How many times have you had a dream and completely forgotten about it? Me, I have this recurring dream which I don’t seem to recall when I’m awake. But this morning, while driving and having to jam the brake suddenly, I had a flashback about it. Then I realised I’ve been having this dream for the longest time. Many years as a matter of fact.
My dream involves driving. In fact, I wouldn’t really call it a dream. It was more like a nightmare. I cannot remember much of it except that in that space, I’m driving in a car. The car is not always the same. Sometimes, it was my car. Sometimes, it was my brother’s car. And a few times, it was my dad’s car.
It’s always the same scene. I suddenly find myself driving very near to a vehicle or a tree in front and yet I’m not stepping on the brake. No matter how hard I tell myself to step on that darn brake, my feet could never get onto it. And just as I thought I’m done for, everything is over.
As far as I remember, the dream always stop short at that part where I have this internal struggle but I’ve never woken up from the dream in a cold sweat or anything. I just continue to sleep through and will completely forget about it the next day.
I have no idea what’s the significance of the dream, or nightmare. Maybe it has to do with something that happened during my childhood.
You see, I was quite a curious child and I loved to meddle with my dad’s car whenever he wasn’t around. Many a times, I would steal his car key and then proceed to start his car and “practice my motor skills” in secret. I never got to drive it around of course but once, I almost crashed the car into our living room. That was when my secret was found out and the car key was forever banished from my view.
Perhaps that is the missing link to this recurring dream. Or perhaps the dream is a reflection of some internal conflicts of mine. But one thing I’m glad for sure. That in reality, my driving reflexes are way better than my dream state. Maybe thanks to practicing my motor skills when I was still a kid.
I think they call this an anxiety dream. Whenever you’re anxious about something, your subconscious drags it up. I’ve heard of all sorts of anxiety dreams. For some people it’s taking exams all over again, even as a 40-year-old; for others, it’s losing their child on a trip out to the grocery store. Maybe you’re unconsciously anxious about something.
Hsin: Didn’t know what it’s called but thanks for pointing out. I did a search on the Net with that term and uncovered some interesting info.
Comment by Hsin — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 @ 3:55 pm
Dreams are basically your mind sorting out thoughts of the day, subconscious or not.
I do have driving dreams too. It’s always driving in the opposite direction… or the steering wheel was yanked off, just like in comedy shows.
ee: Driving in the opposite direction is a reality for me, not in dreamland.
Comment by earthember — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 @ 5:30 pm
I will dream something similar too, that is I in danger, suppose to run for my life but some how, no matter how hard I had tried, my feet seem to be rooted very deep ground…stationary… cant move at all
wtpg: Probably like what the rest said…these dreams are related to our conscious state…
Comment by wtpg — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 @ 7:03 pm
my recurring dreams are always about vampires chasing me. like this super dramatic neverending saga.
i think i get them whenever i’m super stressed or worried about something. perhaps yours is caused by some deep worries?
imp: Yup, you’re spot on…
Comment by imp — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 @ 11:30 pm
think the little accident you had when you were younger is lingering at the back of your head and sub conscious. Don’t read too much into it, am sure it’s nothing!
Jan: I suppose that childhood episode probably also has some influence…oh well…
Comment by Jan — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 @ 10:13 am