Dream Workshop Write Up
On March 29, 2009, AdopSource presented Sheila McNellis Asato, M.A., who shared her expertise in the field of dream study at Rondo Community Outreach Library in St. Paul. Sheila is the founder of Monkey Bridge Arts, a center dedicated to the growth, transformation, and healing of individuals and the community through the arts, dreaming, and creative development.
Twenty adoptees, friends, and family assembled to learn more about themselves as individuals and as members of the adoptee community through dream interpretation. Sheila began the workshop with a brief self introduction which connected her deep interest in dreams and their profound impact on various areas of life.
After agreeing to a privacy statement which ensured a safe and respectful atmosphere, the participants were then invited to share one of their own dreams, along with any questions they may have regarding dreaming. Sheila provided insightful feedback for each person, including how common themes in recurrent dreams (such as falling, being chased, or dying) can be interpreted figuratively and applied to our waking lives. She also introduced the intriguing idea of “lucid dreaming” where the dreamer actually takes control of his/her own dream and decides what will happen.
One participant’s dream was chosen by the group for in-depth analysis. The dreamer was asked to re-enter his dream and describe it in as much detail as possible. With the help of the other participants, the dreamer was able to explore his dream surroundings with newfound clarity.
Afterward, each participant responded to the following “If this were my dream, I would feel…” Through this exercise, the dreamer was able to hear many different viewpoints and perspectives about his dream—different interpretations to the same dream. By the end of our discussion, the dreamer had figured out the symbolism in his dream and how it related to his life.
Through the dream exercises, the participants learned how to look at dreams symbolically rather than literally. In addition, Sheila provided us with tools to better cope with things in our dreams that may seem overwhelming or frightening. She also brought the group to an interesting discovery: Many times we can overcome our everyday fears by conquering them in our dreams.
Participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks while learning more about themselves and each other through dreaming. Everyone enjoyed the session and many commented that they wished there had been more time. This was a truly unique experience and AdopSource looks forward to working with Sheila in the future!
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