Dreams communicate with us. There are many true stories people have told about how their dreams communicated important, even life-saving, information.

For example, Paul McCartney’s song “Yesterday” came to him in a dream. Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi received advice on how to lead his country to liberation. He dreamed that the entire country should fast for one day as an act of nonviolent resistance. This began a movement that eventually led to India’s freedom from English rule in 1947. In his book Dream Guidance: Connecting to the Soul through Dream Incubation, therapist and author Machiel Klerk tells how once when he was driving and fell asleep at the wheel, a friend came to him in a dream causing him to wake before it was too late.

Scientists, inventors, artists, and others have had dreams which enabled them to make breakthroughs in their work and life.

There are ways we can work with dreams besides simply waiting for important information to appear on its own. Throughout recorded history, people have used rituals and intentions to gain insights from their dreams. We can speak directly to the mysterious source of our dreams. Whatever your belief system, it can’t be denied that you can access deeper sources of wisdom by paying attention to your dreams.

With this method, sometimes called “dream incubation,” you focus on a particular question, problem, or topic before going to sleep. In ancient times, people might go on a journey to a sacred place in order to do this practice. But you can do it in your own home, in your own bed,

There are various aspects to this practice:

Formulate a question: There are different ways to do this, but basically ask an open-ended question, not one that requires a yes or no answer.

Be specific: The more specific you are, the more you are likely to gain clarity.

Ask one question at a time: This will help you interpret any dream message you may receive.

It can be helpful to write in a journal before going to sleep. Explore the various facts of the situation you would like clarity on. Once in bed, contemplate your question as you fall asleep. Keep a journal by your side so you can record the dream as soon as you wake.

 Your dream may not be clear, but if you write it down you can refer to it through the following days. If you don’t receive a dream or are not certain of its meaning, continue to work with the practice, perhaps changing the wording of your issue.

Dreams have their own type of symbolic language. Even if you don’t understand the dream at first, over time, the meaning may become clearer. If it seems that action is indicated, take that action! This will bring you closer to solving whatever situation you are currently facing.

“Asking your dreams for help implies two very important aspects of this dream incubation technique. The first is that there is a direct relationship between you and dreaming. The second is that the answer is your own personal revelation. There is no need for outside help. Your own dream will guide you to find purpose and meaning…through dream incubation, you build and nurture your own relationship with the dreams.” —Machiel Klerk