The Secret Heart of Dreams (Upcoming class, begins April 30)
The dreaming path
In the Fall quarter, I had the great honor of hosting three amazing scholars on dreams and dreaming: Dr. Barbara Bain presented on dream's relevance to California indigenous societies and role in decolonization; Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD, on the Undertorah: an Earth-based view of dream wisdom from the Jewish mystical traditions, and, Dr. Marna Hauk on Hygeia, goddess of Earth dreaming and regenerative imagination practices. It was a privilege to host these three visionary scholars bringing forth Earth-honoring, regenerative wisdom in service of renewing collective and planetary possibilities. (Special props to Dr. Hauk for stepping in the day before the event, in place of a previously scheduled speaker who excused himself, and offering a brilliant session!)
While this was not my intention when I invited these speakers, I have since been nudged to offer a class on dreams. In spring, I will be teaching a four week class with Morbid Anatomy, titled “The Secret Heart of Dreams.” If you are called, please join us. The class will run Wednesdays from April 30 - May 21, 2025, 4pm - 5:30pm PT / 7pm - 8:30pm ET, via Zoom.
The Secret Heart of Dreams (online class with Morbid Anatomy)
In indigenous systems of wisdom around the world, dreams are regarded as bridges between the worlds. Dreams offer pathways where we can listen to the Earth speaking with us, and also encounter ancestors, other-than-human realms, and the mysterious longings of our souls that guide us back to our gift and purpose. Dreams are not merely pleasant diversions; they are a dynamic source of knowledge, healing, and inspiration. Their messages may carry guidance not only for the dreamer, but also for community. The mysterious language of dreams can summon us to an awareness of a cosmos where we are connected and in relation to all—to an intelligence that is the source of creative renewal.
In this class, we will learn about and approach dreamwork through earth-based and indigenous perspectives on dreaming, grounded particularly in notions of healing and wisdom as taught by Dagara elder and ancestor Dr. Malidoma Somé. We will begin engaging with dreams as navigational aids, orienting ourselves to the choices and possibilities within our individual and collective lives and our creative work. We will learn methods that allow us to tap into the wisdom of dreams so we can connect with our roots and open up the wellspring of creativity. We will also inquire how—as artists and inhabitants of the current moment—we may be a part of co-creating with Earth. Each week, our learning journey will include collective sharing of dreams, art, ritual, and reflection.
