“In my parents' apartment building, there are large stairwells. In my dream, I looked unshaven, disheveled, and stood at the base of the stairwell. Then this kid passes me by. I don't get a great look at him, but I can tell he's reasonably good looking, smart, has everything going for him, including confidence, personality, etc. He was also younger (12 years old when I think I was 19 or something when I had the dream). He passes me by in the staircase like a gust of wind, effortless, running up two steps at a time. I was really annoyed by this person because he seemed so perfect, and seem to be going places fast, was good looking, smart, etc. I felt this deep jealousy that I started to hate the kid, and I just wanted to harm him really badly. I continue walking up the stairs and then I see the kid further up the staircase, face down and crying like he's hurt. It looks like he had been harmed. I felt so bad for him -- all the jealousy gave way to compassion. He looked like he was hurt by others expectations, jealousy/envy, bad desires, etc... All of which weighed down on him so hard and sudden (especially for someone who was 12). I try to hold him and console him, and when I looked at his face, it's me when I was 12. I felt like crying when I woke up, and even today as I write this, I feel a strong emotion retelling it even though I generally don't cry that much.”
Dream Overview: In this dream there is a clear contrast between the dreamer’s image of “the present/older self,” and “the former/younger self.” The immediate, present image of the self in this dream as being “unshaven and dishevelled” suggests an element of dissatisfaction with the present state of “the self,” either physically, psychologically, spiritually or all of the latter. This dream which the client had at age 19 is a healing dream, one where the dreamer embraces his former self with compassion and understanding. It is a dream that therefore suggests that the dreamer should be more forgiving of himself, and to be further willing to embrace all aspects of his being, both past and present.
The jealousy that the “older self feels” toward the “younger self” is highly suggestive, indicating a desire to embrace old ways, old methods, or a former lifestyle. However, as it is with life, one cannot go backward, only forward in time. It is necessary for this dreamer to look forward to the future while accepting the past as it is; this is indicated by the compassion “the older self” expresses toward “the younger self.” Once this acceptance is accomplished, only then will the dreamer be capable of ascending to higher levels emotionally, physically, and spiritually during his waking life. This dream ultimately cues the need for self-acceptance.
Primary Symbols:
*Stairwell: The stairwell in this dream is symbolic of ascension and transition. The dreamer stands at the base of the stairwell and the question remains, at least at first, whether the dreamer will ascend to a higher level or not. Later, the dreamer is seen making the ascension, but not at the pace he desires.
*Self: Seeing one’s self in a dream, especially at different ages, is a way for the subconscious to prompt the dreamer into a state of self-reflection.
Secondary Symbols:
*The number 12: In numerology the number 12 is further broken down to the number 3 (1 + 2 = 3). Since the dreamer has full knowledge of “the child’s” age in this dream, this number becomes an important symbol.
*The number 19: In numerology, the number 19 can be further understood as equalling 10, which is the number of completion, or it can also be viewed as a 1. (1 + 9 = 10. 1 + 0 = 1.). This number is repeated in the dream as well and the dreamer’s awareness of the number makes the number significant in meaning.
Dream Overview: In this dream there is a clear contrast between the dreamer’s image of “the present/older self,” and “the former/younger self.” The immediate, present image of the self in this dream as being “unshaven and dishevelled” suggests an element of dissatisfaction with the present state of “the self,” either physically, psychologically, spiritually or all of the latter. This dream which the client had at age 19 is a healing dream, one where the dreamer embraces his former self with compassion and understanding. It is a dream that therefore suggests that the dreamer should be more forgiving of himself, and to be further willing to embrace all aspects of his being, both past and present.
The jealousy that the “older self feels” toward the “younger self” is highly suggestive, indicating a desire to embrace old ways, old methods, or a former lifestyle. However, as it is with life, one cannot go backward, only forward in time. It is necessary for this dreamer to look forward to the future while accepting the past as it is; this is indicated by the compassion “the older self” expresses toward “the younger self.” Once this acceptance is accomplished, only then will the dreamer be capable of ascending to higher levels emotionally, physically, and spiritually during his waking life. This dream ultimately cues the need for self acceptance.
Primary Symbols:
*Stairwell: The stairwell in this dream is symbolic of ascension and transition. The dreamer stands at the base of the stairwell and the question remains, at least at first, whether the dreamer will ascend to a higher level or not. Later, the dreamer is seen making the ascension, but not at the pace he desires.
*Self: Seeing one’s self in a dream, especially at different ages, is a way for the subconscious to prompt the dreamer into a state of self-reflection.
Secondary Symbols:
*The number 12: In numerology the number 12 is further broken down to the number 3 (1 + 2 = 3). Since the dreamer has full knowledge of “the child’s” age in this dream, this number becomes an important symbol.
