“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
– Anne Lamott
Hello Dear Reader,
I’ve been wondering: Are you dreaming about it?
I mean, is the nightmare we’re living through by day showing up in your dreams?
Not me. Not lately! Despite my dreams’ tendency toward nightmares, and their active interest in politics (they’ve predicted the outcomes of the last several presidential elections) these past couple of weeks they’ve been pleasant, neutral, or slightly frustrating. But nightmares? None.
By day I live with a heart roiling with sorrow, hurt, compassion, anger, helplessness, and despair as I witness the immoral brutality of government policies and so-called policing, and the degradation and disregard for the laws and principles Americans have fought to preserve on the battlefield and on the streets. And by night, my dreams seem content to be sitting this one out.
In today’s video I explain how as a young woman, not yet out of my teens, my dreams helped me transform my fears into courage. And they’ve continued to show up for me ever since, scooping me up from puddles of tears when I had to gather up my strength to care for my daughter during our darkest hours, tend to my mother who was beset by Alzheimer’s, and later on to rebuild my life when my previous relationship ended suddenly—and I could go on and on.
So, I trust that my dreams are giving me what I need, even now. For example:
Every day I pull out a pocketful of wisdom that dreams have graced me with over a lifetime of dreamwork. These accumulated nuggets help me take the next breath and the next step with a sense of meaning and purpose.
In my work as a professional writer and dreamworker, I build community around dreams and creativity to heal and foster hope, even as we share our heartbreak and fears with one another.
My recent dreams of frolicking leopard cubs, clear and bubbling streams, and visits with my lovely, laughing loved ones who have passed over—and even the dreams of getting lost in strange cities and mysterious woodlands remind me that play, resilience and joy are still available. And that it’s okay not to know which way to turn when navigating strange and scary territory.
With a little guidance and practice, we can all use our dreams as a classroom and a training ground where we can build empathy, faith, and courage so we can face any challenges that arise with a little more grace.
In these fraught times I’m grateful for the decision my dreams helped me make years ago: to dedicate my work life to sharing this inner resource with all of you.
Now is when we need to dig deep inside ourselves to find the fierce, protective, and creative power of love that will guide us, one dream at time.
That’s all for now. Until we meet again, may you dream write, and be well,
Learn about 350 Dreamers, our international community of people dreaming together for global healing.
My passion for dreams has led me to study them in depth from cross-cultural psychological, and spiritual perspectives.
💫 Whether you are beset by nightmares, feeling lonely or anxious, or dealing with physical illness, working with your dreams can offer you a sense of agency and empowerment and help you connect with your purpose. 💫 I’ve created accessible, and effective methods of dreamwork for 1:1 sessions, groups and classes for people like you. 💫 Check out my offerings and let me know how we might work together.
What others are saying about dreamwork and writing with Tzivia 🎙️
“[Tzivia’s] teaching style is enthusiastic, dynamic, and magnetic—and inspirational.”
—Victoria Rabinowe, author and founder of the DreamingArts Studio, Santa Fe, NM
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“I highly encourage anyone... to turn to Tzivia for incentive, instruction, and guidance.”
—Glory Nelson
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“I found Tzivia as a teacher to be a lovely balance of skilled, kind, warm, and firm. You’re in the hands of a trustworthy leader and knowledgeable teacher. The supportive container she creates allows for surprising work to arise in this supportive, fun, and creative setting.”
Jennifer Goldman, Adventures in Attunement
