Dreamcatcher

A small, circular, woven hoop sits on the dark, wood blinds in my room.  A handful of feathers hang loosely on top of the object to complete its authentic appearance.  This object is called a "dreamcatcher," and in Native American culture it is believed that hanging it above a child's bed will ward off bad dreams.  The dreamcatcher was a gift I received from my parents after a trip they took out West, and after a month of sleepless nights I had hoped it would live up to my expectations.

Interestingly, I've experienced some extremely intense and vivid dreams in the past week.  It seems as though the creator of this dreamcatcher must have struck a deal with the Ghosts of Relationships Past, because I've had quite a few visits late at night.  Images of people who I have not seen or spoken to in a long time, linger well into the mornings when I wake.  Sounds, touch, and smell are frighteningly familiar, and I find myself taking a moment to decipher which memories have occurred in reality, and which are products of REM sleep.

Where do these dreams come from?  Are they a product of our head or our heart?  Is it a sign we have unfinished business, or a reminder of why our business is finished?

When your dreams speak so forcefully to you, do you listen?