SOMETIMES THE SIMPLEST DREAMS, or the shortest ones, are ones we are likely to toss aside as “probably nothing.” But to paraphrase the old axiom, the best messages can come in small dreams. Even a dream containing only one image and no dialogue or interaction between dream characters can have a powerful impact on your waking life and attitude — if you know how to respond to it.

Dear SMYD,

I don’t remember many dreams and don’t really have a lot of time to think about them. This one has really stuck with me, even though there’s not much to it. Anyway, I decided to ask you about it in case it means something.

I dreamed the stars were moving around in the sky. In the dream, I looked up to see that the stars were shifting their positions. That was the whole dream. What could such a short and simple, one-picture dream possibly mean?

Signed, LAM

Dear LAM,

To understand your dream we must take it at face value. So, for you, the stars are changing position. Think of the expression, “The stars are aligned.” It speaks to a positive change, doesn’t it?

Your own choice of words is revealing: You say you “looked up” and saw that the stars were moving around in the sky. How many times have you heard the expression, “Things are looking up”? It means the prognosis is optimistic — things are getting better. In your dream, when you look up — when you have a more optimistic point of view — you can see that the stars are lining up for you. Have you been one to focus on the down side of things, always playing it safe in case something bad happens? In this little dynamo of a dream resides a strong positive message for you!

But take note — yours is not a passive dream. It shows you one of the most powerful laws of the universe at work: Your mind, your attitude, creates your daily reality. If you have had the habit of keeping your eyes downcast, you might never see the possibilities coming your way. Most likely, you would even negate opportunities by dismissing their existence. Your dream directs you to take the simple step of looking up, creating a positive attitude. That in itself will set the stars in motion and create a more positive waking life for you.

If you have been one to “wait and see,” Dear Dreamer, or to assume the worst, take note: Your dream says you must look up now. That act of faith can be the catalyst for the change in luck you may have given up on.

Your dream is not an oracle that arrives with THE WORD for you, the lowly dreamer. It is a call to action. You must respond to reap the rewards. Your dream functions as a challenge: “Take a leap of faith. Behave as if you know the stars are changing regardless of what you face at ground level.”

Sweet Dreams to you!

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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