No comments about Creative Flowdreaming: Manifesting Your Dreams in the Life You've Already Got.

No comments about The Hidden Door: Understanding and Controlling Dreams.

No comments about Counting Sheep: The Science and Pleasures of Sleep and Dreams.

1 comments about A Thousand Paths to Enlightenment (Thousand Paths series).

1. I enjoy reading the large variety of enlightening sayings, parables, poetry and other thougts within its pages. The book is separated into eight key areas (or chapters): The Knowledge, Sharing, Intentions, Actions, Lifewish, Quest, Attitude and Focus. The type is clearly set within the pages in the same font family with a variety of font sizes, font styles (narrow, regular and bold) Improvements that could be made include, adding the names of the chapters in the same small print next to the page number, so the reader relates the context of the saying towards, for example, Actions. Also, only a very small handful of the 1000 thoughts include who is the originator of the saying, which sometimes is just as fascinating.

   Even with its shortcomings, I still recommend buying this book or one of the Thousand Path series books (i.e., A Thousand Paths to Wisdom, A Thousand Paths to Happiness) and placing at your work desk to scan and remember what's really important.

1 comments about Being a Character: Psychoanalysis and Self Experience.

1. This is a deceptively dense book, full of complex psychoanalytic theory and practice, which conveys essences of this work in ways that are poetically and evocatively moving. "Being a Character," the title and the concept, is all about the subject's ability to elaborate itself through the use of the evocative object - that which evokes aspects of ourselves which may yet have gone unexpressed. Bollas brings the psychoanalytic process and the process of generative and creative living to vivid life. His many descriptions of the seemingly infinite details that can occupy an analyst's mind, and the moving nature of these apprehensions, demonstrate in example and form the very ideas he is presenting.

   "...Character" paints a living picture of what it is to be a subject with an ineffable unconscious that must nevertheless be brought into unfolding expression and experience of one's being. This book seems to transcend battles between intrapsychic and relational models of the mind by showing again and again, without ever being redundant, just how it is that intersubjectivity inevitably entails unconscious communication between any two subjects, that there is a dense and polysemous nature to so much of subjective experience.

   The first three chapters spell out these ideas and lay the groundwork for the rest of the book. In "Psychic Genera," a repression model of the mind is maintained but enriched by the idea of an unconscious that receives impressions "sponsored" by the object world which, when we are receptive enough, offer us new data of existence, which enlarge the very essence of who we are. This occurs when aspects of our native selves previously dormant are presented an object through which to come to life. This can only happen to the degree to which we are not restricted in our creativity by the repressed unconscious. In "The Psychoanalyst's Use of Free Association," Bollas again offers an enlarged picture of a pre-existing psychoanalytic mainstay. He shows something of what free association traditionally is and should be, while also showing how the analyst uses his unconscious in receiving and responding to the patient's free associating.

   "Cutting" is an incredibly provocative essay that viscerally demonstrates the psychosexual and object-relational meanings and uses of this gripping symptom. As James Grotstein says in a review elsewhere of this essay, Bollas shows us how the patient tries to carve her idiom by "creat(ing) a symbolic entity out of the nothing that her vagina has signified for her and has been signified for her by others. It is a stab, in short, at achieving wholeness from the abjectness of her hole." In "Cruising in the Homosexual Arena," Bollas again very vividly, attending to both a phenomenological and a psychostructural depiction of his subject, demonstrates how certain homosexuals defend against an experience of primary maternal coldness by an intense erotizing of deadness and of sexual body parts in lieu of an embodied and integrated sensuality.

   Without going into further detail, I will just say that, for me, Bollas's rendering of what he calls fascism and of what he calls "violent innocence" are equally provocative and evocative essays. There is more here as well, such as his essays on the oedipal complex and on "generational consciousness."

