Day 6 : Dream catcher Amygdala |Occipital Lobe
Last night, I had a really bad dream. I think I might know the reason — it’s probably that series I’ve been binge-watching, the content i have been consuming lately. It’s intense, full of suspense, and maybe it’s seeping into my subconscious. I should be putting a stop watching putting a break for content consumption and focus on content production.
I often find myself diving deep into introspection, searching for the roots of my nightmares — what triggers them, what fuels their vividness, and what hidden layers of my mind they may reveal. Nightmares, after all, are more than just fleeting disturbances; they are intricate reflections of my subconscious, shaped by my emotional state, habits, and physiological processes.
Dreams are complex experiences that often incorporate elements from our past, reflect our current emotions, and sometimes seem to anticipate future events. Scientifically, dreams do not predict the future in a literal sense. Instead, they process past experiences and current concerns, potentially influencing our expectations and preparations for future situations.
Reflection of Past Experiences:
Research indicates that dreams frequently draw upon memories, reassembling fragments of past experiences into novel scenarios. This process may aid in memory consolidation and emotional processing. Emotional Processing and Anxiety:
Dreams can mirror our current emotional states, including anxiety. They may serve an adaptive function by helping us process emotions and cope with potential threats. A cross-cultural study found that dreams often involve threat simulations, which might help individuals prepare for real-life dangers.
Perception of Predicting the Future:
While some individuals report experiencing precognitive dreams that seem to predict future events, scientific explanations suggest this perception arises from cognitive biases and the brain’s tendency to find patterns. Dreams may combine past experiences and current concerns, leading to scenarios that, by coincidence, resemble future events. This does not imply that dreams have predictive power but rather that they reflect our mind’s processing of information.
The concept of dreams as a form of prospective coding has been explored, suggesting that during REM sleep, the brain may create simulations that help in predicting and preparing for future situations based on past experiences. This process is not about foreseeing specific future events but about enhancing adaptive responses.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4700581/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- We Forget 95% of Our Dreams
Approximately 95% of dreams are forgotten shortly after waking, as the brain deprioritizes dream memories compared to waking experiences. - Most Dreams Occur During REM Sleep
About 75–80% of dreams happen during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, a stage characterized by heightened brain activity. - Dreams Can Reflect Daily Experiences
Studies show that 65% of dreams incorporate fragments of waking-life experiences, a phenomenon known as “day residue.”
Scientifically, nightmares are most likely to occur during REM sleep, a phase where the brain is highly active, almost as if it’s awake, while the body remains paralyzed to prevent us from acting out our dreams. This phase is crucial for emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and problem-solving, yet it is also the fertile ground where fears and anxieties take form. Elevated cortisol levels, caused by stress or unresolved trauma, can intensify brain activity during REM, leading to sharper, more unsettling dream imagery. Factors like late-night snacking, which spikes metabolism and brain energy, or media exposure to disturbing content can overstimulate neural pathways, further magnifying the nightmare’s intensity.
Negative Emotions Are Common in Dreams
Around 70% of emotions experienced in dreams are negative, with anxiety, fear, and confusion being the most reported.
When I introspect, I realize that nightmares aren’t random; they are often symbolic. Whether it’s the result of lingering anxiety, unresolved stressors, or even subtle physiological triggers like a fever or disrupted sleep cycles, my mind transforms these disturbances into vivid, often haunting narratives. By dissecting these dreams, identifying their sources, and addressing the triggers, I aim to reclaim control over my nights and restore peace to my subconscious.
Blind People Also Dream
People who are blind from birth experience dreams with enhanced sensory details like sound, touch, and smell. Those who lose their vision later in life may continue to dream visually for some time.
Stress. It creeps in like a silent predator, lurking in the shadows of my mind. Relentless. I feel it during high-stakes decisions that leave me questioning myself, in the weight of unfinished tasks piling up, and in the chaos of unresolved thoughts that swirl endlessly. At night, this uninvited guest morphs into haunting visions, vivid and unsettling, turning my sleep into a battleground.
Anxiety. It’s that gnawing unease, the one I can almost feel — coiling like a snake around my chest. It strikes when life throws emotional storms my way, when upheaval shakes the ground I stand on, or when the unexpected disrupts the illusion of control I hold so tightly. Each worry, each flicker of doubt becomes fuel for the restless fire that burns in my dreams.
Midnight Feasting. I won’t deny it. Sometimes, I indulge — a late-night snack here, a craving satisfied there. It seems harmless in the moment, but I know better. My body wakes up when it should be winding down. Metabolism spikes, my brain ignites, and thoughts begin to whirl like an unstoppable storm. Before I know it, my subconscious transforms into a stage, where unsettling tales play out like a surreal theater I didn’t ask for.
