Losing a loved one is a painful experience that everyone goes through at some point in their lives. However, the loss of a particular loved one can have a greater impact on us than we anticipate. Have you ever dreamt about someone who is no longer alive? You may not have given any thought to the significance of their appearance in your dreams.
It is a common practice among many people to remember their departed loved ones in their dreams. But what does it mean when a deceased person appears in your dream? Can they communicate with us in some way?
According to Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry, dreams of the deceased are known as visitation dreams. These dreams involve visions of the departed appearing alive and well, providing a sense of connection to the bereaved. McNamara, who has extensively studied dreams and their interpretation, believes that visitation dreams have a rational explanation and can assist in the healing process after emotional trauma.
In a study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, researchers analyzed the effects of mourning dreams. The study concluded that dreams of the deceased are common, meaningful, and contribute to the healing process after a loss. The dreams often involve past memories or experiences, envisioning the deceased without illness, and communication from the departed.
A group of Canadian researchers conducted a study in which 76 middle-aged individuals who had recently experienced a significant loss were interviewed about their dreams. The findings revealed that dreaming about the departed strengthened their faith in an afterlife and their sense of connection to the deceased.
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter has studied the relationship between our waking lives and dreams. Her research suggests that visitation dreams can occur shortly after death or even years later. Shorter has identified four distinguishing features of a visitation dream: the deceased appear as they did in real life but healthier or younger, the deceased may mention their current state of being, the dream elicits a sense of telepathic communication, and the dream state is peaceful and well-structured.
Dreams can hold significant meaning, especially when it comes to processing grief and finding comfort in the presence of our departed loved ones. If you have experienced the presence of a deceased loved one in your dreams, we invite you to share your experience in the comments section below. And if you believe that dreams can have meaning, please consider sharing this article on Facebook.
