Lauren's Lair: Here be dragons...

[Sephirah]

Lauren, do you feel like your dreams have "meaning" or are messages in any way? I know people who believe they must, and I'm not convinced. My dreams are so often so odd - absurd, really - that it's impossible for me to imagine what useful information they could possibly be conveying to me.

I fly often in my dreams. It's become one of the surest indicators that it's a dream. Same with the classic "Back in school, didn't know there was an exam" dream. I've had those so often that I frequently tell everyone (in the dream), "This is a dream! Nobody needs to worry about anything happening here! It's not real!" Of course they all look at me as if I've lost my mind.

That's kind of hard to answer, Pema. I kind of think all dreams have meaning, in some way. They're the deepest parts of our mind trying to make sense of things. What that meaning is... I have no idea most of the time. But having worked with altered states of consciousness and meditation for a long, long time... I know that the deepest parts of ourselves, the subconscious mind, works with imagery. Subtle things that the conscious parts of us ignore. One image can speak a thousand words. Even if we don't understand the language.

You will get people who supposedly know what these meanings are. Even write books on it. "Yeah, if you dream your hair is falling out, that means you won't get the promotion at work!" I am not sold on that stuff. I think it's all very personal, and... assuming we remember our dreams, they should be things we figure out for ourselves.

Can I ask you something? When you dream you're flying... what do you fly over? Are there differing landscapes below? Or is it the same one?

[Pema]

I think it's all very personal, and... assuming we remember our dreams, they should be things we figure out for ourselves.

That's fair. I can't say I've acquired the knack for interpreting mine. So often they're just monotonous frustrating activities.

My flying dreams are always in different settings. Most recently, it was high over a very large park, and I was waving to people below. There have been times I've passed through and above clouds. Sometimes I have to dodge overhead power lines. Frequently, they're indoors, and I'm just sort of hovering (horizontally), turning to pass through doorways and the rest. There's never anyone else who can fly, and nobody else is even slightly impressed that I can. I'm always amazed that I can - until I figure out it means it's a dream.

[Lilis]

I wrote this down so it wouldn't take me 2 hours to type out, lol.

This is going to be a long read because there was kind of a lot going on in this dream. It was strange because it wasn't strange. Which will make sense at the end.

That Lauren was taller, with brown eyes, so different from you, with your grey-green eyes and braided hair.

It's like she was your complete opposite.

Maybe that dream was a glimpse into a parallel universe, some strange, vivid bridge between worlds.

Still, strange or not piece by piece, we're getting a clearer image of the real, beautiful you.

So far, we know you're petite, with those striking eyes and your signature braid.

Eventually, we'll have a full picture inside and out of who Lauren truly is.

I wish I could dream like that. No matter how long I sleep, nothing ever comes through like that.


~ Lilis 💗

[Lori Dee]

There's never anyone else who can fly, and nobody else is even slightly impressed that I can. I'm always amazed that I can

I was in session with my psychologist for PTSD, and we were discussing a recurring nightmare. It is never the same except in general. It is always a group of men chasing me for some reason. My psychologist told me that before I go to sleep, just keep telling myself that I have a jetpack and I can just fly away.

That reminded me of dreams I had when I was younger, and I told my psychologist about them. I was fascinated with levitation. Not the fake stuff that illusionists perform on stage, but real levitation, the way the Eastern yogis and gurus do. In my dreams, I kept practicing, and soon I could levitate just a couple of feet off the ground. In later dreams, it seemed my practice paid off because I could then levitate six feet off the ground. Once I realized I had mastered this, it was nothing to escape by levitating high enough to sit at the top of a tree or on a rooftop. And like your dreams, no one acted like it was unusual. So, before going to sleep, I would just remind myself that I know how to levitate.

At another session, I told my psychologist that I had another one of those dreams. I was looking for something important, but couldn't find it, and I was being chased around inside a large building. I kept frantically searching, then finally gave up, went outside, and levitated up and away.

My psychologist asked if I knew what I had been searching for. I said yes, my jetpack! She started laughing and said it is a good thing that I know how to levitate!

[Sephirah]

That Lauren was taller, with brown eyes, so different from you, with your grey-green eyes and braided hair.

It's like she was your complete opposite.

Maybe that dream was a glimpse into a parallel universe, some strange, vivid bridge between worlds.

Still, strange or not piece by piece, we're getting a clearer image of the real, beautiful you.

