Towne Square 2000 is proud to welcome our very special guest, Cynthia Richmond!
 

Alyssa (Miss P): Welcome! Our very special guest today is Cynthia Richmond. She is a Board Certified Behavioral Therapist, journalist, author, educator and speaker.

For 2 years, Ms. Richmond was the popular host of the daily NBC cable television program 'State of Mind' and she has appeared on major talk shows including Oprah Winfrey, Politically Incorrect and The View with Barbara Walters.

Cynthia has helped thousands of people to create the life they want. She currently writes a column for the L.A. Times titled: In Your Dreams...Cynthia joins us today to help understand our dreams -- those dramas that play in your mind night after night...Let's welcome our special guest, Cynthia Richmond!!!!

Ms. P.: )APPLAUSE
*Carebear¥: Welcome Cynthia!!!!!!
Cynthia Richmond: thank you
Arctic Frost: Hi Cynthia!!
Scruffy: hi there
Cynthia Richmond: Hey!
Swed¥: hiya cynthia
|2uben X X: Hi!

Cynthia Richmond: Any of you have a good dream you want to share?
*Carebear¥: I do =)
Cynthia Richmond: Go ahead Care!

*Carebear¥: Well, three nights ago I had a dream.. I was shot in the upper chest, and I actually felt it. Then I actually saw my eyes close, and thought "I am going to die" but I woke up, thanks goodness =)
Cynthia Richmond: Sounds like you're going thrugh a change. A part of you may be "ending" ...dying so that another part can start.
*Carebear¥: I like that idea =)
Cynthia Richmond: Must have been a relief to wake up. Your dream sounds like it felt very real.
*Carebear¥: Yeah.....the pain is what scared me the most
Cynthia Richmond: Sometimes dreaming can be an indication of a physical symptom. In your case, maybe heartburn, for example.
*Carebear¥: like a stress attack?
Cynthia Richmond: That's possible.
*Foxy: the most common example no doubt being that need to go to the bathroom over and over and over...
*Carebear¥: cool thank you =)
Cynthia Richmond: Foxy, that's a common dream theme. It usually means you need to let go of something that is no longer serving you
*Foxy: as in you actually DO need to go to the bathroom, usually :)

TerraMoon: :hmm, i fly in every dream
Cynthia Richmond: Good flying dream or a bad dream?
TerraMoon: lets, she, i got a bunch of homocidal maniacs behind me... so i kick their butt and fly away.
Cynthia Richmond: Good flying dreams are soaring above your problems...like taking a vacation for a night. Bad flying dreams are a fear of losing status or financial security very often. That's a cool dream Terra...keep kicking

|2uben X X: this is hard for me to say, When my grandma , died , I had dreams, bad ones, about her suffering .. and it scares me that she is gonna come after me and say, ''Got yeah'' and pretend she was dead and it herts that she is dead her suffering. and how can i get that thing away and say, ''shes with my god'' and i shoould'nt wory but i do. its hard for me. Yesterday i saw her at her grave , was her anaversary of death
Cynthia Richmond: Ruben...It's common to dream of the loss of a loved one. It's part of our grieving process. When we have guilt, even if it's not justified, we can have some scary elements in the dream. But usually dreams of the departed are comforting visitations.
|2uben X X: Thanks my anser, I have guilt. I use to use her name against her grave. it herts me to think it was my fault she died at her age.
Cynthia Richmond: Ok Ruben, so reverse those old ways by saying positive things and thinking positive things about her. It can't be your fault that she died
|2uben X X: I know,
Cynthia Richmond: We die when we've completed our task on the planet. Do something positive Ruben, to reverse it. Like write a story about her or plant a tree in her honor, something that she would have loved.
|2uben X X: Thanks Cynthia That really helps me now.

Arctic Frost: Cynthia, I have been having the most incredible dreams, but I have trouble remembering them as I come awake. I so much want to know them, any tips?
Cynthia Richmond: Arctic, before going to bed tell yourself that when you hear your alarm clock you will remember your dream. Reinforce this. Then when you wake lie in bed for a moment with your eyes closed. Let the dream come back to you, remember as many details as possible then immediately write it down.
Arctic Frost: Ok, one more thing, I dress incredibly in my dreams, the most fantastic outfits, does that mean anything?
Cynthia Richmond: Yes clothes are the roles we play in life.