*The number 19: In numerology, the number 19 can be further understood as equalling 10, which is the number of completion, or it can also be viewed as a 1. (1 + 9 = 10. 1 + 0 = 1.). This number is repeated in the dream as well and the dreamer’s awareness of the number makes the number significant in meaning.
Dream Themes: Inward/Outward Appearances, Ascension, Transformation, Acceptance. Completion.
This dream is known as a healing dream, mostly likely aimed at healing the dreamer spiritually, and one where the dreamer is expected to use what he or she has come to understand from the dream’s meaning to heal himself psychologically, physically, and spiritually. There are a number of symbols in the dream which, when analyzed and pieced together, give a strong indication as to what it is the dreamer needs to do in his waking life in order to feel at balance and in harmony. Let’s examine this dream in greater detail.
Numerological Symbols:
The number 12, which is broken down into the number 3, in reference to this particular dream is a reference to completion, particularly on a spiritual level. It can also represent a divine trinity, one that also indicates completion. The number three is also indicative of the past, present, and future which are all parts of the dreamer’s life which will be affected by his or her use of the lessons used from this dream. The dreamer, upon embracing the older self becomes complete spiritually and mentally. As the “young self,” is accepted by the “present self,” the two halves of the self merge, complement one another, and form a new understanding of the self.
The number 19, which is broken down into the number 10 is also a repetition of “the spiritual completion” theme. The number 10 in numerological references can come to be understood as perfection. By the merging of the two selves the dreamer perfects his spiritual understanding of self and identity. Interestingly, ten can be broken down further into the number 1, which is in and of itself a reference to the individual, the soul, and the self. The number one is also identified with the act of unifying one’s identity, and a reference to the primordial being. Thus, upon the completion of the merging of the two selves, this dreamer will feel completely in balance with one’s self.
Dream Overview: In this dream there is a clear contrast between the dreamer’s image of “the present/older self,” and “the former/younger self.” The immediate, present image of the self in this dream as being “unshaven and dishevelled” suggests an element of dissatisfaction with the present state of “the self,” either physically, psychologically, spiritually or all of the latter. This dream which the client had at age 19 is a healing dream, one where the dreamer embraces his former self with compassion and understanding. It is a dream that therefore suggests that the dreamer should be more forgiving of himself, and to be further willing to embrace all aspects of his being, both past and present.
The jealousy that the “older self feels” toward the “younger self” is highly suggestive, indicating a desire to embrace old ways, old methods, or a former lifestyle. However, as it is with life, one cannot go backward, only forward in time. It is necessary for this dreamer to look forward to the future while accepting the past as it is; this is indicated by the compassion “the older self” expresses toward “the younger self.” Once this acceptance is accomplished, only then will the dreamer be capable of ascending to higher levels emotionally, physically, and spiritually during his waking life. This dream ultimately cues the need for self acceptance.
Primary Symbols:
*Stairwell: The stairwell in this dream is symbolic of ascension and transition. The dreamer stands at the base of the stairwell and the question remains, at least at first, whether the dreamer will ascend to a higher level or not. Later, the dreamer is seen making the ascension, but not at the pace he desires.
*Self: Seeing one’s self in a dream, especially at different ages, is a way for the subconscious to prompt the dreamer into a state of self-reflection.
Secondary Symbols:
*The number 12: In numerology the number 12 is further broken down to the number 3 (1 + 2 = 3). Since the dreamer has full knowledge of “the child’s” age in this dream, this number becomes an important symbol.
*The number 19: In numerology, the number 19 can be further understood as equalling 10, which is the number of completion, or it can also be viewed as a 1. (1 + 9 = 10. 1 + 0 = 1.). This number is repeated in the dream as well and the dreamer’s awareness of the number makes the number significant in meaning.
Dream Themes: Inward/Outward Appearances, Ascension, Transformation, Acceptance. Completion.
Full Interpretation: This dream is known as a healing dream, mostly likely aimed at healing the dreamer spiritually, one where the dreamer is expected to use what he or she has come to understand from the dream’s meaning to heal himself psychologically, physically, and spiritually. There are a number of symbols in the dream which, when analyzed and pieced together, give a strong indication as to what it is the dreamer needs to do in his waking life in order to feel at balance and in harmony. Let’s examine this dream in greater detail.
“In my parents' apartment building, there are large stairwells. In my dream, I looked unshaven, disheveled, and stood at the base of the stairwell.”
As the dreamer stands at the base of a stairwell, he stands at the foot of potential change. If the dreamer chooses to climb the stairwell, he will be brought to elevated levels: this elevated level can be spiritual, it can be physical, psychological or all of the latter. Since the stairwell is in the dreamer’s parents’ abode, this symbol suggests one of two things; that the dreamer has grown too comfortable with familiarity and should move toward things which are unfamiliar fresh and new, and/or that the dreamer is still in a stage of life where one’s parents are highly influential on the dreamer.