   This is a book that presents a deep yet readily graspable picture of the infinite crossroads we encounter in a moment, in a dream, a symptom, an analysis, a life. It weaves striking tapestries of the choices between foreclosure and unconscious symbolic repetition of trauma on the one hand and, on the other, the fertile option of enduring the strain and the joy of the "cracking up" of our selves and its attendant symbolic elaboration of our idiom.

1 comments about Your Dreams Count: A Layman's Approach to Dream Analysis.

1. In addition to being an interesting read, this book offers information concerning every aspect of dreams in such a comprehensive and well-organized manner as to be used as a reference book, a natural for the bookshelf of every household.
   The author begins with basic philosophy, referring to the early greats, such as Hobbs, Freud and Jung and examining the various states of consciousness about which we so often hear, yet often fail to truly comprehend: Alpha, beta, etc.
   Next comes a thoughtful and thorough examination of the seven types of dreams. Then, on to symbolism in dreams, another area so often referred to in literature, both old and new.
   The book deals with ESP, the conscious and sub-conscious mind, motifs (prominent images of the kind that stick out in one's mind)
   Finally, the book speaks of attitudes (feelings) concerning dreams and the best methods of creating, first, awareness, and then, record-keeping. The record-keeping is suggested in much detail, a perfect how-to manual for those seriously interesting in investigating their dreams.
   Rev. Peck devotes a considerable number of pages to "the threefold you:" physical, mental, spiritual, as it offers, through dreams, a view of ourselves. I judge this to be the main thrust of the volume. Here he gives credit to the development of his personal philosophy and his approach to dream analysis to "Born To Win" , a book concerning transactional analysis.
   An entire section of Your Dreams Count" deals with ego states, from the ascending child states to adult, all carefully organized so as to be easily located, as any good reference book needs to be.
   Numerology, astrology, scents, colors, metals, gem stones and even tarot symbols each play a significant role in this author's all-inclusive discussion of dreams and their meanings.
   I happily recommend this book.
   
   Pat Plepler. educator and writer

1 comments about Healing Dreams: How to Interpret Your Dreams and Change Your Life (Hamlyn Mind, Body, Spirit S.).

1. I have just about every dream book available and this one is by far the most useful. Dening's approachis unique in that she suggests several possible meanings for each of the common dream symbols and explains how to identify the most appropriate one. I now understand the meaning of a recurring nightmare that has bothered me for years - so for me this is a great self-help book. If you are interested in your dreams I guarantee that you, too, will find it indispensable.

3 comments about Awakening the Dreamer.

1. The most amazing thing about "Awakening the Dreamer" is that it stimulates my dreaming, awakening me to my true self. It can be read and used at many different levels, accessible to ordinary people who may be curious about their dreams and the phenomenon of dreams.

   There is abundant guidance for what Raechel Bratnick calls the "dreamer's work:" gathering dreams, practicing, "incubating a dream," creating a dream collection, using dreams in creative activities, connecting with other conscious dreamers, developing self knowledge through dreaming.

   "Awakening the Dreamer" has increased my enjoyment of my sleeping and stimulated me to spend more time with the fascinating images that emerge from my own true self.




2. I am extremely happy I read Raechel Bratnick's new book "Awakening the Dreamer."

   Science tells us that sleep and the need to dream are particularly important functions for mental and emotional well being. But, seldom are the reasons explained more fully and carefully than by this book.

   "Awakening the Dreamer" not only succinctly and clearly identifies the role of dreams in our conscious behavior, but also explores their importance in our overall state of mind. This includes our ability to recognize sadness, depression, fatigue, restlessness, anger and resentment as symptoms of a restless soul that lacks fulfillment in our everyday conscious lives.

   Through the pages of this book, I've learned that dreams are far more than innocent playthings of the mind. In reality, dreams are messengers of our truest feelings and beliefs. They convey our deepest thoughts and beliefs without the trappings of our everyday lives that include rational thought, overwhelming responsibilities and financial and emotional stress. Shrouded in fantasies, symbols and imagery that know no bonds, dreams offer the pathway to our innermost desires that many of us have long ago discarded and forgotten to conform to the demanding and often harsh realities of life.

