Losing someone close to us is never easy. The pain and grief can affect us in unexpected ways, and sometimes, even our dreams are not spared. Have you ever had a dream where a deceased loved one appeared? Surprisingly, these dreams may hold a meaningful message that we never considered before.
When we dream, our subconscious takes control, and dreams about dead people are referred to as visitation dreams. In these dreams, the deceased individual appears to us as if they were still alive. Patrick McNamara, an Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, refers to this phenomenon and explains that visitation dreams serve as a way for us to cope with our grief, loss, and sorrow.
McNamara believes that his own experience with visitation dreams, following the passing of his parents, provides evidence for the possibility of life after death. He shares that he, even as a skeptical scientist, couldn’t shake the conviction that he had communicated with his deceased parents in those dreams. It led him to consider the significance of these dreams for individuals who have a more open-minded approach to the concept of dreams.
Several studies have explored the impact of grief dreams, shedding light on their profound meaning. The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care published a study in 2014, showing that dreams of the deceased are common and can play a vital role in healing from a loss. The dreams often revolve around past memories, the deceased being free from illness, or the deceased communicating messages from the afterlife.
In a separate study conducted by Canadian researchers in 2016, 67.1% of the participants believed that their dreams helped them strengthen their belief in an afterlife. Moreover, the dreams were described as visitations that fostered a sense of connection with the deceased.
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter has also researched the relationship between dreams and grief. She found that visitation dreams exhibit four main characteristics:
- Physical Appearance: The person in the dream looks just as they did when they were alive, often appearing healthier and younger.
- Communication: The deceased often shares how they are doing now, assuring the dreamer that they are fine.
- Telepathic Messages: The messages in the dream are often received telepathically rather than through physical presence.
- Calm and Harmonious: Visitation dreams tend to be peaceful, organized, and harmonious experiences.
Have you ever had a dream of a deceased loved one? What did it mean to you? Share your experience in the comments below. And if you believe that dreams can carry deep meaning, don’t forget to share this article with your friends on Facebook!
