Nightmares with a Message
I’m hearing the word “nightmare” a lot right now. I read a beautiful, empowering essay today about keeping our hope and dreams alive in the midst of the ongoing nightmare of our racist history, written by Josina Guess, a friend from long ago. Her story reminded me of a nightmare dream I had once, about frightening political realities.
Then I remembered Jeremy Taylor, my favorite teacher about dreams, who always said that nightmares are especially important messages for our healing and wholeness. They come vivid and strong to tell us we have the power to change and to heal.
So, I want to pay very close attention to the political nightmare that continues to unfold here in the U.S. What if it's telling a truth we're long overdue to hear as a nation: that our course can be corrected? White nationalism is a part of who we are as a country. (Well said here by adrienne maree brown.) It must be recognized and healed within all of us with fierce intention and a radical compassion that includes accountability. This current nightmare could be saying we have the power-- together-- to change and heal.
Thank you, Josina, Jeremy, and the Giver of dreams.
(The Dream Eye Nest photo detail image is from one of my magazine collages.)