| What is the relationship between pain and dreaming? In this panel, five IASD members from diverse backgrounds explore how pain and dreaming influence each other through art, vampire imagery, coping with cancer, shamanism, and embodied dreamwork.
Endometriosis in Dreams and Art
Sheila McNellis Asato, Chair
In this multi-media presentation, Asato will show how the pain of endometriosis has influenced her dreams and art. Working with dreams through art, massage and embodied dreamwork, she has gained tremendous insights into pain that have helped her to cope more effectively, transforming despair and fatigue into hope and healing.
The Vampire's Bite
Patricia Garfield
In this paper, Dr. Garfield presents classic and contemporary examples of dreams of the vampire’s bite and its potential significance in physical pain. These legendary figures, attacking the throat for blood, are ideal metaphors to “explain” a dreamer’s throat pain. Dream workers should know that vampire dreams might signal physical ailment.
Working With Cancer Pain Through Dream Re-entry
Tallulah Lyons
Three late-stage cancer patients used a personalized CD repeatedly for over a month to help alleviate pain. Each CD had a guided imagery exercise to help them re-enter a specific healing dream. The severity of their pain before and after using the CD was measured on a standardized scale.
The Shamanic Healer's Journey Through Pain
Mary Pat Lynch
Experiencing and integrating pain is central to becoming a shamanic healer. A key initiation on the path is the dismemberment journey. Through words and images, Lynch will describe how shamans across cultures have experienced this painful but essential transition, and share her own experiences of these transformative journeys and dreams.
Breaking the Psychic Cast: the Pain of Forward Movement
Judy White
In this presentation, Judy White will share her struggle with chronic pain and discomfort to illustrate Robert Bosnak's approach to dreaming. Highlights will include: the transformational potential of embodying the imagined "other;" and the relationship between somatic and psychic pain with developmental and historical wounds. |