Everyone faces the profound pain of losing a loved one at some point in their lives. However, the impact of such a loss can be deeper and more complex than we often anticipate.
For instance, have you ever dreamed about someone who has passed away? You might not have pondered the significance of their appearance in your dreams. Grieving is a unique process for everyone—some may cry their hearts out, others may go silent and withdraw, while some might act as if nothing has happened, trying to avoid the painful reality. Yet, a common thread among many is the experience of seeing deceased loved ones in their dreams.
The subconscious mind plays a powerful role in shaping our dreams, and if you’ve ever dreamt of someone who has died, it could carry a meaningful implication. This raises the intriguing question: can the dead communicate with us in our dreams?
Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, describes such experiences as “visitation dreams.” According to McNamara, these are dreams where the deceased appear to the dreamer and seem very much alive. McNamara, who frequently writes on the topic under the pseudonym Dream Catcher for Psychology Today, believes these dreams have a rational explanation: they aid in emotional healing.
McNamara recounts his own experience of having visitation dreams following his parents’ deaths, which left him with an unshakeable feeling of having communicated with them. He suggests that for someone less skeptical than himself, such dreams might strongly reinforce the belief in life after death.
Numerous studies have delved into the nature and impact of these dreams. For instance, a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care found that dreams of the deceased are common and can play a significant role in the healing process. These dreams often feature themes like past memories, the deceased appearing healthy and at peace, and the deceased conveying messages to the dreamer.
In 2016, Canadian researchers studied the dreams of 76 middle-aged individuals who had recently experienced a significant loss. Their findings showed that 67.1% of participants felt that dreaming about the deceased strengthened their belief in an afterlife, while 70% felt as though they were receiving visits from the dead in their dreams. Moreover, 71% reported that these dreams enhanced their sense of connection to their lost loved ones.
Jennifer E. Shorter, a psychologist at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California, has also explored the relationship between our waking lives and our dreams. In her research, she identifies four key characteristics of visitation dreams:
- The deceased appear as they did in real life but often healthier or younger.
- The deceased typically convey messages about their current state, often reassuring the dreamer that they are fine.
- The dream’s significance is felt more as a telepathic communication rather than a physical presence.
- The dream is usually peaceful, well-structured, and harmonious.
Have you ever dreamed about a loved one who has passed away? What significance did it hold for you?
4o
