28. Dreaming big (Or, writing what’s holy)
This month on the pod, I’m going to be doing something that is sometimes considered obnoxiously gauche and self-obsessed—I’m going to tell you about a totally weird dream I had (two totally weird dreams, actually).
These dreams fall into the category of what you might call “big dreams.” In Jungian psychology, a big dream is a basically one that feels transpersonal. It’s made up of images and symbols that are clearly archetypal. And it comes to us with a big message, something that can shift and shape our process of becoming ourselves.
Join me as I share one of the creative secrets I learned from these big dreams: the difference between writing for an “audience” and writing for the “holy crowd.”
Writing praxis tip
This episode’s tip is short and sweet, and comes in the form of two questions.
- As you were listening, did you find yourself thinking of a big dream of your own?
- What messages does that dream have for your creative life?
If you weren’t reminded of any particular dream you’ve had in the past, try asking for one to visit you now. Ask in whatever form makes sense to you—write something down, stick something under your pillow, repeat something in your head before falling asleep.
See what happens, and make note of what you learn.
Episode references
Episode 9: Hearth and horizon
Episode 11: Telling the story that breathes
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