So far, we know you're petite, with those striking eyes and your signature braid.

Eventually, we'll have a full picture inside and out of who Lauren truly is.

I wish I could dream like that. No matter how long I sleep, nothing ever comes through like that.


~ Lilis 💗

Trust me, Lilis, this girl was not like me.. like... at all. And that's kind of what made it strange after I woke up.

I am most assuredly not petite. And I have never been pregnant. I don't... hrmm... I have way more walls up than any of you. As much as I encourage you to shine your light, I can't take my own advice. There's a lot of stuff I don't bring here. I am very Jekyll and Hyde. You folks being happy makes me happy. For all the light I have, I have just as much darkness, which I never want to bring here. You all have enough to deal with. I just... I can't do it. Even though sometimes I feel like I'm screaming.

Sorry... that's TMI. I don't think anyone will ever have that, Lilis. Because I'm... I should stop talking. It's getting way too thorny. Sorry.

[Lilis]

Sorry... that's TMI. I don't think anyone will ever have that, Lilis. Because I'm... I should stop talking. It's getting way too thorny. Sorry.

I hear you, no, no pressure, ever. 🙂💞


~ Lilis 🫂

[Sephirah]

I hear you, no, no pressure, ever. 🙂💞


~ Lilis 🫂

Thank you. Maybe one day. Until then, I get to help other people live their dreams. And that is enough.

[Sephirah]

In real life news... Metaphor: ReFantazio was just added to Gamepass. I think my squeal of delight could be heard in a 200 mile radius. I realise that won't mean much to most people. But I am a massive gamer nerd, and a HUGE fan of Atlus games. Like Shin Megami Tensei, or the Persona games. They do very Japanese, very... odd... RPGs. Right up my street. I've never been one of those people who are into shooting other people.

In case anyone is interested, here is the launch trailer:



And in case you don't know what Gamepass is... it's like the Netflix for games.

[Sephirah]

In other real life news I am doing okay. And getting better. I am on my ass 5/7 days of the week but it won't always be like that. Stuff is working and I am getting there. So.. I am sorry if I'm only here and only have the energy to do this in a limited fashion. It won't always be that way. Until and even then... you have a myriad of special people here.

[Lori Dee]

In other real life news I am doing okay. And getting better. I am on my ass 5/7 days of the week but it won't always be like that. Stuff is working and I am getting there. So.. I am sorry if I'm only here and only have the energy to do this in a limited fashion. It won't always be that way. Until and even then... you have a myriad of special people here.

Yeah. We're not done with you yet. 

[Sephirah]

I hope not, Lori. That plays on my mind a lot. But I think I am okay with it. Everything moves on.

[Lori Dee]

I hope not, Lori. That plays on my mind a lot. But I think I am okay with it. Everything moves on.

Nothing wrong with taking a break now and then. You'll be back.

Or I will hunt you down. 

[Sephirah]

Nothing wrong with taking a break now and then. You'll be back.

Or I will hunt you down. 

Hah! have no doubt you would. No, sweetie I am okay. I don't plan on taking a break just yet. Although it has been known. Too many people here I care a whole heck of a lot about this time, honestly. I can't do that to them. Which makes me feel... weird. I am not used to people caring about me. Only themselves. Which... isn't a slight. It's just how I have interacted with people in the past. I don't know really how to deal with it when someone cares about me.

Which, again, is TMI, lol. Sorry.

[Sephirah]

I think we need to celebrate Ashley up in here right now. And I need to feel rather bouncy.

To that end, I give you...




Tell me that doesn't make you grin!

[Sephirah]

I don't get the appeal of cats. Like.. I honestly don't. I've always been a dog person. I had one cat in my life, when I was a kid. A big black thing. And she would wait on top of the gate to get into my house and just hiss at me. Then run off. I was like "whatever." Cats have always been like that with me, lol.

I don't get people who like cats. They don't like you. They are just using you for social media clicks

I have always been, and always will be a dog person. My puppers were my children and it broke my heart to have to say goodbye to them. They just love you. No if's, and's or but's. They just... the highlight of their day is for their mom to love them. In the smallest of ways. And they are yours forever. Whenever you feel bad, you don't even have to say anything. You have a big, dumb head in your lap... wanting a cuddle. Like they're psychic.

Man's best friend... and then some.