   Since I read this book, I now listen to my dreams and pay attention to their messages. I've learned the unconscious mind is far more attuned to our truest feelings as well as the individual pathways for achieving happiness and fulfillment while overcoming everyday challenges and obstacles.

   Through the help of "Awakening the Dreamer," I've also begun to decipher the myriad the images within my dreams and their unlock their wisdom. In many cases, I was surprised at what I found. The messages contained within my dreams directly contradicted years of rationalization, suppression and programming. Now that I understand my true feelings, I've begun to integrate their needs into my everyday life. In a short time, this has resulted in a greater respect for my individual needs in a convoluted society, clearer pathways of decision making and a higher regard for my intuitive abilities.

   I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about his or her true self and desires a happier, wiser, more empathic, calmer and capable life. Ms. Brantick's deep understanding of this topic and her desire to help others achieve a greater understanding of self and their own individual paths to personal fulfillment is evident in every page, exercise and example provided throughout "Awakening the Dreamer."




3. I've read my share of books on dreams and dreaming, but this is hands down my favorite. It is as rich and complex as dreams themselves, yet provides very creative and useful tools to help the dreamer work with and integrate their dreams into their consciousness. Bratnick provides the reader a portal into living a life that is full of meaning, both personally and collectively.

2 comments about Dictionary of Dreams: Interpretation and Understanding.

1. The thing that really caught my attention when I saw this in the bookstore was the fact that it came with a set of cards to help with the dream interpretation, almost like a miniature tarot deck made of four basic symbols. There is a section in the back that fully explains the meaning of the combination of cards that you draw that can be combined with the other half of the book that explains the symbols in your dream. The dictionary section has an index at the beginning that groups similar symbols together and points you to the page to look up that symbol on. I also liked the fact that there are multiple interpretations listed under each symbol depending on the circumstances of the dream. Aside from a few typos (including one on the card combination index), the book is pretty thorough and full of great information. Also, if the cards were a little larger and thicker and the instructions were more clear or simple on how to use the cards, then I would have given this book a higher rating.



2. As a writer on the topic of dreams, I am constantly comparing dream dictionaries. In some ways dreams can be a rather narrow topic so I'm always interested in different perspectives. The card set that is included with the book intrigued me.
   
   Colin's basic meanings are traditional and accurate. While the author is quite thorough, the expanded definitions mainly focus on predictive dreams. Meanings are loaded with phrases such as "You will," "You are," "Someone will," etc. Other dream dictionaries as well as I would instead make statements such as "If you dream of being trapped, perhaps there is too much stress in your waking life." Colin consistently predicts outcomes. While the expanded definitions concern me, they can be useful if not taken as final authority. There are some good perceptions there.
   
   While I do give credence to predictive dreams, they make up a very small percentage in the dreams that occur for most individuals and throughout the population. There is always the danger that the dreamer will get too wrapped up in the suggestion of premonition and attract disaster through their own thought processes or cause themselves undue worry and fear.
   
   The cards, which are contained on perforated pages, are a series of four symbols, but the author lost me with the 64 possible combinations similar to tarot spreads. I don't have the time to investigate such a complicated system.
   
   However, the meanings of the combinations are interesting and more appropriate for applying dreams to waking life than the individual symbols definitions. If you have time to play with this system and can decipher the combinations from the small print, you may find it interesting and useful. The combinations are also printed in the page margins but lack the text references included in the legend, so the reader must still refer to the small print to utilize the system. Expert tarot readers may find the system an interesting comparison.
   
   This can be used as a basic reference but there are many others that are significantly better. I would not recommend this book at all for beginners.
   
   This one is best taken with a grain of salt.

No comments about Nearing Death Awareness: A Guide to the Language, Visions and Dreams of the Dying.