Catching Dreams

Dream catchers are a Native American craft that embody the importance of keeping dreams pure. I was thinking about what makes a dream "good" and what makes one "bad," and came to believe that even nightmares may guide us, so long as they are regarded as tools and not agents of fright. When we are able to wake with a sense of joy, which may even sometimes come in the form of exuberance, then we are given testament that the day will be fulfilling and productive.

In this month's UTNE reader, Jeff Bridges opens up about his experience with meditation and Buddhist literature, which he discusses in light of his self-proclaimed laziness. People start to feel morose when they fail to pinpoint their purpose. The stigma of laziness pursues them. It should be noted, however, that this state that we dub "laziness" can be captured in a more productive, positive light. When one has a will to do work yet enters a state of relaxation from time to time to reflect, that time of reflection is not lazy time, according to Buddhist tradition. Replace the negativistic "lazy" word with a more positive one, "reflective," and the stigma is neutralized. It is the ones that are tuned into the holy, the spiritual, and the shamanic, that may appear at a loss of will and energy, that just might end up being the ones to turn things around. Their mentalities and lifestyles suggest anything but a lack of passion or will, as they actively embrace stillness, and practice their spiritual discipline.

With or without a "purpose," rise to the occasion. It's all there is to do.