Have you ever experienced something that made you wonder if a loved one was trying to contact you in your dreams? Is it possible for those who have passed onto the next realm to reach out to those of us here on earth? Many people believe that contact with ghosts, or apparitions, is possible. Where do you stand?
What are Dreams?
Dreams occur during REM stages of sleep (rapid eye movement), and we cycle through this stage several times throughout the night. In fact, during REM, our brainwaves are almost as active as they are when we are fully awake.[1]
“One study suggests that dreams stem more from your imagination (the memories, abstract thoughts and wishes pumped up from deep within your brain) than from perception (the vivid sensory experiences you collect in your forebrain). But there is so much more to discover. We know much — but not all — of what’s going on physiologically during dreams. We have far more to learn about what’s going on psychologically.”
Clevland Clinic
When we experience dreams, we are activating both our conscious and subconscious mind. Because of this, we are combining hopes and fears, reality and expectation, all into one blob of visual stimulus that transpires in a matter of seconds.
So what does it mean when we dream of someone we were once close with? What if they passed on a message to us? Can we really communicate with the deceased through dreams?
If you experience a tragic loss of a loved one, sometimes closure is hard to find. Many people believe that when a recently passed loved one contacts them in a dream, it is so they can finally say their goodbyes. It is also seen as a way for us to relieve past guilt through our dreams, and to receive forgiveness from those we have lost. Dreams are a powerful and curious thing which neither science nor mysticism fully understand. However, there are some clear signs that a loved one is trying to reach out to you during your dreams.
Read: Is Your Soul Lost? 7 Signs & How To Piece It Back Together
Signs a Loved one May be Reaching out in Dreams
1. You wake up feeling as though you have been watched during your sleep.
Have you ever woken up from a good night’s rest only to feel like you should check your windows or doors? If you woke up feeling like someone was watching you, or looking at you from afar, it’s a sign that a loved one was trying to contact you. This is a gentle reminder that they are in fact watching over you, and you don’t need to worry or stress about what you have been fearing.
Of course, this may feel unsettling or alarming at first, but it is all out of love and goodness.
2. The dreams contained someone who recently passed and it was extremely vivid.
If you had a dream that seemed ‘too real’ to be a dream, and your loved one was present, they may have been trying to send a message. Typically, these types of dreams contain a memory of the person who has passed and add new information as well.
3. Your loved one is in the dream, but they look different.
Seeing someone you were close with and who has recently passed in a dream isn’t that unusual. however, if their appearance is wildly different, they are certainly trying to send an important message or warn you of something.
4. You wake up feeling extremely peaceful.
Sometimes we need rest, but we just can’t stop worrying. Your body needs rest, and so does your mind. if you won’t allow yourself to have those things, you may have someone watching over you who can provide a little peace. This doesn’t happen frequently, so we can only assume it requires a vast amount of energy on their part to provide this realm with a feeling of calmness and serenity.
5. Your passed loved one seems like they are right next to you.
Experiencing dreams where a passed loved one seems to be right next to you can be a painful dilemma. You miss them and want them to be real, but you know they are gone forever. This method of reaching out to you is not meant to cause pain, but to help heal.
6. They look as young and happy as ever.
When you dream of someone who has passed, did they appear younger and healthier? This is a wonderful sign that they are sending out to you. Your loved one wants you to know that they are doing well, and you do not need to worry about them anymore.
7. Dreams where they specifically tell you something.
Having a dream about a passed loved one can be difficult. But, it’s a bit easier when they plainly tell you what you need to know. Take this as a sign of closure and comfort. They are with you and they want to help where they can.
If you have experienced a loved one communicating with you in your dreams, we would love to hear about it. Tell us your stories in the comments!
Keep Reading: Some Of Our Dreams May Be Glimpses Into Parallel Universes
Sources
- “Why Do We Dream? A Sleep Expert Answers 5 Questions.” Cleveland Clinic. September, 2019