At some point in life, everyone faces the gut-punch of losing a loved one. It’s that inevitable, heartbreaking phase that we all wish we could skip over, like the commercials during our favorite TV show.
But have you ever wondered why a particular person still shows up in your dreams, even after they’ve passed away? Imagine you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, and there they are, making a guest appearance in your subconscious.
Everyone processes grief in their own whimsical way. Some people have tearful breakdowns more dramatic than any soap opera. Others turn into emotional ninjas, bottling everything inside. And then there are the dreamers, those that find solace in meeting their deceased loved ones in their dreams.
So, what’s the deal with these nocturnal cameos by the dearly departed? Spoiler alert: Your subconscious has a lot to do with it.
Now, let’s talk turkey. Can you actually connect with the dead through your dreams?
Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University School, says yes. He terms these encounters “visitation dreams,” where the dead seem very much alive. You heard it right—your dreams are like an after-hours party you’re having with those who’ve passed on.
“Dreams of the bereaved where the dead appear to the bereaved in dreams and look to be very much alive,” says McNamara.
McNamara, who moonlights as Dream Catcher on the Psychology Today website at the age of 67, has done extensive research on dreams and their hidden meanings. According to him, these dreams aren’t just about spooking yourself out; they actually help you cope with emotional trauma.
He even shares a personal tale of his own ethereal meet-up post his parents’ demise, labeling it as undeniable proof of life beyond the physical realm.
And if the skeptic Einstein of dreams can feel this way, imagine someone who’s more open to such mystical experiences. McNamara’s epiphany makes us question our own dream visitations: Are these encounters more than just our mind playing tricks?
Patrick McNamara isn’t the lone ranger in this captivating journey. Research spotlighting these dream encounters has been mounting up like shoes in a teen’s closet. For instance, The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care published a study in 2014 that unravelled the layers of grieving dreams. Their findings? Dreams featuring deceased loved ones are as common as reruns of “Friends” and can be profoundly meaningful and healing!
The dreams explored ranged from happy, nostalgic memories to visuals of the deceased free from their earthly ailments, cruising through the afterlife in peace. Talk about a high-definition tearjerker!
In 2016, a group of Canadian researchers conducted a study involving 76 middle-aged individuals who had just experienced significant loss. Their results were eye-opening. A whopping 67.1% felt that their dreams about the deceased fueled their belief in an afterlife.
A staggering 70% had more productive night owl sessions with their lost loved ones, feeling more connected and at peace. Visiting hours seem eternal when it comes to dreamland.
Jennifer E. Shorter, a psychologist from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California, took a deep dive into these intriguing dreams and their ties to our daily lives. She found that it’s almost impossible to predict when these ‘visitation dreams’ might happen. It could be moments or years after the loss, making every nap a potential reunion.
Her findings boiled these dream characteristics down to four distinct traits that make them stand out from your run-of-the-mill dreams.
Have you ever had a dream where a deceased loved one made a cameo? What did it mean for you? Did it give you chills or fill your heart with warmth? If this has you nodding your head, don’t keep it to yourself! Feel free to share this post and let us know about your own supernatural slumbers in the comments below.