Fever. I’ve felt it before — a burning storm within. When illness grips me, my body temperature climbs higher, and my dreams follow suit. They become wild, untethered, almost feverish in their intensity. Vivid and unhinged, these fevered visions consume me when I’m at my most vulnerable, leaving me shaken and restless as I fight to break free.
Disorders. Sometimes, it’s the unseen disruptions that hold me hostage. The gasping choke of sleep apnea, the relentless stirrings of restless legs, or those night terrors that claw their way into my awareness. I can’t always pinpoint when they come, but when they do, they become silent architects of my nightmares, robbing me of the rest I so desperately need.
Overexposure. I know I do this to myself. My overactive imagination, which has always been my strength, sometimes becomes my greatest adversary. That eerie show I shouldn’t have binged, the chilling news story I can’t unsee, or those shadowy images I absorb just before bed — each one leaves a ghostly imprint in my mind. And when the lights go out, they come alive, haunting me when I’m alone with my thoughts.
Nightmares. They’re not just random. Each one reflects something deeper, something unsettled within me. They are whispers of my fears, mirrors of my stress, and echoes of my anxieties. But I’m ready to face them now, to unearth their roots, and to reclaim my nights — one peaceful dream at a time.
When I woke up, my heart was racing, and for a moment, I felt like I was still stuck in the nightmare. But I reminded myself: “It’s just a dream. I’m safe now.” I sat up in bed, turned on the light, and took a few sips of water. The coolness grounded me a bit. I reached out and touched my pillow — something solid, something real — just to remind myself that I was awake, here, in my room.
I closed my eyes and started focusing on my breath. Inhale for four seconds… hold for four… exhale slowly for four. I repeated it a few times, and gradually, I felt my heart rate settle down. My body was starting to relax.
I kept reassuring myself softly: “This feeling will pass. I’m okay.” I even imagined rewriting the dream in my mind. If something was chasing me in the nightmare, I visualized myself escaping safely, maybe even turning around and confronting whatever it was. Somehow, that helped me feel a little more in control.
As long sone can say the dream are mostly about past experiences and due to stress and anxiety can one leave the emotions behind ? One cannt leave the emotions and gut feeling. The “Emotional Oracle Effect” is a
A study at Columbia University which is being called the “Emotional Oracle Effect” essentially proved that people who trust their emotions can predict future outcomes. Because they tap into it regularly, they have a window into their subconscious mind, which is more or less just an unconscious well of information
phenomenon identified through research conducted by Professors Michel Tuan Pham and Leonard Lee at Columbia University, along with Andrew T. Stephen. Their studies suggest that individuals who have higher trust in their feelings can predict the outcomes of future events better than those with lower trust in their feelings.
Enhanced Predictive Accuracy: Individuals with higher trust in their feelings demonstrated superior ability to predict various future events, including political outcomes, market trends, and entertainment results.
Role of Domain Knowledge: The Emotional Oracle Effect was significant primarily among individuals who possessed sufficient background knowledge about the prediction domain, indicating that trust in feelings enhances predictive accuracy when combined with relevant knowledge.
In my case i did not have nightmare where i holded professional exepriste
No Impairment from Low Trust: The studies found that it was primarily high trust in feelings that improved prediction accuracy; low trust in feelings did not significantly impair it.
Intuitive Processing: The findings suggest that trusting one’s feelings may facilitate access to a form of intuitive processing that integrates various cues and experiences, leading to better predictions.
Implications for Decision-Making: The research implies that encouraging individuals to trust their feelings, especially when they have relevant knowledge, could enhance decision-making processes in uncertain situations.
Boundary Conditions: The effect was not observed in the absence of sufficient domain knowledge, indicating that trust in feelings alone is not enough; it must be coupled with relevant information.
Potential Applications: Understanding the Emotional Oracle Effect could have practical applications in fields requiring forecasting and predictions, such as finance, politics, and entertainment industries. My emtions was mostly personal not professional.
Still, I needed something calming to distract my mind further. I decided to get up, light a small lamp, and sit quietly for a moment. Then, I thought of something that always brings me peace — I’d go to the temple later today. The thought of being there, offering pooja, and saying a prayer gave me a sense of comfort.
As I imagined myself standing in the serene temple, listening to the gentle chants and smelling the faint scent of incense, I felt my mind ease. I whispered a small prayer right there in my room, asking for calm and clarity.
Maybe this is a sign. I need to take care of what I’m feeding my mind. I’ll stop watching that series for now, especially before bed, and instead, focus on things that make me feel calm and positive. I’ll also try to include a bit of prayer and mindfulness in my daily routine.
