Why do we dream: Theories and facts

Dreaming is one of the worlds constant wonders. No one has ever truly found the reason behind dreaming. Although, that does not keep us from provoking theories. Research and conclusion have been formed on dreaming over many centuries and though many can be contradicting, the human mind is so mysterious there will never be an answer to our never ending question.

              In an web based article on Dream Research.Net  written by G. William Domhoff entitled, “The Purpose Of Dreams”  the author claims that dreaming actually has no real meaning. Backing up his theory, Domhoff begins to discuss the research tested on REM sleep. (REM sleep is a deep sleep the human mind enters after a certain point of rest.) It was thought that this was the only time we could experience dreams. Domhoff says that because it was proven we could experience dreams in any point of rest that the REM theory for dreams cannot be true. The writer attempts to explore new theories by discussing the research found from an ancient philosopher named Carl Jung who claimed, "the function of dreams is to compensate for those parts of the psyche (total personality) that are underdeveloped in personal life." Once again unraveling the facts, the author discusses the failed findings of Jung's studies stating that, “dream content is continuous with waking thought and behavior.” Just when I thought the pessimistic Domhoff had me struggling to find a theory I believed in, I discovered an article reviewing the spiritual purposes of dreaming.

          Amy Brucker wrote an article titled, “3 Magical Ways Dreams Help You Live Your Soul Purpose.” In this piece written in The Dream Tribe , she discusses the type of dreams you can have and claims that if you analyze each correctly, it will help you navigate your true purpose in life. Now, what does this have to do with the meaning behind dreaming? Brucker states that dreams can guide us in mysterious ways, but there are always three types of dreams that navigate your soul towards the right path. Soul calling theme dreams, Soul calling direction dreams, and common theme dreams. Without these dreams, we would have no direction or true calling in life. In theory, Brucker is suggesting that dreams are given to us to help navigate our life purpose.

                What are my thoughts on dreaming? After reading many articles and opinions I have discovered the brain is difficult thing to comprehend, I think humans were not meant to fully understand the meaning behind something as complex as dreaming. With that being said, I think I finally have come up with a type of personal theory for dreaming.

              I believe REM sleep does contribute to a lot of our more creative dreams only because our mind is finally turned off and our body is relaxed. The human mind is a constant running machine, telling your body to breathe, eat, and think twenty-four seven. I think if we did not dream, our mind would have nothing to focus on while we rest for 6 or more hours a day. Our brain creates an image for itself to keep it occupied because after being a constant machine for function all day, it cannot handle the complete shutdown process of sleeping.

                As for the spiritual representation of dreams, I do believe dreaming has an underlying meaning for ourselves. The mind and soul are connected, in my opinion. If the idea I proposed above is true, and our mind can occupy itself by creating its own falsified memories, doesn’t that mean the soul can contribute to those images we see in dreams as well? Of course it can! The soul is far beyond something I can comprehend, but I believe that it does contribute to the things we see in our dreams.