Sunday, August 11, 2002		Dream Theme

— R. Frost

FEAR of failure is a common experience. Such fear often manifests itself in dreams. The type of failure can vary according to one’s age and situation and may be failure in exams, games, competitions, or at work. Some may even see themselves losing in gambling or in a race etc. The situations may vary but the underlying theme of failure is common.

According to Indian thought, to see yourself unsuccessful in business or at work and to see yourself depressed if your plans fail, is a very important dream. Such a dream warns you to use foresight and presence of mind before taking any major decisions. If you are very careful then you shall achieve success.

As per western thought, for a lover to dream of failure in his relationship denotes that he needs to be more forceful and masterly. He has already won the heart and respect of his beloved, now he just needs to be slightly more daring. For a young woman to dream of failure means that she is not exploiting the opportunities that come her way to maximum advantage. For a businessman to dream of failure warns that if he does not correct the faulty management policies he is following, he shall have to face failure.

Failure in dreams indicates a spirit of competitiveness. Fear of failure is a universal fear. Dreaming of it gives us the opportunity to face that fear. Many times adults dream of failing as kids. The reason is their regression to childhood whenever they are faced with problems or difficulties. In such cases dreaming of oneself failing in one’s board exams or college entrance exams is very common.

A 43-year-old woman, happily married and a mother of two children, would often see herself dressed as a bride and sitting with many brides and grooms in a hall. All the other brides and grooms would find a match for themselves but she would roam about, unable to find a spouse for herself. Although the lady claimed to being happily married, yet her failure in her dream to find a good spouse for herself denotes that she was not happy in the relationship and was looking for something which her marriage did not give her. Even after being married for so long she was still on the lookout for the perfect match.