Why do Dreams of Flight Occur After Child Abuse?

Clearly one does not need to be a psychologist to interpret the foundation for dreams of flight after any trauma. Escaping a situation in our dreams is fairly self-explanatory. In an awakened state these situations may be referred to as a dissociative state. This is when one acts or behaves as another personality, or travels somewhere  in their mind to avoid feeling or avoid a recurring trauma. This is a common reaction with rape victims.

Two nights ago, my best friend played an old Sammy Hagar song, “Eagles Fly.”  In the song, he states, ” Take me away, where eagles fly.”  I was tired, it was late, and vivid memories came flooding in of my own dreams of flight. During and after my sexual abuse, I can recall running in an open field with the wind in my face. I would hop twice, arms outstretched, and I became airborne. These dreams were very vivid. I could look down on fields, people, and animals. Tops of trees appeared as clumps of bushes dotting the landscape. No one, absolutely no one could hurt me while I was in flight. I felt BIG. I felt  strong, powerful, and most importantly, FREE!

Our dreams give us an escape from stressors, as well as issues we may feel uncomfortable sharing in our awakened state. Children who have gone through any trauma commonly experience dreams of flight. When they become grounded by the earth’s gravitational pull, fear sets in again. Fear can cause an increase in the intensity of anxiety as well as the frequency of these dreams.

In a few cases, children may dissociate in an awakened state. They may talk to make-believe individuals, grades may fall in school, they may withdraw in a mute state, and become agitated. These symptoms must be addressed immediately.

Our mind is an amazing safety net for psychic turmoil. It can come to our aid in awakened states or while we sleep. Never refuse to look at your dreams. They are there for a reason. If not addressed they will revisit you, I promise.

How the  book, Above His Shoulders will help:

In the book, I frequently describe my dreams of flight. I initially did not understand the significance, later as a psychologist, I realized many rape and abuse victims experience similar dreams. The book gives an accurate portrayal of these dreams and the need to escape. My dreams now continue, however my dreams of flight are flying toward future goals, not of escape.

Become a fan on facebook. See the photographs of the actual oak tree and the authors home, as well as a sneak peak at the new book. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Above-His-Shoulders/274131107309?ref=nf

For more information please go to: http://www.peaceandhealing.com/