I generated a guided meditation script for myself, used audio generator to generate guided mediation and reminded me to use it next time I need had nightmare
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, letting the air fill your lungs. Hold it for a moment. Now, gently release the breath through your mouth, feeling your shoulders drop and your body soften. Let yourself settle into this moment, as though you are placing down a heavy bag you no longer need to carry.
Feel the surface beneath you — steady, solid, supporting you completely. This is your safe space.
Let’s reflect on the dream that disturbed your rest. It came and went like a passing cloud. Dreams are stories your mind weaves, often using pieces of the past, emotions, and fragments of daily life. They are not reality. They are not warnings. They are merely reflections of your mind’s attempt to make sense of your experiences.
Breathe deeply again, in and out, as you remind yourself:
“I am awake. I am safe. I am here in this moment.”If the dream left you with uncomfortable feelings, let’s address those now. Close your eyes and imagine those emotions as ripples on the surface of a still pond. Watch as each ripple fades, leaving the water calm and clear once more.
You may have felt fear or sadness in your dream. That’s natural. Around 70% of emotions in dreams are negative — this is how your mind works to process what feels heavy. But these feelings do not predict the future, and they are not messages about what is to come. They are echoes, not warnings.
Breathe in again, deeply and steadily.
As you exhale, repeat to yourself:
“Dreams are not my reality. My reality is here and now.”Now, bring to mind the many things you are grateful for. Picture a warm light in your heart, growing brighter with each thought of something good in your life — a kind word, a moment of laughter, the support of someone you trust, or even this time you’ve taken for yourself right now.
Say silently in your mind:
“I am safe. I am strong. I am grateful for this life.”Imagine that warm light spreading outward, filling your chest, your arms, your legs, until it surrounds your entire body. This light is your strength, your hope, and your resilience.
Take a moment to rest in this light. Let it hold you, as steady as the surface beneath you.
Now, slowly bring your awareness back to the present. Notice the sounds around you, the feeling of the air on your skin, and the gentle rhythm of your breath. Wiggle your fingers and toes, feeling life in every part of you.
When you’re ready, open your eyes. You are here. You are safe. And you are ready to embrace the rest of your day with peace and confidence.
Take one final breath in, deep and full, and exhale with a sense of release. Let go of the dream entirely. It is behind you now. You are free.
In my perspective, even the act of articulating and transcribing this blog serves as a profoundly therapeutic exercise. It provides an invaluable opportunity for introspection, allowing me to disentangle my thoughts, process lingering emotions, and cultivate a deeper understanding of my experiences. The deliberate crafting of these words feels almost cathartic, as it transforms abstract anxieties into something tangible and manageable. This process not only fosters clarity but also fortifies my resolve to move forward with purpose and serenity. By channeling my energy into such a constructive endeavor, I find myself invigorated, poised to embrace the day with renewed equanimity and determination.
By the time I lay back down, I felt lighter. The nightmare was fading, and I reminded myself: “I’m safe. Tomorrow is a new day.”
In the writer Jayamohan Blog
https://www.jeyamohan.in/209411/
Blog I am reading
I read about the following line which inspired me a lot
என்னிடம் பெரும்பாலானவர்கள் கேட்கும் சில கேள்விகள் உண்டு. ‘ஒருநாளைக்கு எத்தனை மணிநேரம் வேலைசெய்வீர்கள்?’ நான் அதற்கு இயல்பாக ‘சாதாரணமாக 15 மணி நேரம். அதுவும் முழுக்கவனத்துடன்’ என்று பதில் சொல்வேன். உடனே அடுத்த கேள்வி “நீங்கள் தூங்குவதே இல்லையா?” .அதற்கு என் பதில். “ஒரு நாளைக்கு எட்டு மணிநேரம் நல்ல தூக்கம் எனக்கு உண்டு. தூங்குவதனால்தான் வேலை செய்கிறேன். நான் நன்றாகத் தூங்காத ஒருவரை நம்பி எந்த வேலையையும் ஒப்படைக்க மாட்டேந்”
Mr. Jayamohan’s routine and philosophy often invite curiosity from those around him. A common question posed to him is about the number of hours he dedicates to work each day. His consistent reply highlights his remarkable discipline: “Typically, 15 hours of focused effort.” This statement often sparks follow-up questions about his sleep schedule, with many wondering if he sacrifices rest to sustain such dedication.
Interestingly, Mr. Jayamohan emphasizes the contrary, valuing sleep as a cornerstone of his productivity. He maintains that a full eight hours of quality sleep is non-negotiable in his daily routine. According to him, it is the rejuvenation provided by proper rest that enables him to function at such an optimal level. Moreover, he believes deeply in the connection between rest and responsibility, stating that entrusting tasks to someone who is sleep-deprived undermines the likelihood of success. His perspective reveals a balanced approach to work and well-being, showcasing his understanding that true productivity arises from a well-rested and focused mind.
