that none of the suggestions here suit you and have found a better way, feel free to create your own method for journaling your dreams. Use whatever makes the most sense and works best for you.
Travel with your dream journal. Keep your journal with you when you go on vacation or travel. If you're worried about losing it and don't want to bring your main journal, consider using a smaller travel version that you can later combine with your primary journal. Alternatively, you can use an electronic journal while you're away, if that suits you. The important thing is to continue writing, especially since travel may bring about entirely new dreams and awaken fresh insights, and of course, you wouldn't want to miss those!
- Changing locations or moving around might trigger memories of dreams you've had before, filling in gaps. Take advantage of this to record and add to your list of valuable dreams.
Tips
- Always keep your journal and writing tools nearby, within easy reach of your bed.
- If you get too busy in the morning, brushing your teeth or preparing breakfast, the memory of your dream may fade away and disappear.
- Try to resist the urge to share your personal dreams. While some may truly understand the meaning and purpose of your dreams, many people are not interested or may find your personal dreams hard to comprehend. Keep them to yourself and nurture your inner journey as part of your lifelong process.
- If you have spare time during the day and your dream journal is with you, leave space under the title to make drawings. This is especially helpful if you enjoy sketching, draw in your free time, or are feeling uninspired.
- Buy a dream card deck. These cards contain symbols and images that can help you explore the meanings of your dreams. They can also provide ideas for how to stay calm during challenging situations.
Warning
- If you dream of dying, for example, don’t assume it means you’re about to die. It could be a reflection of feeling exhausted or as though you are slowly fading away. Death in dreams can also symbolize letting go of part of yourself or something in your life that’s holding you back. It may even indicate that you're ready to transition into a new phase of life.
- If you feel as though your dreams have become "drained" or lack vividness, be patient. External factors such as stress, medications, stimulants, sleep deprivation, or disruptions to the REM sleep cycle may be the cause. It might also be a sign that you need to take a short break to rejuvenate your creative energy. Don’t worry too much. Once external stressors are gone, your dreams will return.
- Scientists still don’t fully understand or agree on the purpose of dreams. So while dream interpretation can be fascinating, it's important to be cautious and rational when using dreams to make important decisions.
Things You’ll Need
- A dream journal
- A pen or colored pencils
- A reading light
- Something to lean on (optional)
