An Octopus at the Childhood Pool: Finding Support Amid Work Stress
"In the dream, I encounter a giant mauve/purple octopus in the outdoor community swimming pool I used to frequent as a child. The octopus and I are alone together at the pool."
This participant came to Guided Dreaming feeling stressed about work—pressing deadlines, a lack of support from a teammate, and the weight of carrying it all alone.
During their underwater waking dream, they returned to a place of childhood safety: the community pool they used to visit as a child. And there, they met a giant mauve/purple octopus.
"Although the octopus is larger than the pool itself, we swim together under the water, which opens up with ample space for the octopus to swim comfortably."
Then came the embrace.
"He gives me an enormous hug, swallowing me up in his many arms, and gently pinching me with his suckers. His hug is loving and reassuring."
The dream turned to night. A strobe light with many colours danced around. It was time to say goodbye.
"I emerge feeling happy and calm."
The insight?
"The octopus is a steady source of support and would never abandon me. He encourages me to live with courage and strength."
Now, when they feel timid or abandoned, they think of the octopus—and it gives them confidence.
That's the transformative power of dreaming while awake.
Guided Dreaming offers a safe, reliable, and evidence-informed protocol to access your unconscious wisdom through structured underwater waking dreams.
Waking dreams are dreamlike phenomena experienced when one is not asleep, according to the APA Dictionary of Psychology.
Visit GuidedDreaming.com to learn more and join a session.
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