There’s an old idea—set forth by Plato at the end of his Republic—that each person enters the world called. In the Myth of Er, Plato tells us that each soul is given a unique soul-companion before we are born. As well, the soul of each of us selects a particular image, or pattern, that we intend to live out on earth. In the process of arrival, however, we forget all that took place. We forget that we have been given soul-companions and believe that we come into this life empty—as clean slates. Plato and the Greeks called the soul-companion “daimon,” the Romans “genius,” the Christians “guardian angel;” today we use terms such as “heart,” “spirit,” and “soul.” Some 2,400 years later, Plato’s myth still offers an exciting approach to themes such as fate and fatalism, character and desire, family influence and freedom, and, most of all, calling—that invisible mystery at the center of every life that speaks to the fundamental question “What is it, in my heart, that I must do, be, and have? And why?”
For me, the calling of dreams is central. After working with dreams for more than 30 years, what continues to amaze me is that we dream at all. For dreams show us—even as we sleep and regardless of their particular contents—that we are creative beings. When we dream we are returned to the source of our on-going creation. When we allow ourselves to become curious about our dreams, we find that we become open in the process. We soon begin to sense that dreams mean well for us, that they back us up and urge us on. Dreams expand our sensuousness and spirit and continually make up new things to give us. Dreams, it turns out, understand us more deeply that we understand ourselves—and they love us for the attention we give them. Indeed, paying mindful attention to dreams continues to reveal itself as a life path for me, a “practice.” The curiosity, wonder, and mystery with which I approach the dream is also the attitude that I seek to carry into personal and community engagements—bringing a “witnessing presence” to what life offers.
If you are curious to learn more about some big old ideas like Fate and Destiny, Plato’s Myth of Er, and what it has to do with your dreams and calling, join mentor, mythologist, dream-tender and guide to souls, Dr. Renée Coleman, for a free public lecture at the Balance Point Spa (which is located at 18285 Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country) on October 19, 2010 at 7 p.m.
New dream groups are forming all the time. For more information or to schedule your free introductory dream-tending session, call: 661-288-1901 or email: dreamtending@gmail.com.