Dreaming about a Dream within a Dream

I Dream a Dream within a Dream...

This is one of the most confusing, mindfucking dreams ever and I'm sure we've all had one of these multi-layered dreams. They unravel like matryoshka dolls and it doesn't seem to come to an end until we finally wake up from it.

Dreaming about a Dream within a Dream is like peeling layers off an onion, new elements are revealed about the dream or it can merely set the stage for an entirely new dream emerging from deep within the subconscious. What's so troubling about it? If you're a lucid dreamer this totally sets you off, you lose control and you stop being lucid. You totally give in to all the elements and scenes that would take place.

But more often than not you are aware that these are not 2 dreams intersecting or two dreams held together. But like in a movie, you wake from the occurence of the first dream, only to find yourself having your reality distorted, surprised to finally realized, you are not really awake, but still dreaming- trap in a dream. And when you do finally wake up, you still feel uncertain about it, you still fear you might be dreaming. This kind of dream can be such a disassociative experience for any person.

Why does this kind of dream happen anyway?

On why it happens, well who knows? The reason could be physical and chemical, something in your body is working overtime, some organ is secreting too much or busy digesting or releasing too much of this and that. That your brain reboots the dream in midstream.

One lucid dreamer calls this a form of false awakening

In my case, I experienced this commonly as a side effect of sleeping pills such as stilnox or unisom. Sleeping aids affect people differently and can produce the most vividly strange dreams.

What does Dreaming within a Dream mean?

We can say that such a dream can be considered a nightmare. As it prevents you from waking up and after a few layers, the dream can cause you great distress. The more you struggle to wake up, the more the dream unravels.

If your "Dream within a Dream" is on a pleasant tone, then it is a whimsical journey. Perhaps one dream is meant to protect you from the state of the other.

Dreams of Riding a Bike: Your Sleep Cycle

What does it mean when I am riding a bike in my dreams?

Riding a bike requires your own body's effort, to expend your own energy. The dream is telling you to take control of your life, exert yourself more. Be more ambitious and goal oriented. The bike is a journey symbol. You are being taken somewhere. In this case, as the rider, you will be deciding the fate of your personal journey.

Riding a bike in dreams may also represent a sexual act, particularly if you are mounting a red bike, the excitement of going fast and brazen and being in control as a rider. Perhaps as a lover you seek to tame who you desire most.

Are you alone or riding with someone on the bike? Like if you were dreaming about tandem biking? Is someone special riding along?

Enjoy this very pleasant dream, it stems possible from all the positive things you are enjoying in life right now. It means you should carry on and be happy with the way things are in your life.

Is the bike out of control? Or going uphill? Or speeding downhill?

Well the dream is about control, how much effort you put into pushing the pedals or engaging the breaks. There is a lack of focus in your life and th bike dream is trying to set your gears into balance.

The Meaning of Cutting in Dreams: Sharp as a Blade

I dreamt I was cutting someone's face with an exacto knife, they were screaming, but they weren't fighting back or pushing me away. They could easily make me stop if they choose to, but they don't, they just rest their heads on my lap. They scream with eyes wide awake as I put the blade to their faces. They would endure the pain, the way a regular person would endure a visit to a dentist or a tattoo artist.

What I was doing seemed important to them. I would cut their faces with a pattern-like spiral, somewhat like a doodle. The cut is superficial, it doesn't bleed, it instantly clots and turns into rusty red scabs. These people want to be marked this way. I cut the father first, the mother and then the young children. They are wearing blue spandex suits with black cuffs. They are caucasian in origin. Once I am through with the youngest, the mother smiles at me for a job well done.

I wake up from this dream thoroughly disoriented.

Possible Meanings of this Dream:

Cutting in Dreams means 'severing' oneself from a bind. It may refer to a broken relationship or a negative behavior you wish to put to an end.

In the case of my dream, I wasn't cutting a part of my body, but someone else's - a whole family. All of their faces. In fact it felt like a job, cutting served like a service of sorts and I was praised for marking them and giving them pain.

Maybe the cutting was a cosmetic procedure, it was aesthetic in a sense. Maybe I have this deep-seated need to clean up my family issues and cut it out of its core.

Maybe I need to severe certain ties to some relative who refuse to change even after all my attempts to help them resolve their issues.

Dreams about Balloons: Flights of Fancy

What does it mean when one dreams about balloons?



Balloons are these poetic objects of flight. Balloons in dreams may signify your ambition, a journey into the unknown or your ability to take yourself to the next level through self-improvement.

Check out the following dream situations:

I dreamt of a red balloon, I was holding it and it popped
It means the end of a personal, lofty dream

I dreamt of being on a hot-air balloon and rising above the land seeing everything.
There is a journey up ahead and you are aware of the dangers and riches that await in your destination.

I dreamt of balloons flying away across a blue sky.
It is witnessing your secret desire for personal freedom take hold.

I dreamt of myself with a balloon head walking around the neighborhood.
You are being made aware of perhaps your inflated ego or how you are making things difficult for other people around you.

Falling in Dreams

Have you ever had the following dream scenario?
• Freefalling from great heights
• Falling from the sky
• Falling from a high place
• Jumping then falling into an abyss

Falling in dreams represent a range of possible meanings:
• Loss of status in life (insecurities, failures, loss of good standing in the communtiy)
• A warning to stay within your means or to live within realistic expectations
• You fear the lack of support from loved ones (no one's there to catch your fall)

A falling dream is a warning to your ego and your megalomania- nurturing lofty dreams, grandiose fantasies are hurting your personal relationships with others.

When one falls, you are bound to hit the ground eventually, and the truth may hit your hard.

Falling photo by Franky

A January 2010 Dream of Falling Teeth and Gums

I dreamt of being in an office with uneven floors and ramps. Hexagonal-like walls abound. Mirrors everywhere.

I stand to examine my face up close in a mirror, I had these really deep wrinkles and old-age lines all over my face, criss crossing like razor cuts. I also had Grace Coddington's amazing, wiry flaming hair. I look distinguished.

But my jaw suddenly dropped, and while my mouth lay open, the upper part of gums falls off with my teeth still intact. I start laughing, curious how I could still talk while my gums dangling in the way my tongue.

I scramble to put my gums back on the top, but it keeps falling down. I wake up.

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For dreams about tooth loss, know the meaning at my old post

Dreaming of Windows: Windows-Closed or Open in Dreams

So what does dreaming of windows mean?

Windows represent the obvious - an opening. A Window lets the light in and let's you see what's outside or even what's inside.

Well how did you see the window in your dream?

Were you watching someone from a window? Did you longed to be with that someone from the outside? If yes, then window is simply an emotional barrier between you and that special someone. 

Did you open the window in your dream?

You are inviting someone or something new ino your inner world. This could mean a positive change like letting your defenses down and being less guarded with your emotions.

Was the window dirty or covered with snow? Simply means you are not looking at situation clearly or you are not seeing this opening as an opportunity for change.