Check list for the Dream Challenge

Space, Mind and Body

Dear reader,

Today more than ever it feels like this Dream Challenge is testing me personally. For a few months now, as I have been working on this idea, it seems my dreams have abandoned me. I can not recall a single dream from the past few months. I get maybe an image, or a feeling but nothing like I used to be able to recall in the past.

Of course I could be trying too hard, or my subconscious is pushing me to really dive into this dream challenge and it’s not going to be easy. Thankfully, this morning in that space between awake and asleep, I had an epiphany. So here it goes.

To prepare oneself for this thing I am calling a dream challenge, first I need to let go of expectations. Expecting that I will have some profound life changing experience is a form of self-sabotage. It will be what it will be and I will learn from it and hopefully all of us who decide to do this practice for the next 28 days will learn something. More importantly, we have a chance to connect and meet other dreamers and learn from each other in the process.

Photo by Brigitta Schneiter

With that being said here are some suggestions on how to prepare:

1. Prime your space:

   Even if your bedroom is your sacred space already, you can still give it some attention prior to starting this practice. There is always more decluttering to do. Wash your windows, dust, wash the curtains, clean under the bed, re arrange the furniture, do whatever will give your room a fresh and clean feeling.

   Perform your preferred ritual to bless your space, whether it’s burning sage, lighting a candle or incents or spray salt water or holy water. Or just air it out really well and let the sunlight clear the space. Whatever your preferred way of doing this is, do it with intention of clearing old energies, unwanted behaviors and habits.

   Next, invoke a guardian presence to protect you during your dream process. This can be a deity, angelic figure, ancestor, spirit animal or a plant that you feel strongly connected to. Ask them to be the gatekeeper of your dream world, to protect you from hostile thoughts or presences.

   Whoever or whatever you choose to call for protection it is really important that you feel a strong connection to them. As you ask for protection feel the ask with your entire being.

   (For a deep dive on this topic I highly recommend you listen to an episode of The Emerald Podcast: Guardians and Protectors. This episode explains the reasons why we need to invoke guardians and protectors. Robert Moss in his book Dreamgates gives detailed instructions on how to create a secure space for dreaming.)

2. Prime your mind:

   As we have a whole week to prepare for this, I invite you to be more aware of what you allow into your mind. Observe where you place your attention. Attempt to cut down on your overall screen time, TV, Netflix and social media. Ideally do not place your face in front of any screen an hour before you get ready for bed.

   Turn your bedtime routine into another ritual. Dim the lights, play soft music, take a bath or a shower, read a book, sit in silence, or gaze into your fireplace, or a lit candle or starry sky. As you do this release all that has taken place during the day and go to bed feeling a little bit more relaxed.

3. Prime your Body:

   During this coming week give your body a little preparation for the dream challenge. You may want to do a short fast, or a cleanse or just be mindful of what and how you eat.

   As I mentioned in the Sleep Patterns post certain foods and beverages can either enhance or disrupt your dream recall. Alcohol and chocolate before sleep have shown to produce poor sleep and nightmares. Vitamin B and Magnesium are known to aid in relaxation and restful sleep. THC use has shown to disrupt dream recall, even though it is a sleep aid for some. At the least just observe and note how certain foods and drinks affect you.

   Most importantly give yourself enough time to sleep so that you can complete your dream cycle, and wake up on your own, rather than being jolted by an alarm.

   Upon going to bed, set an intention which can be as simple as asking for restful sleep without interruptions (i.e. bathroom visit at 3:00 am), or for healing, or for guidance on a specific issue, the topics are endless.

   Once in bed practice relaxed breathing. Focus on your breath, take a big sigh and start to breathe slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe into your belly and all the way down to your toes. Pause. Breathe out from the toes, into belly and out the mouth. Pause and repeat. Don’t force it, just allow for your own rhythm. If you already have a breathing practice for relaxation that works for you, do that.

   If you do end up waking in the middle of the night to use a bathroom or get some water, recognize that as a gift instead of frustration. When you return to bed, focus on your breath again and repeat the relaxation technique.

   In the coming weeks I will be sharing more relaxation techniques and guided meditations.

Have a great week of preparation and feel free to message me with any questions regarding the dream challenge. Don’t forget you can still get a free Dream Journal if you refer friends to this publication.