Dream On

Following my dreams during the day comes somewhat naturally to me. Using my nighttime dreams as a way to connect with the Divine, not so much. But Laura Huff Hileman and "DreamPrayLive" may be about to change that.

Hileman, a spiritual director and dream consultant, believes that "dreamwork moves us into deeper understanding of ourselves and of the mystery of God." On our first meeting, in a group setting, I told her I was skeptical. Even after a second meeting, this time just the two of us for purposes of researching a magazine article, I remain a bit uneasy with the title of "dream consultant." But I am also increasingly intrigued by the possibility that dreams do more than pass the time or freak us out when we recount them in the light of day. What was that bear who looked an awful lot like Aunt Mildred and wore a top hat doing in the living room? 

From what I can tell, dreamwork is not really about the bear in the living room (you've got to get up pretty early in the morning to slide something past me). It's about learning to pay attention, and, with regard to spirituality, being willing to meet the Divine in the images of our nighttime wanderings, those pictures we can't control. Aha! No wonder I'm suspicious: dreams don't afford me the delusion that I'm calling the shots. Anything goes when the lights are out, Precious is snoring away next to me in the bed, and the extra layer of moisturizer has been applied to my sagging, aging skin. I think what Hileman is inviting me to consider is this: What if the mysteries of the night can help illuminate the greatest mystery of all?

You can learn more about Hileman, who holds certifications in spiritual direction and dream spirituality from the Haden Institute, and her work with "DreamPrayLive," at http://www.dreampraylive.com.