*Karolanne©: I dreamed about my little niece of 5 years old..in my dream..she die....and I really saw her die. That mean something special? I took her death body in my arms and wanted to be alone with her
Cynthia Richmond: She only died in the dream, right?
*Karolanne©: right
Cynthia Richmond: So you feel very protective of your niece?
*Karolanne©: yes
Cynthia Richmond: She's very special to you and you are perhaps a living guardian for her...so enjoy this special relationship.
*Karolanne©: ok thx

Ms. P.: I have two recurring dreams.... One is very disturbing where I loose my teeth....
Cynthia Richmond: Teeth falling out is a common theme
Ms. P.: they physically fall out and bleed
Cynthia Richmond: It has to do with 2 things. One is survival, since an animal in the wild cannot eat or protect itself without its teeth.
Arctic Frost: Oh my husband says his teeth have too
Cynthia Richmond: The other is communication. Usually it means you need to communicate something to someone but you don't have all the information you need. So you can't sink your teeth into it.
Ms. P.: very interesting...
Cynthia Richmond: Blood is life force. It means you're losing energy, maybe sleep, over concern in a situation. Did you have 2 thing Ms P?
Ms. P.: The other is the old college dream where you've missed the class for the whole term and panic because it wasn't your fault
TerraMoon: :i've had that, hehe
Cynthia Richmond: Also a very common theme.
Scruffy: i have that 1
Macnut: :hehe some of us have done that irl =)
Arctic Frost: Hahaha I have those
AngeL1: yeah me too
Cynthia Richmond: It occurs when we feel we're being judged or tested in a life lesson. We either don't feel prepared or are worried that even tho prepared will block the information.

skybird©: I had a friend who past away due to a overdose, I didn't see her, but I had really vivid dreams about her, as if I was really with her. This went on for along time, but it was like we were really together, and in this dream she told me thing I didn't know. What do you think?
Cynthia Richmond: so we have an intuitive connection to our loved ones, much like a mother has for her baby, but we also have it for other people who are close to us. When we lose someone who we love, the love continues and can connect us. So it is common to dream of people when we're worried about them, hurting for them or missing them. Did that answer your question skybird? Or is there more?
skybird©: yes it did, thank you. It was so real tho.
Cynthia Richmond: It actually is a visitation - soul to soul - for your comfort. And it can only happen if you allow it. If it scares you simply ask it not to happen and it won't.
skybird©: i thought so
skybird©: no it was a good feeling

AngeL1: what does it mean to have reocurring dreams of tornadoes? I have had them since I was a child
Cynthia Richmond: Tornadoes mean major changes are coming. Tornadoes stir things up with a lot of force. Have there been many dramatic changes in your life?
AngeL1: yes, but have had them 30 years, cant stand more changes
Cynthia Richmond: So when you see a tornado in your dream it's like batten down the hatches. Prepare to go with the flow. Remember security is knwing you'll always be ok regardless of what life hands you.
AngeL1: no its like trying to out run it
Cynthia Richmond: yea that doesn't work though =)

Macnut: Do you see any correlations if any, to gender or age as far as peoples abilities to dream in color? predict or even wish their dreams to occur?
Cynthia Richmond: Ok no real difference in gender. There are differences in age. Children are vivid dreamers and their dreams often reflect anxiety, but they use cartoon characters or common things like carrots to depict fearful situation. The elderly, although they don't sleep as much each night, are vivd dreamers. Their dreams include memories of family and past achievement as well as often feeling a bit lost in their dream.
Macnut: ahh no wonder they smile
Cynthia Richmond: Both men and women dream in color. Colors can be very significant in their menaing. Do you have a specific dream you want to share?
Macnut: umm no. im shy =) hehe
Cynthia Richmond: hahaha

Cynthia Richmond: Everyone can learn to problem solve or program their dreams. Lucid dreaming is the term applied, and there are many good books available.

