The Importance of Dreams

I am currently reading The Dreaming Universe by Fred Alan Wolf. It is at times confusing, enlightening, interesting and frustrating. Today’s chapter dealt with the brain’s awareness and reaction to stimulus. Apparently, it is possible for a person to react to a stimulus (breaking to avoid hitting an animal running across the road) before becoming aware that the animal crossed the road. Somehow when the brain processes the information, it actually can send signals back in time in order to allow an automatic reaction.
The whole concept seems rather far-fetched until you start thinking about times when you may have reacted to something before you realize what you’re doing. I wonder if this could be the cause of many cases of “foot in mouth” disease. How often have you said something only to wish a split second later that you hadn’t? I think everyone probably has one instance of this in their life.
This relates to one part of the lunch and learn discussion that I posted about yesterday. The speaker mentioned that humans are wired to respond rapidly with the truth when approached.
Example:
“How are you doing?”
“Oh, just terrible! The project is falling behind. I can’t get anyone to finish any work.”
or
“Great! I just achieved a great milestone on my current project.”
While both of the responses above are valid, honest answers to the question, which person do you want to continue the conversation with? The second person, of course. So your attitude can influence others opinions, thoughts and actions.
In the above scenario, what do you think would happen if the person asking the question had an exciting new project ready to get started and he or she was preparing to offer you the project and they had received the first answer? They probably would rethink their offer.
Consider that in your interactions with others and how a fairly innocuous interaction could have larger implications.
And as the speaker suggested, when asked any of the following questions:
“How’s business?”
“How is your health?”
“How are you?”
Simply answer energetically, “Unbelievable!”
This single word can cover everything from “My business is going further in the red every month” to “My fiancé just proposed. I’m getting married!” Whether the situation is good or bad, use this word to convey a positive an upbeat attitude.
Who knows where it will lead?