I frequently have recurring dreams, and while one of them involves dismembering a body (which I’d rather not discuss), the one that truly stands out is the college dream. In this dream, it’s the end of the semester and I suddenly realize that there’s a class I’ve completely forgotten to attend. Now, I must face the final exam, and my GPA hangs in the balance. I wake up in a state of panic, wondering how I could have let this happen. Then it hits me—I haven’t been in college for over ten years.
If someone familiar with my academic history were to analyze this nightmare, they might argue that it mirrors certain aspects of my actual college experience. There have been times when I’ve found myself completely unprepared for a final exam. Regardless of the truth behind my personal scholastic rigor, I believe this stress-induced dream is a common one, even among nerds.
To confirm my suspicion, I reached out to Deirdre Barrett, a dream researcher at Harvard University and the author of “Pandemic Dreams” and “The Committee of Sleep.” She validated my anecdotal evidence by listing several common variations of school-related dreams. These include scenarios where the dreamer rushes to an exam after oversleeping, can’t locate their classroom, studies the wrong subject, encounters hieroglyphics on the exam paper, or even attends school in the nude. Barrett emphasized that this theme extends beyond current students and extends into adulthood, long after leaving school behind.
Barrett hypothesized that these dreams resurface when the dreamer is experiencing anxiety in their conscious life, particularly related to being evaluated by authoritative figures. She discovered that individuals with ambitions in acting or music often have anxiety dreams focused on auditions. During their youth, these individuals encountered authority figures who held the power to either crush their dreams or propel them forward. In each dream scenario, we revisit the setting where we first experienced success or failure based on our performance.
To decipher the meaning behind my specific performance-based anxiety dream, I turned to Jane Teresa Anderson, a dream analyst and the author of “The Dream Handbook.” While the exact purpose of dreams remains a subject of scientific debate, Anderson believes that dreams arise from the mind’s attempt to process memories, both conscious and unconscious. Elements from our past resurface in dreams to help us make sense of new experiences, even if we aren’t consciously aware of the connection. Additionally, these dreams offer an opportunity for a “newly shifted mindset” upon waking.
Anderson suggested that my dream scenario of returning to school for a final exam reflects a broader feeling of being tested in life, compelled to meet other people’s expectations, and a fear of falling short. It serves as a reminder of how our foundational beliefs were shaped during our time in school. Stress, inadequacy, embarrassment, and heartache often find their origins in the school setting and become deeply ingrained in our unconscious mind. Anderson encourages individuals to separate these ingrained beliefs from reality, recognizing that the expectations placed upon us during our formative years may not be applicable to the challenges of adulthood.
Curiosity led me to wonder if there might be a primal reason for adults continuing to experience dreams centered around being in school. One might assume these dreams serve to remind aging individuals that their youthful days were not as enjoyable as they may remember. However, Barrett offers a different perspective. She believes these dreams are tied to survival instincts and the crucial role played by authority figures in teaching us skills necessary for our well-being. Although the amount of time spent in classrooms is relatively short in terms of evolutionary history, the experiences of learning from authority figures who enhance our chances of survival are deeply ingrained. Anxiety dreams prompt individuals to study harder, contributing to their chances of “surviving” challenges in life, whether it be an advanced calculus exam or a crucial work presentation.
For those looking to overcome the perpetual cycle of dream school, Anderson suggests a method. First, identify the connection between the events in your dream and recent experiences in your waking life. This understanding will provide insight into your underlying emotions and make it easier to let go. Next, visualize a positive ending to the dream immediately upon waking. While lying in bed, reimagine the dream scenario, but this time envision a calming outcome. For example, imagine a teacher reassuring you that you’ve already passed the class without any additional effort required. Despite seemingly altering the dream’s outcome, this exercise can genuinely shift your mindset and alter your response to real-life situations.
I’m willing to give it a try. As I lay in bed, I’ll visualize my professor telling me that I don’t have to take a final exam right now. And while I’m at it, I’ll envision them kindly advising me to cease dismembering any bodies.
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