[Sarah B]

Hi Sephirah

I don't get the appeal of dogs.  Like I honestly don't no why.  I have always been a cat person.  I only had one dog that I really liked in my life.  It was an Australian Silky Terrier named Chewy it was actually my mums dog, but I guess we shared him.

He would always come with me on trips and I would take him down to the beach and would run beside my mum while she rode her bike and when he was tired would ride in the rear basket on mums bike.

I don't get people who like dogs.  They are always demanding wanting something from you.  They are just using you, like waiting for you to throw the next stick or ball or just annoy you wanting you to take them for the next walk.  While a cat is so independent.

I have always been, and always will be a cat person.  They just love you.  No if's and or butts.  They just highlight the day for me, just wanting the next scratch on their heads.  I just love them too pieces.  They are forever yours.

Whenever you feel bad, sad or even lonely you don't even have to say anything.  You have a cat that will curl up in your lap and be contented.  Enjoying the strokes and scratches and purring to their hearts content or wanting you to pick them up for a cuddle.

Women's best friend and then some.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
PS  Sorry for the plagiarism Sephirah
@Sephirah

[TanyaG]

Why stick to dogs and cats?

As a friend to the children commend me the Yak.   
You will find it exactly the thing:
It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,   
Or lead it about with a string.

The Tartar who dwells on the plains of Thibet   
(A desolate region of snow)
Has for centuries made it a nursery pet,   
And surely the Tartar should know!

Then tell your papa where the Yak can be got,   
And if he is awfully rich
He will buy you the creature—or else he will not.
(I cannot be positive which.)

[Sephirah]

Hi Sephirah

I don't get the appeal of dogs.  Like I honestly don't no why.  I have always been a cat person.  I only had one dog that I really liked in my life.  It was an Australian Silky Terrier named Chewy it was actually my mums dog, but I guess we shared him.

He would always come with me on trips and I would take him down to the beach and would run beside my mum while she rode her bike and when he was tired would ride in the rear basket on mums bike.

I don't get people who like dogs.  They are always demanding wanting something from you.  They are just using you, like waiting for you to throw the next stick or ball or just annoy you wanting you to take them for the next walk.  While a cat is so independent.

I have always been, and always will be a cat person.  They just love you.  No if's and or butts.  They just highlight the day for me, just wanting the next scratch on their heads.  I just love them too pieces.  They are forever yours.

Whenever you feel bad, sad or even lonely you don't even have to say anything.  You have a cat that will curl up in your lap and be contented.  Enjoying the strokes and scratches and purring to their hearts content or wanting you to pick them up for a cuddle.

Women's best friend and then some.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
PS  Sorry for the plagiarism Sephirah
@Sephirah

That is entirely fair, Sarah. And made me smile. Thank you. <3 For the perspective. We need cat people in the world... to have all the cats.

Why stick to dogs and cats?

As a friend to the children commend me the Yak.   
You will find it exactly the thing:
It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,   
Or lead it about with a string.

The Tartar who dwells on the plains of Thibet   
(A desolate region of snow)
Has for centuries made it a nursery pet,   
And surely the Tartar should know!

Then tell your papa where the Yak can be got,   
And if he is awfully rich
He will buy you the creature—or else he will not.
(I cannot be positive which.)

I would love a pet Yak, haha. Might be a bit large for where I live but whatever. I'd make it work!

That's fair. I can't say I've acquired the knack for interpreting mine. So often they're just monotonous frustrating activities.

My flying dreams are always in different settings. Most recently, it was high over a very large park, and I was waving to people below. There have been times I've passed through and above clouds. Sometimes I have to dodge overhead power lines. Frequently, they're indoors, and I'm just sort of hovering (horizontally), turning to pass through doorways and the rest. There's never anyone else who can fly, and nobody else is even slightly impressed that I can. I'm always amazed that I can - until I figure out it means it's a dream.

It doesn't necessarily mean it's only a dream, Pema. As Shakespeare said: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Without getting too tinfoil-hattery, it might be something else. Something you aren't fully aware of. I'll leave it there.

Last night was... ugh... one of those nights where I didn't dream. Sometimes I just feel like I blinked and a few hours had passed. I guess I need those from time to time.

[davina61]

Sometimes in my dreams I am a tall thin ginger haired woman that is the village healer in the bronze age, feels like a past life or is it just my excessive imagination. 

[D'Amalie]

I have always been a cat person. 

Viva la difference!
Les chats sont les meilleurs! Cats are the best!

IMHO of course.  I always have at least two not more than three.