Common Dreams Part 3: “I’m Being Chased!”

In today’s post of our Common Dreams mini-series, we will explore the meaning behind a common dream theme – being chased. Most of us have had a dream where we are being pursued by an attacker, an animal, a monster, or an unknown figure, and we struggle to run away due to heavy feet or a feeling of moving through molasses. These chase dreams stem from feelings of anxiety in our waking lives, and our actions in the dream parallel how we would respond to pressure and cope with fears, stress, or various situations in our waking life.

“I’m Being Chased!”

being chased

Instead of facing the situation, we tend to run away and avoid the issue. Thus, it is essential to ask ourselves who is chasing us in the dream to gain a better understanding and insight into the source of our fears and anxieties. The pursuer may also represent an aspect of ourselves – our own feelings of anger, jealousy, fear, and love that can manifest themselves as a threatening figure. Or the shadowy figure can symbolize the rejected characteristics of ourselves that we project onto the unknown chaser.

If we are the ones doing the chasing, the dream may highlight our drive and ambition to go after something we want or suggest that we are falling behind and have to catch up with everyone else. The distance or gap between us and the pursuer also indicates our closeness to the issue. If the pursuer is gaining on us, then the problem is not going to go away and will surround us until we confront and address it. However, if we can widen the gap between the pursuer, we can successfully distance ourselves from the problem, and it will fade away.

If you’re having recurring chase dreams, there are a few things you can do to try and reduce their frequency. One of the most effective ways is to practice relaxation techniques before going to bed. This can include things like deep breathing exercises or meditation, which can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.

It’s also essential to note that chasing dreams are more common among women than men, who may feel physically vulnerable in the urban environment. These dreams are often brought about by the media, which magnifies fears of violence and sexual assault. In conclusion, the next time we have a dream of being chased, let’s turn around and confront our pursuer, ask them why they are chasing us and what we are trying to run from. It may provide us with valuable insights into our waking life anxieties and fears.

For the next part of the Common Dreams mini-series, click here.

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