Individually Speaking -the full circle

I have not delved into the meaning of my dreams for quite some time. Often it rings like a high school psych parlor trick. I never had a tolerance for the prescribed meaning of the symbols. However, the Gestalt based method described by Janette Rainwater suggests enacting or feeling the part of the various elements of our dreams. This process energizes my curiosity to tap into the lessons my dream psyche is experiencing. Rainwater suggests that the little details and missing parts are as important as the dream’s rising emotions and vivid elements (Rainwater p.4). Of course, all of our experiences and perceptions of the world are imbedded in our dreams. It makes such sense to fully examine these components. All the characters and props are our selves. This holistic approach to dream interpretation, unlike Freudian, acknowledges the freedoms of personal perception and individuality.

Conversely, I have been struck many times through this course by the universality of being.  Many of my thoughts, behaviors and limitations were echoed through the personal reflections shared by others here and in class. For years I have felt isolated by some of these thoughts, but I felt a deep sense of  connection to my cohorts this semester. Though we came from diverse backgrounds, our drives, fears and challenges were often similar. I have also come to witness the entirety of the author’s title for this text. The concept of choice is empowering. The authors point out that our growth hinges upon the acceptance of our responsibility to choose how to react to life (Corey and Corey, 2010). Our personal transcendence is based upon our acceptance in that we cause our own suffering.  This is a concept I have revisited many times, but its power never fails to affect me. 

I am pleased to have had the experience within this course and engaging in the book’s exercises. I have learned new and validated prior wisdom. I could think that this material would have been helpful 20 years ago, but I feel knowledge has come to me at the right pace. Perhaps I would have lived less authentically thinking that I “should” be following a certain prescription instead of following my instincts. Regardless, this course has granted me pause to reflect on my life and respect that I have been on the right path all along. 

Each semester, this program has given me personal inquiry tasks to complete. Through these exercises, I have found value in my strengths and limitations. My personal values, strengths and goals are better aligned. My early goals started out as reactions to the life around me. I conclude this course with goals that expand my efficacy in and on the world around me.  As I reflect back, I feel as though I have fulfilled another concentric perceptual loop toward actualization. The view is the same, yet my perspective is greater.

Corey, G., & Corey, M.S. (2010). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal

             growth (9^th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole. ISBN: 9780495602293.

Rainwater, J. (n.d.). dreamingp1. Progressive Politics. Retrieved May 13, 2013, from http://www.janrainwater.com/htdocs/dreamingp1.htm