Our dreams and stories may contain implicit aspects of our lives even without our awareness. In fact, storytelling may be a primary way in which we can linguistically communicate to others–as well as to ourselves–the sometimes hidden contents of our implicitly remembering minds. Stories make available perspectives on the emotional themes of our implicit memory that may otherwise be consciously unavailable to us. This may be one reason why journal writing and intimate communication with others, which are so often narrative processes, have such powerful organizing effects on the mind: They allow us to modulate our emotions and make sense of the world.” ?Daniel J. Siegel (The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are; p. 333) Studies have shown that people who are deprived from entering the dream-state of sleep (REM) become irritable, anxious, and even disoriented. So we know that the dream-state is important, but do the dreams themselves have meaning? Some psychologists believe that the content of dreams is meaningless and probably caused by random firing of neurons during sleep. Other psychologists believe that the content of dreams can give one insight into one’s inner psychological and emotional workings. Do you feel that the content of dreams can be meaningful? Why or why not? Share with your classmates your opinion in 6-12 sentences. [5 points] Now read what some of the others in the class wrote and post a response to another person (6-12 sentences. [5 points] How to post your answer: Click on the button below that says “Reply.” A new webpage will open. In the large “message” box, type your answer. In the small “Subject” box above it, write a title for your answer. Press the button at the bottom that says “Post to forum."