The dreamer has a view of himself as “unshaven, disheveled,” and this view suggests that the dreamer feels out of balance, out of sorts, and as if his or her life is in disarray. The outer physical self is merely a reflection of the inner self. As the dreamer continues to stand at the base of the stairwell, the question remains whether or not the dreamer will ascend to higher levels, at least temporarily.
“Then this kid passes me by. I don't get a great look at him, but I can tell he's reasonably good looking, smart, has everything going for him, including confidence, personality, etc. He was also younger (12 years old when I think I was 19 or something when I had the dream). He passes me by in the staircase like a gust of wind, effortless, running up two steps at a time.
The glimpse of the younger child is brief and fleeting, as is time. Since the child is young, he stands as a symbol that represents the transient nature of youth. Interestingly, the young child makes the ascension quickly up the stairs, taking two steps at a time as he does so. The movement seems “effortless,” and free, and there is no struggle as the child makes an ascension to unknown higher levels.
“I was really annoyed by this person because he seemed so perfect, and seem to be going places fast, was good looking, smart, etc. I felt this deep jealousy that I started to hate the kid, and I just wanted to harm him really badly.”
The dreamer’s annoyance at the carefree nature and confidence of the young child is revealing. The dreamer begins to hate the child for having the ability to make the same journey “upward,” but in a faster, seemingly more productive pace. The fact that the dreamer wanted to harm the child suggests that he is, not only angry at the child’s ability to climb the stairs and ascend, but he is further angry with himself for seemingly lacking the same carefree ability. It is clear that the dreamer has doubts about his own potential.
“I continue walking up the stairs and then I see the kid further up the staircase, face down and crying like he's hurt.”
Here is where the dream begins to reveal the significant message that it has for the dreamer. While it at first seemed that the 12 year old child was more capable of making the ascension up the stairwell, the dreamer has now caught up with the child and found him in a state of distressed emotion. The emotional state that the child is in has now revealed to the dreamer that “not all is as it appears to be,” and that the care-free confidence of the 12 year old child is merely an outward illusion. The emotional state of the 12 year old child also reiterates the inward/outward theme running through this dream; the outward self may or may not reflect one’s true state of being.
“It looks like he had been harmed. I felt so bad for him -- all the jealousy gave way to compassion. He looked like he was hurt by others expectations, jealousy/envy, bad desires, etc...” All of which weighed down on him so hard and sudden (especially for someone who was 12).”
This segment of the dream is rich with messages. The 12 year old child seems harmed in some way: this suggests to the dreamer that whether one is youthful or older that an individual endures hardship and trouble. It also conveys that each phase of one’s life is a transition, a rite of passage that all must endure. As the dreamer casts aside his jealousy for compassion, he reveals his strong empathic nature. The dreamer possesses a full understanding of what it feels like to be troubled, and that understanding is expressed via compassion. This expression of compassion is a key to what this dream suggests: that through compassion and acceptance, not jealousy or anger, a solution to one’s difficult ascension is identified.
“I try to hold him and console him, and when I looked at his face, it's me when I was 12. I felt like crying when I woke up, and even today as I write this, I feel a strong emotion retelling it even though I generally don't cry that much.”
This dream was an amazingly powerful message of healing. As the dreamer discovers that the child he consoles and embraces is his own younger self, the subconscious mind reveals to the dreamer the need for self acceptance, self forgiveness, and compassion. It also suggests to the dreamer that he should not forget what made him who he is today, and the significant role that the “inner child” plays in one’s life throughout a single lifetime.
Numerological Symbols:
The number 12, which is broken down into the number 3, in reference to this particular dream is a reference to completion, particularly on a spiritual level. It can also represent a divine trinity, one that also indicates completion. The number three is also indicative of the past, present, and future which are all parts of the dreamer’s life which will be affected by his or her use of the lessons used from this dream. The dreamer, upon embracing the older self becomes complete spiritually and mentally. As the “young self,” is accepted by the “present self,” the two halves of the self merge, complement one another, and form a new understanding of the self.
The number 19, which is broken down into the number 10 is also a repetition of “the spiritual completion” theme. The number 10 in numerological references can come to be understood as perfection. By the merging of the two selves the dreamer perfects his spiritual understanding of self and identity. Interestingly, ten can be broken down further into the number 1, which is in and of itself a reference to the individual, the soul, and the self. The number one is also identified with the act of unifying one’s identity, and a reference to the primordial being. Thus, upon the completion of the merging of the two selves, this dreamer will feel completely in balance with one’s self.
Recommendations
The dreamer is to reflect upon the past, to consider it, to understand it and to embrace it. Once this measure is taken, the spirit will be freed from weighty burdens of the past. When freed from emotional burdens possibly stemming from childhood the dreamer can move forward in life with far greater ease. The dreamer will also note an increased awareness of self and will have a better time developing spiritually, mentally, and physically upon acceptance of the past. When the gap is successfully closed between the past and the present, the dreamer will lead a more fulfilling and less chaotic lifestyle in the future.