To say that dreams are food for thought is a huge understatement. As we work with and learn through our nighttime dreams, they feed our successes strategic planning, spiritual growth and even personal healing. In becoming more skilled, we also can use our dreams to nurture others as they seek assistance and direction in the paths of their lives.

Within the last year alone, my dreams have specifically and effectively led me to change my diet, work on creative projects (including helping me “get” the first three pages of a short story), add a totally new career path and embrace significant change in an old, ongoing career. Perhaps more importantly, I have worked with my dreams to be able to offer meaningful insight to clients fighting serious illness, dealing with life-changing relationship issues, seeking completely new spiritual paths and debating closing down a business.

Our dreams are the finest teachers, counselors, spiritual directors and personal boosters we can ever ask for. Take the time to work with your dreams. Doing so can change your life!

Try these "dream induction" techniques:
• Define a simple question or request you would like to address in your dreams, such as, "What do I need to    know about my career?” Repeat the question over and over, if only in your mind, like a lullaby or nursery    rhyme, as you fall into sleep. Repeat for a number of nights if necessary.
• Define your dream question. Write it on an index card or small sheet of paper. Hold it in your hand or place it    under your pillow where you will touch it while you sleep.
•Put a drop or two of lavender essential oil on your pillow just before you go to sleep. As you inhale the relaxing    scent, create a daydream around the question you are asking and allow yourself to fall into dream time.

Neal Szpatura is a shamanic practitioner/teacher, dreamwork counselor and tarot reader. He can be reached at (216) 371-3433 or nealdragon@aol.com.