As our conscious self is not an angelic creature free of sin, our shadow is not a demon, devoid of redeeming qualities, and these strengths of the shadow are what make it attractive. This does not mean we are conscious of the shadow, but when we are confronted by some aspect of it repugnant to us, we may sense that with it comes a self-confidence we lack. This is the lie of the shadow. Giving in to one repressed and unhealthy aspect of ourselves does not guarantee expression of healthier aspects. Continue reading Everything You Dream is Fiction: further reading

As our conscious self is not an angelic creature free of sin, our shadow is not a demon, devoid of redeeming qualities, and these strengths of the shadow are what make it attractive. This does not mean we are conscious of the shadow, but when we are confronted by some aspect of it repugnant to us, we may sense that with it comes a self-confidence we lack. This is the lie of the shadow. Giving in to one repressed and unhealthy aspect of ourselves does not guarantee expression of healthier aspects. Continue reading Everything You Dream is Fiction: part 5

In stories, we end with pattern satisfaction. In life, the story continues. Imperfections and failures mount, parent and child. Forgiveness and love are hopefully offered and received. The child becomes a parent, and the parent decreases. She becomes old and frail, full of want and anxiety. Provision and care are again external, and in certain times and cultures, that provision and care came from the child, completing the circle. Continue reading Everything You Dream is Fiction: part 4

Memories are linked to sensual perception. Senses trigger memories, and smell especially is known to trigger vivid memories. Our brains mimic an experience when reading about it, and even solitary words with strong odor associations trigger the olfactory cortex. All of that being true, we can create and trigger literary memories. Continue reading Everything You Dream is Fiction: part 3

Our goal is to facilitate the experience of discovery for the reader, and to do that we must allow room for the unexplained. We must let go of our fear that something will be missed. Let it be missed. Let it be interpreted in ways you never imagined. Let it be. Continue reading Everything You Dream is Fiction: part 2

A fascination in other people’s dreams did not survive the evolutionary process. When you read my books, I want you to be reading your own dreams, but how is this to be accomplished? Continue reading Everything You Dream is Fiction: part 1