The Big Bang Theory tells us that all living matter in existence came from one explosion.  Even the Bible tells us we come from one source.  If everything came from once source, then we can safely assume that we are all pieces of a whole.  Like the human body, our universe is a series of pieces or systems designed to work together as a whole.  When systems within the body do not work correctly, it may cause illness or distress of some kind.  When any system in the Universe is not in sync, we see the same kind of distress.

A more holistic/systems approach in medicine for a person is experiencing “digestive distress” may focus on recent life changes…new jobs, new relationships, big pending events.  That approach understands how connections affect the overall system.  A strong connection will ensure an effective warning system.  The discomfort is telling the individual to DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM.

What if the connection is our actual connection to God and what if that signal for the connection is poor from repeated attempts to sever it?  The growing need for a greater connection could explain the increased popularity of social sites, dating sites, online communities.  It seems we are all so eager to connect and the Internet provides a great conduit, but we may be overlooking the one activity that may hold more answers than expected.  Dreaming.

A technique called Integrative Dream Narration (IDN), has been used by writer and intuitive counselor, Jaye C. Beldo.  In using the technique with groups of five or six people, Beldo and his participants have experienced synchronistic experiences and by talking through dream “blockages”, it seems personal blockages are worked out too.  Calling it a “Dream Democracy”, Beldo speculates the countless areas where IDN may be helpful.  Those speculations will be put to the test as more and more people begin to train to use the technique elsewhere.

As Beldo tells it, his participants did more than just contribute their dreams for interpretation.  They also helped determine the dream connections and aided Beldo work through his own blockages.  That message alone stood out.  IDN does sound like a very technical process, but looking over the guidelines, it certainly looks manageable.  Participants regularly found themselves aiding in the process without having extensive experience in dream interpretation or even group facilitation.  Realizing the ease of application, it seems reasonable to envision many groups beginning to use the technique to work through problems, build group cohesiveness, or even offer therapeutic alternatives to illnesses, physical or mental.

Simple techniques like these, which improve any community, group, or individual, need more attention. The need to educate ourselves can only improve our overall situation during this rather interesting time on Earth.

I find it increasingly amusing to find techniques that bring us all back together so effortlessly.   Makes me wonder what else we are capable of.

Question everything.

Lorrinda