Short dream, what questions would you ask me that might help me explore the dream MYSELF?

Question

I'm standing at the end of a pier, the lateral wood planks aged, the colour of ashes. I'm aware of four or more persons behind me, in single file. [I do not think about whether I know them or not.] About twenty feet below the pier, & as far as I can see on both sides & to the far horizon, the ocean lies; unmoving under the sun & textured as dull grey hammered metal with random threads of viridian. There are no rescue boats, no helicopters. [I'm not aware of the reason there should be, or what is behind us, nor do I have a sense of fear or panic.] I'm mildly surprised; there is nowhere to go from here; whatever expectations we had haven't been met. Someone behind me communicates [not verbally] "We could jump." I comprehend this could be an irrational thought, as from a high bridge where instinct, not thought might urge them. I look at the ocean, perhaps inviting in its vast, endless solidity. I have no wish to jump. For me, there is one choice. Turn back.

The dream ends before I turn, which I think is relevant. But I don't awaken, & have other dreams after this one. They are NOT connected.

I'm truly overwhelmed by the beautiful & perceptive answers. They've exceeded my expectations. &, in fact, I haven't even attempted to internalize this dream as yet. (I let them germinate a bit.) Some of the questions have rung curiosity bells. You see, this really helps! I thought it would be interesting to get some input before I analyzed it myself. A "new" approach I've never used. I hope it carries its weight for awhile. Thank you all; this is fascinating.

The most important insight from many of your responses, is that the dream was devoid of personal emotions because it wasn't about ME, per se, it was about the "single file" of those behind me. The "rescue" that wasn't there, hadn't met "their" expectations. But, I was in the lead, was I not? (You see how this ties in with some of the comments.) They looked to me, as at least four (!) currently are, for answers that only time can tell them. (Time: the vast unmoving ocean?) I await no rescue for myself. "My" pier is at a logical end. Also, perhaps, they stand in line as they aren't connected. (This is their problem--literally, they want me to create the path, the pier, to do so for them.) Probably, the dream ended before I turned, as a symbol that I've not yet given up on them. Yet, at the end of the pier, I can only retrace my steps, for there is "no there there." "Mildly surprised:" I took them as far as I was able, & truly anticipated no solution. (My well worn pier!)

One essential element I left out due to limit of space. After, how I could "comprehend" someone wanting to jump, I left out the link which was-- partly BECAUSE it was inviting to "them." Dr. Watson picked up on it 100%: "...trying to view it from the perspective of someone thinking about jumping?" Also, Dr., I'd been feeling a "burden" until I realized that at this point, there's nothing more I can do, (& the dream TOLD me, rather calmly, I think). So, to lovechild--Thank you my dear, but the imagery IS the message. In dreams, the transition is from images, feelings & then thought.

I wish I could address each of you individually, but perhaps the best I can do is to tell tou what I know about this dream, & you can connect the dots to your answers.
My dream lacked emotion. I'd already come to a conclusion. I'd taken those who looked to me for answers, as far as possible. Their choices were irrelevant; only mine. To turn back from the absence of alternatives. The ocean represented nothing to ME. There is a residue of concern, which is perhaps why I awakened just before I turned. But, I have no more options, & I'm logical about that. The pier is well worn; I've been on it before under similar circumstances.

I respect & appreciate your thoughtful answers that more than met my expectations. I'd love to "give" stars to more, but the list is long, & I believe you know who you are. My very wise, & good friends! I don't want to risk letting this go to vote; when I ask a question, (so rarely), I have interest in it. I care about every response. The next few days will be full, (more piers with yet others?) so, I'll make a choice, & please understand this is in view of the many, many insightful (& most often true) answers/questions. Thank all of you again!

Answer 1

What I find interesting is that you perceived the people behind you as in a single file.

Have you thought that they are perhaps following you, looking to you for some kind of guidance?

If so, could it be that one or more of them are losing patience while waiting for your response?

You have no sense of fear or panic (as you shouldn't) but these other people might. Or even worse, could it be that they've given up and are ready to take that jump?

Do you ever feel the burden of the lives of others depending too much on you?

As to the ocean seeming even slightly inviting to you (although you know instinctively and rationally it's not) could this be you trying to view it from the perspective of someone thinking about jumping? Putting yourself in their shoes, so to speak?

Turning back is both a rational and emotional first choice for you because you realize life is full of viable options. If the dream had continued I'm positive you would have turned back. Could the dream have ended abruptly because you might have been afraid the others wouldn't?

Answer 2

(I'll respond without reading other answers first.) I think you are usually very well in touch with your feelings, but in this case the ocean represents a bit of an enigma to you. You are at the end of the world there (I'm a sci fi fan) and the pier is ancient (ash color) and a well worn path. If it were my dream, the ocean would represent a global political factor (such as global warming or the war in Iraq) that worries me a great deal right now. It would be an almost unsurmountable cluster of problems. So what is worrying you on a deep level? On a positive note, the viridian might symbolize new growth in a positive direction under the surface of things. Why do you wish to turn back? Is it because you can't change such an enormous problem without destroying yourself in the process? Is it to retrace your steps to a better perspective where you can manage yourself and your future better? Is it because the viridian gives you hope, though others do not understand this?

