{"id":189,"date":"2014-07-17T17:38:03","date_gmt":"2014-07-17T17:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.keen.com\/newarticles\/uncategorized\/wish-fulfillment-dreams"},"modified":"2025-01-23T05:39:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T05:39:15","slug":"wish-fulfillment-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.keen.com\/articles\/spiritual\/wish-fulfillment-dreams","title":{"rendered":"Wish Fulfillment Dreams"},"content":{"rendered":"

The other day, a man shared his dream in which he won a lottery jackpot of $100,000. The specific amount struck a chord of excitement in him because he bought tickets for a local lottery drawing in which the winning jackpot was $100,000. The dreamer wanted my expert opinion as to whether I thought the dream was precognitive. He confessed he was wishing, hoping and already making plans for how to spend the money. He even consulted with another psychic who saw him with a new car. He said that, in fact, he desperately needs a new car because his is on its last leg. Although there are several stories of lottery winners dreaming they had won before the drawing, the majority of dreams like this one have nothing to do with precognition. They are merely wish fulfillment dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

In the subconscious, our desires take shape. Often they are merely in the form of a fantasy of how nice it would be if we had that one thing we wanted most, especially when we feel like we have been given the short end of the stick recently or have been met with a mountain of problems to which the solution is an uphill climb.<\/p>\n

Sigmund Freud was the first to identify dreams as wish fulfillment fantasies. In fact, early in his career he believed it was the primary function of all dreams to fulfill desires through which the dreamer could derive pleasure. In New Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis<\/a> Freud wrote, \u201cin every dream an instinctual wish has to be represented as fulfilled. The shutting-off of mental life from reality at night and the regression to primitive mechanisms which this makes possible enable this wished-for instinctual satisfaction to be experienced in a hallucinatory manner\u201d.<\/p>\n

Freud was particularly obsessed with dreams that he believed were of an infantile sexual nature, probably because he himself was fixated on the topic. Although dream experts agree that some dreams do represent wish fulfillment, it is not the only function of our dreaming life to fulfill desires.<\/p>\n

In contrast to Freud, Carl Jung, the father of analytical psychology, contended that most dreams are attitude-compensations. The attitudes that dreams compensate are those of the ego. Jung said that compensatory dreams \u201cadd to the conscious psychological situation of the moment all those aspects which are essential for a totally different point of view.\u201d<\/p>\n

Compensatory Dreams<\/h2>\n

Dreaming of indulging in a box of donuts after two weeks of strict dieting or experiencing passionate intimacy with a mysterious lover are undeniably pleasurable scenarios. These dreams, while they may appear to fulfill a deep desire, serve a more significant psychological purpose: they act as compensatory dreams. This concept suggests that the subconscious mind creates these vivid, gratifying experiences to compensate for the deprivation or unmet needs in the dreamer’s waking life.<\/p>\n

When the subconscious grows weary of restraint and self-denial, it crafts an idealized narrative to fulfill the hunger for what has been missing. These dreams are not merely escapism; they are the subconscious striving to restore balance, or homeostasis, to the psyche. By presenting an imagined version of happiness, the mind subtly signals what is lacking in the dreamer\u2019s reality and nudges them toward a more fulfilling existence.<\/p>\n

Sexual dreams, in particular, are a common manifestation of this psychological phenomenon. They often occur when an individual has gone without romantic or physical intimacy for an extended period. The frequency and intensity of these dreams can increase the longer this unmet need persists, highlighting the depth of the unsatisfied instinctual urge. These dreams are more than fleeting fantasies; they reflect a profound and innate drive, reminding the dreamer of the importance of connection and fulfillment in achieving emotional and psychological well-being.<\/p>\n

Reconciliation Dreams<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Loss and separation, particularly through death, profoundly impact the subconscious mind, often creating a storm of sorrow and unresolved conflict. While the conscious mind may gradually come to terms with the reality of the loss, the subconscious continues to yearn, mourn, and grapple with the absence of someone or something deeply cherished. In its quest for resolution, the subconscious often constructs a fantasy, revisiting happier times or even imagining an alternate reality where the loss never occurred.<\/p>\n

