Dreaming as Spiritual Practice

New Book Release Today

“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” Genesis 40:8

The other night, I had a dream. The combination of images and stories involving campsites in the wild with magical, fantastical creatures, medieval churches, and an inflatable Macy’s Day parade-style float of a cartoonish Martin Luther beamed through my mind, body, and soul. There is nothing like dreaming to confirm how wonderfully complicated and mysterious humans can be. We are indeed creatures of imagination. Yes, I took this dream to my spiritual director, who opened it up even further, not by telling me what it meant but by asking questions that further expanded my views of life and the many ways God speaks to us through dreams.

The poet Sarojini Naidu captures the wonder of dreaming in the context of her native culture of India.

Once in the dream of a night I stood

Lone in the light of a magical wood,

Soul-deep in visions that poppy-like sprang;

And spirits of Truth were the birds that sang,

And spirits of Love were the stars that glowed,

And spirits of Peace were the streams that flowed

In that magical wood in the land of sleep.

While almost everyone dreams, not all of us attend to them. Some say, “Of course I dream, but who knows what they are about?” Others say, “I never dream” and still others say, “I think I understand them, but I know I’m not getting to the heart of them.”^[1]

For this reason, I’m publishing a small booklet on embracing and understanding our dreams today. This booklet is an updated version of the epilogue that appeared in my book Weird Wisdom for the Second Half of Life. It's intended for people looking for an overview of the practice of dream appreciation for spiritual growth.

Carl Jung reminds us of the great challenge of understanding our dreams in one of his earlier books, Analytical Psychology.

“Dreams are as simple or as complicated as the dreamer is himself, only they are always a little bit ahead of the dreamer's consciousness. I do not understand my own dreams any better than any of you, for they are always somewhat beyond my grasp and I have the same trouble with them as anyone who knows nothing about dream interpretation.”  Carl Jung

My book won’t tell you what your dreams mean, but it will provide you with an introduction to several ways to appreciate dreams in the context of your spiritual growth. Below is the summary blurb from the Amazon page describing the book.

Dreaming as Spiritual Practice by James Hazelwood explores the profound connection between dreams and spiritual growth. Drawing on ancient traditions, biblical references, and modern psychological theories, Hazelwood delves into dreams' transformative power. This book offers readers a comprehensive guide to understanding and using dreams as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and spiritual enrichment.

Hazelwood takes readers on a journey through the mystical landscapes of the dream world, illustrating how dreams have been a source of divine insight and personal revelation throughout history. He highlights the role of dreams in various religious traditions, from the Bible to Buddhism. He underscores their significance in guiding individuals toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the universe.

Through practical advice and personal anecdotes, "Dreaming as Spiritual Practice" provides readers with various approaches to dream interpretation and appreciation. Hazelwood emphasizes the importance of engaging with dreams in a communal setting, offering detailed guidelines for creating and participating in dream groups. This collective exploration allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of the symbolic language of dreams.

Whether you are new to the world of dream work or a seasoned practitioner, "Dreaming as Spiritual Practice" offers valuable insights and techniques to enhance your spiritual journey. This book is an invitation to embark on a profound inner adventure, unlocking the wisdom of your dreams to guide you toward greater wholeness and spiritual fulfillment.

This book is available in my store as an E-Book for only $3. Just click here. If you wish to purchase a print version, you can do so at this link: Click here. The print version is currently only available via Amazon.

Below is a short video about the book today. I’m a bit sweaty after mowing the lawn.

Dream Class

On a related note, several of you emailed asking questions about the course I’ll teach in January at United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg on Dreams of the Bible. My plan is to offer something of a Zoom series for “Notebook” readers this winter. That way, more people can participate, and you don’t need to be a Doctor of Ministry student at ULS. More info on that will be available later in the fall.

I’ll be on vacation for the month of August. In September, I’ll begin the series “Bicycling with Saints and Sinners” as I bicycle through the European lands of Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and others.

Until Next Time,

James Hazelwood is the author of several books on the intersection of everyday living, spirituality, and depth psychology. He is a trained Spiritual Director and Coach. For over 35 years, he served as a minister specializing in mischief. His website is www.jameshazelwood.net

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^[1] Marion Woodman, in The Art of Dreaming by J Mellick