Start by keeping your journal and a pen next to your bed. In the morning, when you first wake up, immediately write down what you remember about your dream. Then date your entry with a full date, like “12/14/10”. (Over time, dates help you form connections between what happens in your life and the messages of your dreams.)
Give each dream a title. This will help you keep track of dreams you may want to review. You can base a title on an important image. For instance, if you dream about your friend riding a motorcycle down a road while snow is falling, you might name the dream: “Motorcycle”, “Snow”, or even “Sam Rides a Motorcycle”.
After you’ve written down your entire dream and you’ve dated and titled it, draw a line across the page to mark the end of your entry. Under this line, write “Comments:” and list anything you immediately noticed about the dream.
For example, you might dream: I am in a theater full of people. All the theater goers are facing the stage, waiting for the play to begin. I see one of my friends in the audience. The red curtains on the stage are closed. I am in the back of the theater, holding up a hand puppet. Nobody notices me.
Some comments on this dream might include:
- “I try to perform while no one’s noticing me. This situation reminds me of my math class at school. I’m excited about what I’m learning and work hard to succeed, but my teacher never calls on me for the answers.” (A comment on the possible message of your dream)
- “The color of the horse puppet I’m holding is a brilliant, royal blue. I am really excited when I see my hand begin to move it.” (The most fascinating image in the dream and how it feels to you)
- “The theater goers are silent and attentive. I see one of my friends sitting in the audience. My friend likes to act and always knows how to get everyone’s attention.” (the characters in your dream may show you potentials you have but don’t use)