Answer 3

Hi,
Trying to see it from a slightly different angle to what has been said ... which is the beauty of symbolism and dreams ... even though I agree with all the above and many echo what would have been my answer had I been one of the earlier ones to reply. All brilliant answers. Here' s my contribution ....
A choice is necessary and although you are responsible in some way for other people, you won’t allow their emotions to sway you. Before you is the ocean and its ‘vast, endless solidity’, in front of those behind you is YOU. You are their strength and solidity. They can do whatever you want and much beyond. If they don’t it’s because they allow instinct to cloud their judgement and get in their own way (you’re willing to turn round, you aren't blocking them). There are no rescue boats, no helicopters because you are the ‘saviour’ for those who are following behind you and have so much faith in you, like sheep. People are relying on you and pushing you to give more and more. You reach a point where you ‘feel’ you can’t go any further and maybe this is because you’ve reached the goal you set yourself a long long time ago. Only it has fallen short of your expectations; maybe you’re now at a stage where you need something different, where what inspired you in the past is no longer as exciting or as fulfilling as it used to be. You have no wish to jump (move on), there is one choice: turn back. Perhaps through retracing your steps you might find a new avenue you missed earlier, something that will give you the fulfilment you need without you having to turn your back on all those who clearly still need you now?
One more thought: could it be that you are giving yourself so much to others that you aren't leaving a lot of time in your life for just 'being you'?
Pollyanna

Answer 4

I’ve never done this before, so some of the things I write might seem ridiculous.

Is there something or issues that you are undecided on?
I see a lot of the color gray, in your dream there, and gray often represents indecision or being caught in the middle; the midpoint between a resolute choice between black and white.

Are there people in your life hampering your decision on which path to choose? Do you feel that they are expecting something from you that you are reluctant to give?

Do you associate the vast, unmoving ocean as somewhere you might get lost in, and you might get stuck because you do not see it flowing anywhere? A wide, borderless prison, maybe?

Normally the ocean is the symbol of freedom. But sometimes freedom can be a daunting prospect for someone who has been sheltered for a long while by the people looking after them. Are you afraid of making a first journey on your own?

Maybe these people want you to be brave and take your first step to freedom, but you are not ready.

In the end, your heart tells you to follow your instincts, to return to safety, but then do you also fear letting those close to you down?

I’m sorry if I'm way off. That was my best shot, my friend. But it was such a vivid and symbolic dream...

Answer 5

The key (almost) always lies in the immediate emotional response. What was that, in a word or two - and then you might try associating. Does the idea of an irrational thought alarm you? Is creativity irrational, a "leap in the dark"? What expectations haven't been met? Do you truly not WISH to jump, or do you fear to? Why is there only one choice? Do you have a choice to jump without expectations? Do you feel you would rather hold to the familiar unmet expectations, or discard expectations altogether and merely "jump". Why would the ocean seem inviting, and solid? Is that solidity reassuring or alarming? If you are turning back, do you turn back to make something new, or back to the old?

Answer 6

Obviously, you are actively choosing Life over Death [at least death at that particular moment, and under those curious set of circumstances]. ... But the real question is: WHY do you happen to be in that predicament in the first place? What put you at the end of the pier, besides your transparent affection and affinity for [The Majestic Mystery that is here] the ocean? What pushed you into that precarious corner and made you have to choose? Your lack of fear, is at once reassuring and yet quite alarming, as well. Something has made you feel at peace with the terminal consequences of death; something beyond a simple inner wisdom gained through time. Something beyond the life-adoring moment of a couple in love. There is a substrate sensation of a profound loss, mixed in with an off-centered, yet peculiarly appealing, touch of metaphysical homelessness [perhaps exasperated by a severed continuity]; there must be a satisfactory farewell before the longings can truly transform into sweet memories. Creativity may play you for a magician of the great unknown; a being in imminent risk of committing herself to a seemingly courageous jump, but in the end your love of life and your passion for knowledge help restore the balance. … May you always dream a good dream, like this one! :-)

Answer 7

You are at a point where you are in between the foundations that you have relied upon while growing and learning that there is more. Foundations to build for others. But, that is not what you expected. You thought the answer was for you, but only as you share with others to build. As nice as it would be for everything to come together for you...it's only you as you build. There is only you to cross the ocean inside and your path will be a pier for others. That is the magic of moving forward within others as afraid as you are of taking that step. Was there a bird or a shadow of a bird on the water drifting? To turn back is to deny others your strength and to deny yourself.

I wish I could step forward too.

Answer 8

DAWN THIS DREAM IS SO COOL! I WISH I HAD DREAMS LIKE THAT!

is there an event in your life that is expecting too much of you, something that keeps pushing you and pushing you- maybe it is getting you to the edge. Or maybe you are just taking drugs and your body is telling you to turn back.

Answer 9

As I always say about dreams, pay more attention to the feelings you experience upon waking than on the imagery.

Hope that helps you!

Peace Love Lucidity

Answer 10

When I try to interpret my dreams...
I give each dream element a voice...

I become the pier...
The lateral wood planks...
The horizon
The ocean
The person behind you...

I ask myself...as each element...

What is my purpose?
What is my composition?
How do I feel?

Try it...
I think it will prove enlightening...
:-)