After my mother\u2019s sudden passing in a traffic accident, my adult daughter experienced recurring dreams for nearly a year. In these dreams, she discovered that her grandmother hadn\u2019t truly died\u2014that it had all been a terrible joke or an unfathomable mistake. In these imagined scenarios, her grandmother was alive and well, as if nothing had ever happened. These dreams were undoubtedly fueled by the shock and disbelief that followed such a sudden and tragic loss. My daughter\u2019s subconscious resisted the painful reality of her grandmother\u2019s death, yearning instead for the comforting thought that their life together could continue uninterrupted. These dreams served as a window into her profound attachment to her grandmother and her struggle to fully accept the finality of death.<\/p>\n

This subconscious tendency to resist loss and create scenarios of reconciliation extends beyond the realm of bereavement. Those who have endured the heartbreak of a failed relationship often dream of reuniting with their former partner. In these dreams, the subconscious constructs a narrative of repair and reunion, mending the fractures of the relationship. This can occur even when the conscious mind has moved on or has no desire to rekindle the connection. The subconscious, reluctant to let go of an emotional bond, expresses its deeper wish through these dreamscapes, creating a “kiss-and-make-up” scenario.<\/p>\n

For individuals who have consciously accepted the end of a relationship or made the difficult decision to leave, such dreams can be disorienting. They may feel as though the dreams undermine their resolve or mislead them into questioning their decisions. Similarly, for those longing for a reconciliation that is unlikely or impossible, these dreams can evoke false hope or amplify feelings of longing. It is important to recognize that these reconciliation dreams are not predictive or prophetic; they are not glimpses into the future but rather expressions of unresolved emotions and unfulfilled desires. At their core, these dreams are pure fantasy, a reflection of the subconscious mind\u2019s ongoing struggle to make peace with loss and change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Life Fulfillment Fantasy Dreams<\/h2>\n

I once had a dream that was both funny and revealing: I had just been elected President of the United States and stood confidently before a cheering audience, delivering a long and impassioned victory speech. As I reflected on this dream, it became clear that it represented my deep desire to make a meaningful impact on the world and to be recognized as a leader. The dream tapped into a universal longing many of us share\u2014the aspiration to achieve greatness, to step out of the ordinary, and to be celebrated for our contributions.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s excelling in a career, accomplishing a creative endeavor, or simply being acknowledged by our peers, the quest for significance is a fundamental human drive. When reality falls short of fulfilling this desire, our subconscious steps in to create a dreamscape where the barriers of limitation fall away, allowing us to experience the recognition and success we crave.<\/p>\n

An artist who hasn\u2019t sold a painting in months might dream of a gallery opening where every piece is purchased for a fortune. A struggling musician might envision themselves as a rock star, performing in front of a roaring crowd of thousands. Similarly, an author may dream of their book soaring to the top of The New York Times Best Seller list. These vivid fantasies are not just wishful thinking; they serve an important psychological purpose. They allow us to experience the joy of success and recognition, even if only for a fleeting moment, and remind us of the possibilities that lie beyond our current struggles.<\/p>\n

But why does the subconscious create such grandiose and uplifting fantasies? As Carl Jung proposed, it is partly to challenge limiting beliefs and affirm the potential for extraordinary outcomes. These dreams act as a gentle push from the subconscious, encouraging the dreamer to see beyond the constraints of their circumstances. More importantly, they serve as a means of emotional nourishment. By crafting scenarios of triumph and joy, the subconscious uplifts the dreamer\u2019s spirit, pulling them from despair or monotony into a state of temporary happiness and inspiration.<\/p>\n

At its core, the subconscious is a harmonizing force. Its ultimate goal is to foster peace, joy, love, and a sense of purpose, even in the face of adversity. Through these dreams, it reminds us of our intrinsic worth and our capacity for greatness, planting seeds of hope and resilience that may one day flourish in waking life.<\/p>\n

Other Spirituality Articles by Ariadne Green<\/h2>\n