New age dream analysis finds believers among Bangalore's recession-battered professionals
New age dream analysis finds believers among Bangalore's recession-battered professionals
Stressed-out Bangalore professionals are seeking refuge in a new form of soothsaying, called dream analysis.
Dr Indira Bhangar, who describes herself as Bangalore's only dream analyst, told MiD DAY, "The most common complaints are insomnia, palpitations, and recurrent nightmares."
ADVERTISEMENT
Pushed to a corner by peer and family pressure, corporate professionals wake up in the middle of the night, disturbed by bad dreams.
Corporate firms provide cars, holidays and other perks, and when they snatch these away, it becomes difficult for young professionals to face themselves, not to speak of their families and friends.
"It is very painful and frightening. They have to compromise on day-to-day necessities," Indira said.
Most of her clients are techies and businessmen hit by the recession.
"They become suicidal," said Indira. She gave MiD DAY some case studies.
Qualified analyst
Indira was trained in dream analysis at the Institute of Counselling and Transactional Analysis, Kerala. She holds a doctoral degree in alternative medicine and is a registered medical practitioner, but she ventured into dream analysis when she found that it had helped a friend overcome a personal tragedy. She started holding therapy sessions in 1994, and has analysed dreams for nearly more than 900 people so far.
A typical session lasts a couple of hours, and Indira says it takes at least two sessions before a patient can see improvement. She charges Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 a session.
The sceptics
Not everyone is convinced it works. "Dream analysis is at best acceptable if it is used to explain things such as how a person thinks or his mental attitudes, but using it to explain the supernatural, such as past life regression, is absolute rubbish," said Dr Narender Naik, president of the Federation of Indian Rationalists Associations.u00a0
"When someone claims to be a dream analyst, the qualifications have to be verified. In fact, I don't even think that dream analysis is a proper speciality," he told MiD DAY.u00a0
But Indira is certain dreams hold secret therapeutic messages. "Dreams are the royal road to the subconscious... they are a reflection of your true self," she explained. "During the dream state, the subconscious becomes predominant and all suppressed desires, fears and deep-rooted impressions are actively expressed."
Indira believes dream analysis can offer directions relevant to forthcoming situations, which if followed, can help dreamers lead complete lives.
The converts
Simran Khurana (29) and Afshan Khan (38), both techies, are converts.
"It has been a trip of self-discovery for us. The sessions have made us more focused in life," said Simran.
Bhaskar Bose (28), a team associate in a multinational firm, said, "It has changed my life; I am more relaxed now and take life as a challenge."
Dr Indira Bhangar can be contacted at isbhangar@rediffmail.com.
Pink slip dreams: Some case studies
Raghav Gowda 25, software engineer
Situation: He lost his job in a MNC three months ago. He was expecting a promotion but got a pink slip.
Dream: He had disturbed dreams of being killed, or getting a job and being fired. He works very hard but gets no recognition. Someone else takes credit due to him, and family goes against him.
Analysis: He isn't able to accept reality. He is under parental pressure. He is more worried about parental pressure than job loss. The solution is to accept reality and move on.u00a0 He lacks clarity.
Prescription: Use this opportunity to pursue something you always wanted to but never found the time for.u00a0
Vivek Sharma 33, programme head
Situation: Fears being sacked. He has EMIs and debts to repay.
Dream: He goes to his workplace and finds some one else on his seat. He asks his colleagues about it and they act like strangers and laugh at him. He is stranded and lost.
Analysis: He is being pessimistic and losing opportunities by worrying about the future.
Prescription: Be optimistic and happy. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.u00a0
u00a0
Anand Nambiar 38, graphic designer
Situation: Fears a job cut, and has already taken a big salary cut. Family pressure.
Dream: Being drowned in a river, or killed with family by a flood or a tsunami.
Analysis:u00a0 He fears losing his assets. His dream suggests he should start something new.
Prescription: After destruction there can only be construction. Find a part-time job in another domain.u00a0
"Dreams are the royal road to the subconscious they are a reflection of your true self," explained Indira. "During the dream state, the subconscious becomes predominant and all the suppressed desires, fears and deep-rooted impressions are actively expressed."
Indira believes dream analysis can offer guidelines relevant to forthcoming situations, which if followed well, can lead us to live complete lives. It gives us insights into behavioral patterns for clearing negative emotions."
Simran Khurana(29) and Afsan Khan(38), both techies, are converts. "The sessions have made us more focussed in life," said Simran.
(Names changed to protect dreamers' identities).
What can dreams tell you?
This is how analysts look at the dream world:
>>A dream can be in colour or black and white. It can be good or bad. It can represent something that occurred in the past or something that never occurred. Sometimes you can remember a dream and sometimes you can't. But a dream is a dream!
>>Each symbol has a different meaning appropriate for the dreamer but there are very general symbols which have general meaning.
>>For example, the most common dreams are about falling, drowning, death. Animals we see in our dreams represent our basic instincts and falling can mean a fear of failure. Dreams about dying can mean a new beginning.u00a0u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
