FLYING DREAMS EXEMPLIFY perhaps the most exhilarating of all dreaming experiences. Those who’ve had them never forget them. The good news is that there are steps we can take to initiate flying dreams.

Dear SMYD,

I dreamed I was flying! It was the greatest feeling ever! I could swoop high and low and I did! It was the most amazing feeling! I went over the Atlantic Ocean and to Africa, a place I’ve always wanted to visit. At first I flew with my arms stretched out by my sides and the wind in my face. But when I was over Africa, I was sitting in a swing that didn’t seem to be attached to anything. I just swept over the plains and all the animals turned to look up at me. I saw giraffes and lions, rhinos and just about every exotic animal you could ever want to see.

I felt so free and ecstatic. I woke up feeling that way and it stayed with me for a long time that day. It would be great to feel that way again!

What does a flying dream mean and is there a way I can have one again?

Signed, Free Flyer

Dear Free Flyer,

Lucky you! You’ve had one of the most sought-after dream experiences of all. Virtually everyone who reports dreams of flying describes the elation that you felt.

There is no set meaning for dreams of flying (or any other dream, for that matter), but some general interpretations can be applied, depending on your circumstances. Many dreams of flying represent the dreamer’s sense of joy, freedom and competence: “I am free!” “I have no restrictions or limitations!” “I am full of joy!”

Because your dream takes you to Africa, a place you’ve always wanted to go, it suggests that you have reached a place in your life where you can extend yourself and reach for goals you may have postponed.

To prompt a flying dream takes time and practice, but it can be done. It involves the practice of reality checks. During your day, pause occasionally to take special note of your surroundings and activities. Then ask yourself if you’re dreaming. How do you know if you are or are not? Such prompting will be followed, eventually, by similar questions during your dream state. When the answer is “Yes, I am dreaming,” you have reached a lucid dream state (in your dream, you know you are dreaming). From there you can begin your efforts to lift off!

Stephen LaBerge of Stanford University founded the Lucidity Institute. His website, www.lucidity.com/, offers detailed instructions on the most productive ways to proceed in inducing the dream you want, including those mentioned above, as well as tips for “getting off the ground.” Many beginners will jump or bounce to get comfortable with the new sensations. Some take off with arms extended like Superman! That is how you feel when you achieve a lucid state and fly in your dreams!

Sweet Dreams to you, Dear Dreamer!

Carolyn Plath, M.Ed., is a Benicia resident and member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. Reach her at sendmeyourdreams@yahoo.com.

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