Embrace Dream Travel

When we sleep, it is conventionally believed that we stay in bed (sleep walkers, notwithstanding) and all our dreams are a reflection of our psychological states. We do, and they are, but dreams are much more than that. They are also another level of reality or existence that we can explore.

Have you ever awakened just "knowing" something that played out later in the day? Have you ever dreamt of a loved one and felt compelled to call to see if they are all right, and in fact they weren't and they truly needed you? Have you visited distant shores, only to visit them later in waking life, instantly recognizing the place? This is called Astral Projection and we do it in our sleep.

Here's an example of just one little astral journey I recently took. I had this "dream" in the hypnopompic state between sleep and waking, which I call the "Twilight Zone." In that state, I felt relaxed and light and wondered if I could have an out-of-body experience. And while I didn't actually "see" myself sleeping in my bed or find myself floating near the ceiling, I suddenly saw Denise Linn (my teacher in Soul Coaching) flash before my eyes. She was wearing white and turquoise and in a flash it was over. So I e-mailed Denise with the approximate time of my journey and she confirmed that she was indeed wearing a white linen suit with a turquoise scarf at that very time. She was kind enough to wear the same outfit when she came to Toronto this past weekend, and I saw my vision in the flesh.

Now I have to reassure you that for all the expertise I have developed in dreams, I am still a regular dreamer just like you. If I can do it, so can you. Try setting an intention to visit a friend in your dreams, then see what happens. There is a direct correlation between expecting or intending results and actually succeeding in your nocturnal adventures. (The same is true of lucid dreaming.) It's possible that you may do some astral traveling and not remember, but call your friend the next day and compare notes. You may be surprised at the results. The only downside to astral travel? No Air Miles points.