In the current time, where everything is controlled, monitored by technology and where everything, well almost everything can be explained by scientific principles, my study of Indigenous Medicine at school makes me wonder and ask several questions. I am curious and inquisitive to read more and learn more about the ‘Medicine Man’ and how for centuries they used the subtle messages from the spirits to make decisions in their lives. The interpretation of dreams and their significance in our lives and the subtle messages makes me wonder what my dreams mean.
As far as I can remember, I dreamed a lot and surprisingly most often I remembered what I dreamt about. I often narrated what I dreamed about and shared with people close to my heart. I also often questioned myself, if these dreams had any significance and meaning. I dreamed about a lot of things, some were very abstract and in some, I saw real people and places. These people where most often people I have known and the places were most often places I was familiar with. Sometimes, I had a feeling of déjà vu and some of my dreams repeated themselves. Scientifically, I understand that these dreams are usually a reflection of what’s on our mind and never did I contemplate that I too like the medicine man might be receiving some messages that I am failing to interpret and use them as direction in my life. I wonder…
Though I am just beginning to scratch the surface of this fascinating subject, and there is a lot I am sure will be revealed as I continue my readings and research. I am also puzzled and some what in disbelief in the power of dreams and that dreams were used as a form of medicine or used for the purposes of healing and that there is much the modern world needs to learn from some of the native tribes and indigenous people. These conflicting feelings, I am sure is to some extend to how the mind has been trained to think in a certain way by our parents, our extended family, our friends, the society and of course the media. But then, I also come from a country where several rituals are practiced and people including my family pay utmost respect to these traditions. If I were to think of it, there is a ritual for almost everything auspicious in India – whether it’s the union of two souls into matrimony or the birth of a child or entering the new house for the first time. Some of these rituals are also directed at fighting away evil spirits. It makes want to learn more about some of the age old practices practiced even today in India – the rituals, the ceremonies and the meaning of all the chants that are recited.
So, do spirits really exist? Are they around us? Can we possible feel them and learn something from them through our dreams that would be of relevance in our lives today? I had a strange experience very long time ago, when my grandmother passed away. I had decided to take a nap in the afternoon, since for some reason I felt tired. As I lay in bed, I remember being suspended in air and saw my grandmother. It was as if she was pulling me towards her and when I was conscious of what I was happening; I began fighting the strong pull from her. I woke up scared and not knowing what this experience was to mean. Now dwelling more into the subject of indigenous medicine and the relation to dreams, it makes me wonder, what if it was her spirit that I had felt and was she trying to convey something to me? I am hoping my study gives me some direction with my dreams and answer some of these questions that have always puzzled me. All I say to you all is, do not dismiss your dreams as nothing. Recently I had a profound encounter with a spiritual guru who shared with me the power of our dreams. As, I learn more my dear friends and family, I will surely share. For now, dream on!