அதன்பின் ஓர் ஆழ்ந்த அமைதி உருவாகும். பின்னர் அடுத்த கேள்வி “எப்படி அப்படி தூங்க முடிகிறது?”. அதே வினாவை எனக்கு அணுக்கமானவர்களும் கேட்பார்கள். “எப்படி எந்த இடத்திலும் படுத்ததுமே தூங்கிவிடுகிறீர்கள்?”. அதற்கான பதில் ஒன்றே. “எனக்கு மனதை அடங்கவைக்கத் தெரியும். நான் விரிவான யோகப்பயிற்சிகள் செய்பவன் அல்ல. ஆனால் கற்றுக்கொண்ட பயிற்சிகள் முப்பத்தைந்து ஆண்டுகளாக அளிக்கும் முதன்மைப் பயன் இதுவே”
Following this, a profound silence often ensues. Then comes the inevitable next question: “How do you manage to sleep so effortlessly?” Even those closest to Mr. Jayamohan frequently ask him the same: “How can you fall asleep instantly, no matter where you are?” His answer is both simple and insightful: “I know how to quiet my mind.”
Though he doesn’t consider himself a rigorous practitioner of yoga, he acknowledges the lasting impact of the techniques he has learned. Over thirty-five years, these practices have offered him their greatest benefit — the ability to calm his thoughts and transition into restful sleep seamlessly. This response reflects not only his self-discipline but also his deep understanding of the connection between mental tranquility and physical well-being.
இன்றைய வாழ்க்கை நம்மை சீண்டிக்கொண்டும், சிதறடித்துக்கொண்டும் இருக்கிறது. தொலைக்காட்சி, சினிமா, இணையம் உட்பட இன்றைய ஊடகங்கள் எல்லாமே அடிப்படையில் விளம்பரம் சார்ந்தவை. அவை நம்மைச் சீண்டி அழைத்துக்கொண்டே இருக்கின்றன. நம்மை நிலைகுலையவும் கொந்தளிக்கவும் வைக்கின்றன. அதாவது இன்றைய உலகமே நம்மை அமைதியிழக்கச் செய்யும் இயல்பு கொண்டது. இன்று ஊடகம் மிகப்பிரம்மாண்டமான தொழிலாக ஆகிவிட்டிருக்கிறது. ஆகவே ஊடகம் பெருகிவிட்டிருக்கிறது. அத்தனை ஊடகங்களும் சேர்ந்து நம் கவனத்தைச் சிதறடிக்கின்றன. நம் அகத்தை மையமில்லாததாக, தறிகெட்டு பாய்வதாக ஆக்கிவிட்டிருக்கின்றன.
He add on top of that “Today’s life constantly provokes and scatters us. The media of today — television, cinema, the internet — are fundamentally driven by advertising. They continually entice and provoke us, keeping us in a state of agitation and turmoil. In essence, the world we live in today is inherently designed to disturb our peace and tranquility. Media, once a simple means of communication, has now become a colossal industry, with an overwhelming presence. As a result, the proliferation of media has reached unprecedented levels. All these media outlets combined bombard our attention, causing it to splinter. They have transformed our inner world into one that lacks focus and direction, making it erratic and disconnected.
இன்றைய சூழலில் எந்த தளத்திலேனும் எதையேனும் சாதிக்க விரும்புபவர்களின் ஒரே நிபந்தனை உள்ளத்தை தொகுப்பதும் குவிப்பதும் எப்படி என்பதே. அதற்கு உள்ளத்தைக் கவனிக்கும் பயிற்சி தேவை. உள்ளத்தை கவனித்து, அதைக் கையாளத்தெரிந்தவர்கள் அதை அடங்கவைக்கவும் முடியும். இந்த தளம் சார்ந்து வினாக்கள் வந்துகொண்டே இருந்தமையால்தான் யோக- தியானப் பயிற்சிகளை எங்கள் தத்துவ- இலக்கிய பயிற்சிகளுடன் இணைத்துக்கொண்டோம்.
In today’s world, the primary requirement for anyone aiming to achieve success in any field is the ability to focus and gather their inner strength. This requires a practice that trains one’s mind to be aware and in control. Those who can pay attention to their inner world and master it are the ones who can keep it in check. It is precisely due to the constant flow of questions arising from this platform that we have integrated yoga and meditation practices with our philosophical and literary teachings. By doing so, we help individuals not only refine their intellect but also cultivate inner peace, enabling them to remain focused and disciplined in the face of external distractions.
Quote i am thinking about
Hide your strength bide your time
