Meditation nightmare
by JP
(Arkansas)
I recently tried your free Guided Mindfulness Meditation one night right before going to bed. After using it, I felt extremely relaxed and non-stressed, but after falling asleep I had one of the most horrendous and violent nightmares of my life! This can't be normal. Did I do something wrong? I would like to try your customized CD, but definitely do not want to suffer through any other dreams like the previous one. Advice? Thanks!
Ben's Answer:
Fortunately, that's not something I usually hear. If you felt extremely relaxed and non-stressed after meditating, then it definitely did not cause you to have a nightmare. But when nightmares show up it is always a sign from your unconscious mind - telling you that there is something that needs to be resolved. Meditation brings us closer to ourselves (the True Self). So as we get closer to our inner truth, negative feelings - fears - unresolved traumas, etc, will always surface. It's not a sign of failure, but actually a sign that you are growing. Scary as it may be.
(It's just as possible that the next time you try the meditation before bed, you end up having the most blissful dream you've ever had)
So, I'm sorry you had that experience. Writing down your dreams in a dream journal is one of the best ways to assist the mind in processing and making sense of the dreams. I recommend writing down your dreams every morning (even if it's just a few notes). Some of my own nightmares have brought me to new levels of insight and self-awareness that have ended up being very valuable.
EFT/Meridian Tapping can be used for working with your dreams, and can help you to use those feelings, and images to further your self-awareness and growth.
Please let me know if I can be of any further support.
Ben Schwarcz, MFT
Santa Rosa Psychotherapist
Guided Mindfulness Meditation for Depression
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Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness for Depression
A 96-Page guide to lead you out of the darkness of depression and into the light of your own true self.
(Audio book and one hour Guided Meditation audio included)
