If you want to dream a certain kind of dream, or your dream to tell you something in particular, with practice, you can make this happen.

  • First, you have to really want it.  A half hearted effort, giving a passing thought as you drop off is not likely to give you the results you desire.
  • Writing down your request or question before you sleep is a good idea.  Try reading it aloud a few times – if you hear the words, more than simply read them, you increase your chances of the message infiltrating your subconscious
  • Try a picture – as your dreams work more in images than words, see if you can find an image that represents your dream question or desire, maybe a picture from a magazine, or a photo of a loved one you wish to dream about.  Before you go to sleep spend some time looking at the picture.  Just let your mind relax and gaze at the image.  This is not about intent concentration, but relaxed absorption
  • Put the message or image under your pillow.  This is more than superstition, it is a symbolic act your subconscious can respond to – and remember, your subconscious loves symbols!
  • Relax – don’t force the thought!  Once you have writtten and read, or gazed upon your dream goal, and placed it beneath your pillow, let it go.  The message needs to go past your conscious control, and deeper into your mind.  If you cling to the message by thinking about it, it is like a fishing rod that you haven’t cast – let the hook slip deep and see what you can reel in!
  • If the dream doesn’t come the first night, don’t give up.  Try again.  There are many stories in mythology and legend where the hero has sought an answer, only for it to be revealed not when first expected, but at the perfect time, such as 7 nights later, or the next full moon.  Persistance pays!

The important thing is, you can enter into a conversation with your dreams as you practice dream work.  Ask, and you shall receive!  Your dreaming mind is waiting.  Just as your dreams want to be understood, so too will they try and answer your questions, or meet your conscious needs.  The most difficult part is deciding, what do you want to dream?