Try Dream Incubation for Health and Balance: Dreams can provide powerful insights when their symbolic content is observed, says Kelly Lydick.

For thousands of years, Egyptians, Greeks and Native Americans have been tapping into the power of dreams to connect to the higher self. They used temples as designated places for dream incubation, a way of making the dreaming practice sacred. These ancestors knew the depth of insight that can be gleaned when dreams and their symbolic content are observed.

Psychologist Carl Jung believed that dreams are just one way to access what he termed the “collective unconscious,” or a universal part of the larger, collective psyche and spirit to which we are all connected. Holistic practitioners use the mind-body connection of dream content to increase awareness and balance aspects of self.

The dream incubation process is simple, and can provide insight and answers to both ordinary and complex questions. The technique works best when practiced regularly and takes just a short amount of time each night. Incubation asks questions of the higher self, the mind-body and the collective unconscious to allow dreams to provide answers. Only a few elements are necessary to begin this process: a small container with a lid, a pen and paper. It is recommended that a specific journal be devoted to the dream practice, which is helpful for recording dreams upon waking in the morning.

The Dream Incubation Process

1. Carefully craft a question and write it on a small piece of paper.
2. Read the question, silently or aloud, at least three times.
3. Fold the paper neatly and place it in the small container. Replace the lid.
4. Sit at the edge of the bed with eyes closed and feet flat on the floor. Concentrate on the question that was written and placed in the container for at least five minutes.
5. Immediately retire to sleep.

Dream incubation containers should be placed at bedside, in an easy-to-reach place. Dream journals should be kept at the bedside, too. Some report that beginning the incubation process is slow, while others receive results immediately. Each person’s biological, psychological and emotional makeup is different and responds differently; however all are capable of utilizing this technique to gain accurate results.

With time, questions can become more specific or refined for focused results. A space of allowing is the key to this simple, yet complex process. Some may have direct answers, and some may need to decode the symbols of the dream. Others will see vivid colors within ordinary experiences or dream lucidly. The higher self knows the answers, and with practice, dream incubation can reveal those answers to expediently achieve optimal balance—and health.

Kelly Lydick teaches writing and metaphysical workshops, and offers private sessions through her company Waking the Dream. You can schedule a consultation with her by calling 602-568-3263 or visit KellyLydick.com.

 

 

 

Tips and Questions to Begin the Dream Incubation Process

Take a Personal Inventory. Ask, “Am I holding onto things, people or events that don’t serve me in a positive way? Are there any areas in which I need to heal emotionally?”

Have Humility. Ask, “Are there any areas in which my ego is attempting to control outcomes?

Are there any events, ideas or realities about my life that I have not yet fully accepted?”

Be Present. Ask, “Where am I focused on thoughts about the past or the future? Am I holding onto past conflicts or issues? If so, what can I do to heal and release these? What does my physical body need right now? What specific foods or supplements?”