As some of you know my own dream recall has been a little wonky lately, which is simply proof that even the most dedicated dreamer can fall out of relationship with their dreams from time to time. To me, this is also proof that the reverse is true–anyone can learn to remember their dreams! Just like any other skill, if you focus, practice, and truly intend to, you will improve your dream recall.
I often think of dreams as existing in our memories in a similar way that elusive words can sometimes feel like they are on the tips of our tongues–just out of reach, but right there. So, just like when you’ve forgotten what you were going to say, instead of putting a lot of pressure on yourself and feeling guilty or ashamed for not remembering, one of the best ways to approach remembering dreams is with a gentle, light heart. The ritual below is best completed with that attitude.
So if you’re just starting out your dream practice and want a simple ritual to get it all started, try this:
- Find an object, whether a small animal totem, stone, feather, pillow, or anything else that you can easily keep near you while you are sleeping and carries some emotional resonance for you.
- Greet the object, either out loud or in your mind’s eye, and ask permission for it to aid you in remembering your dream tonight. If this doesn’t feel right for some reason–if the object doesn’t feel up to the task, find something else.
- Place the object near your bed, ideally somewhere where it can be the last thing you see as you go to sleep and the first thing you see when you wake up. If possible, clear all other items and objects away from your sleeping area.
- Once you are in bed and ready for sleep, go through all of the reasons you think you aren’t able to remember your dreams, either by writing them down or speaking them out loud.
- After speaking or writing them, again turn to your object and ask that it release these blocks and make it possible for you to remember your dreams tonight.
- Upon waking, do not force recall–if all you have is a couple of words, a single image, or even just a feeling, express your gratitude to the object and the spirit of the dreams. Find gratitude even if your mind is blank, for yourself for completing the ritual. Make sure you record all that you remember, without concern for whether you’ve gotten it “right”
