Our dreams can be the subject of fascination, introspection, and wonder. Their capacity to reflect our deepest longings, fears, and untapped desires is mostly unexplored. This morning, my brief but telling dream had me seated in a large audience - which is unusual for me. I was standing up waving my arm to be called on. The speaker kept calling on younger women - his age. I was about to confront him about that, when my inner voice said, "Don't. They won't hear you; this is not your tribe." 

As we sift through the ephemeral visions of our sleep, it's often worth investigating the messages left behind. Whether it's a longing for community or a guidance towards self-growth, these dream-born insights are speaking to us. They can serve as a compass, pointing us toward healing and realization, urging us to find our place within the tapestry of humanity.

Research into the world of dreams spans across multiple disciplines, from psychology, philosophy, to neurology. Carl Jung, a pioneer in this field, proposed that dreams are a direct connection to the unconscious, housing archetypes and a collective unconscious shared among all humans. His works, alongside more contemporary and spiritual studies, suggest that our nightly narratives are more than just random neural firings, but a complex interplay of our innermost workings - in other words dreams have meanings.

As I examined the dream I shared above, it began to speak its insights to me. It told me of a 20 year journey with Lee Carroll, Kryon, and the Lemurian Sisterhood, in a time of personal global connection and a time for belonging to a tribe. The transition from a vibrant, traveling community to an online, we mirrored a global shift most of us experienced during the pandemic. This period of isolation, while necessary, left a void for many, as the social fabric that once held us close unraveled before our eyes. Today, we are reweaving a new social fabric; a hybrid of both technology and personal connection.

Isolation, as comfortable as it may seem for some, especially introverts like me, is not without its toll. In The Blue Zone, a documentary by Dan Bruettner, recommended for its insightful look into longevity and well-being, notes the importance of social bonds. Mr. Breuttner underscores how, despite the contentment in solitude, human connection is crucial for optimal emotional and physical health. When we are in our personal caves, in isolation, there isn’t any creation or stimulation of the ‘feel-good’ hormones oxytocin and dopamine, which are a very necessary part of healthy living.

Venturing out into the world to find or create connections can be daunting, and can leave us feeling vulnerable. Rejection can always occur which is never pleasant, but worth the risk, in my experience. 

I began teaching weekly yoga and meditation classes as my ‘cross over’ into community building - I hadn’t taught in 20 years! Of course there is joining or starting a book club, etc. People, not social media. Sometimes it takes courageous steps towards building these necessary connections. 

The question I pose to the community is, "How do you nurture your need for your tribe?" This opens a dialogue about how we maintain and foster the connections that feed our soul, and draws on our community for ideas and inspiration. It's an invitation to share, learn, and perhaps discover new ways to satisfy our social longings in this ever-changing landscape of the new human.

Remember, dreams are not just the mind's way of sorting through the day's debris; let's embrace the wisdom that they offer. They are narratives rich with meaning, waiting to be explored. And in exploring them, we discover not just ourselves, but also the communities and connections that we yearn for - the tribes where our spirits soar, and our hearts find peace. Have you ever dreamed of yourself lost in a crowd? Or alone on a mountain. Both of these dreams may have similar  and telling meanings.

In our quest for connection, may our dreams be the map to the connections that we seek, and may our waking actions lead us to the fulfillment of those nocturnal whispers. As we dream, may we find loving messages and guidance that propel us towards our true tribe, towards places where our voice is heard, and our presence felt.

Our thoughts and experiences are valuable in this journey. How have your dreams guided you towards your tribe? Share your stories, and let's navigate this dream-laden quest together. 

As I celebrate my introvert-ness, I am delighted to have good friends in my tribe who are extroverts!