Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of dream interpretations for myself. I reckon my dreams are so
active right now because of all the work I’ve been doing on my book. My activity level has gone
way down because I’m trying to heal from some health-related issues, which is allowing me to
get this book done. Every waking hour, when I’m not at work, I write, read, or watch something
about nature.
A new chapter of life is on the horizon. I don’t know all the details yet, but it is happening. I feel it
just as strongly as when I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, and my dreams encourage me
and show me that I am on the right path.
Last night’s dream had me walking through a massive field of yellow wildflowers with an
enormous mountain range in the distance. I remember the sound of the waist-high wildflowers
brushing against my pant legs as I pushed my way through, touching them with my fingertips,
saying, “Am I in Yellowstone National Park right now?”
About then, I see and hear a passenger train coming down the tracks. Standing close to the
large dark creosote railroad ties, I wait for the train to blow through and watch the caboose get
smaller and smaller.
In the next breath, I find myself on a paved path, like a greenway. A familiar voice asks me
where my skates are, and I whirl around suddenly concerned for them. I see my skates lying on
the side of the path, maybe 30 yards back. I run back to get them, put them on, and bask in the
sunlight and freedom as I glide. The path is smooth and wide, and I have it all to myself.
That was it. So, what does it mean?
I think the train represents this journey of self-discovery I’m on right now and the embarking of
my next adventures. The skates represent the desire for freedom and independence.
Here’s my caution sign: be careful not to get caught up in the future because in doing so, I’m
missing the present. I live in all three dimensions, past, present, and future, especially while
writing about a fantastic hiking adventure 11 years ago. I regularly communicate with my past
self, and we get along okay. My future self is annoyingly happy and peaceful, and I can’t help
but roll my eyes at her sometimes.
To my present self, we are working on mindfulness and connection. There have been a lot of
train rides to the past and the future lately, but we have been doing some good work together in
the here and now. Being mindful of the present moment helps me breathe deeply, feel healthy,
and want to be spontaneous.
I hate missing out, so I have to make every day count. I love Ed Chigliak’s line in Northern
Exposure, “Just don’t know the end until we get there.”
From the Outside,
Margie
