Publisher's Synopsis
I cannot tell you what your dreams mean to you. This is not a dream "dictionary." Instead, I will explain what dreams are. What all dreams are. What they have always been. Through the filter of the letter "F" I have curated the most complete book ever available on the substance of "dream stuff." All the interesting facets of everything dream-related is in here. Yes, Freud and his contributions and fallacies are inside these pages. And C.G. Jung's archetypal forms are here, too. But that's just the beginning...I will take you on a journey from our earliest dream artifacts through to the cutting edge of modern dream science. You will learn how "fight or flight" reflexes are rehearsed while we sleep, and how these ancient mechanisms complement childhood fairytales and cultural fables to benefit waking life. We will also explore why I believe that consciousness is best understood using the N.O.V.E.L. filter (in dream-light and in the daylight). Plus, we will go spelunking into the foundations of philosophy and psychology and religion and biology and shine a light on the pivotal role that dreaming has played in so much of our humanity. But this isn't just a book of assorted facts...I am not just a fan of the dream world. My expertise does not end with my lifelong collection of personal dream journals. In addition to scrutinizing and diving through thousands of books and professional journal articles on dreaming, I have conducted my own studies with hundreds of participants in academic settings. I have testing hypotheses and practiced the true "art" of this thing called dream science. I have done the Work to attain eye-level with the greats. I have even stepped on the shoulders of giants and seen things others could not, or would not. And although Volume I is not specifically about Lucid Dreaming, some of the highlights from that realm are covered herein. It's all within these virtual covers, even practical tips for using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve one's dream life. A deep think on dreaming reveals timeless threads which weave across the ages and emerge again and again, right when we need them. I know why most people are afraid to discuss their dreams. By "dreams," I don't mean their wishes or hopes. Those are not dreams, not in the true sense. Dreams are things that happens to us, and through us they use us to manifest their inherent patterns. For better or worse. We can run from our dreams or try to ignore them, but whether remembered or operating "sub-consciously" they will impose their will. I say, it is best to become familiar with dreams and learn to harness their world-shaping energies. To quote Jung's apprentice, M-L von Franz: "The dreamer is like somebody who has an enormous bank balance and does not know it, or who has lost the safe key." I cannot make you use the key, but I can point you to it.I expect you will enjoy reading Volume I of WHAT THE F ARE DREAMS? There is nothing quite like it. But then again, it reflects every great story ever told, because they all come from the same place.