Arctic Frost: I often wear many things in my dreams, the most incredible outfits. It's always a side item in the dream, but I look to die for, what could that mean?
Cynthia Richmond: It's a desire to appear as your fantasy version of you.
Arctic Frost: :I bet, my boobs are always bigger in my dreams too:)
Cynthia Richmond: hahhaha Are clothes important to you in real life?
Arctic Frost: No, that's what's so interesting, I dress like a bum in life.
Cynthia Richmond: Arctic, you could try a miracle bra =)
Arctic Frost: Hahahahaha

tashabelle: what do dreams of great success mean, if they're things that you're working for, but haven't happened yet?
Cynthia Richmond: Encouragement. Your unconscious is reminding you to keep going. There is success down the path. Don't give up!
tashabelle: okay, thanks!!!

Scruffy: Many of my dreams involve being pursued thru endless ramshackle mansions by unseen foes and feelings of desperation. In others, I've just joined the military and i dread the responsibilities.
Cynthia Richmond: Where in your life are you being required to do something you don't want to do, yet feel you must?
Scruffy: school, work
Cynthia Richmond: Ok, so maybe it's your attitude towards these things that needs to change since you probably can't quit work and stop going to school. Try to find areas where you are in control, even an hour a day of enjoyment can balance out the rest.
*Foxy: In other words, find ways to enjoy it, rather than feel trapped about it?
Cynthia Richmond: Yes, Foxy. Best wishes, Scruffy.
Scruffy: thanks

(P) Jack: i always dream about fighting and it is always dark and i cant do any damage. whats that mean?
Cynthia Richmond: Darkness means you don't have all the information you need. Where in life are you experiencing conflict? Maybe the answer isn't doing damage but creating understanding.
(P) Jack: cool

*Karolanne©: ok I have 2 questions. The frist one is about fighting in dream...again. I fight with the Devil in dreams somethimes...and some dream I win..and some dream I dont win
Cynthia Richmond: We all have a devil and an angel part of ourselves battling all the time.
Ms. P.: boy I believe that !
Cynthia Richmond: We all have temptation, have to make decisions, choices. It's not always easy. Sounds like you take it to heart and weigh out each choice.
*Karolanne©: and when I loose,that mean I didnt do the good choice ?
Cynthia Richmond: When you make one you feel guilty about, you'll dream about losing to the devil to balance the stress you feel.
*Karolanne©: oh kewl! Ok, my second question is....sometimes I do a dream..and in the middle of it I say : Hey, it's my dream..I dont want it like this..and I change all my dream. But Im asleep. Im dreaming. that mean Im not sleeping deeply?
Cynthia Richmond: That's great! That's called lucid dreaming.
*Karolanne©: sometimes I can do like a movie in a tape..rewind all the dream and redo it
Cynthia Richmond: That's cool, Karol. You are in control from one part of consciousness. You can use this skill to request special dreams, or even solve problems.

Foxylady©®: have you had lucid dreams and if so....any suggestions on how to know when you are dreaming and to control the dream? Also have you tried those redlight fitted eye masks they sell to let you know ...
Cynthia Richmond: I usually interpret my dream while I'm having it. Isn't it strange how our minds work? Start by thinking of something before you go to sleep that you want to dream about. Something simple. Say, a star. Then as you drift to sleep say "I request a star dream tonight. And I will remember my dream. My dream is important to me" Do this every night until you dream of a star, that will open the door to lucid dreaming.
*Karolanne©: very kool!
TerraMoon: :i lucid dream just about every night. its fun, (evil grin)
(P) Jack: i like random drems better they funer
Cynthia Richmond: You can have both, Jack =)

Foxylady©®: have you tried those redlight eyemasks
Cynthia Richmond: Oh I've never tried the redlight masks. Have you?
*Foxy: have you heard any reports on them?
Foxylady©®: no I haven't but considered trying them
Cynthia Richmond: No I haven't but I'll check it out. I use a cup of Sweet Dreams tea and an herbal nightcap.
Foxylady©®: oh ok thanx will try it

Swed¥: i've had this reocurring dream about me standing in a soccer goal and someone shootong a ball towards me and everytime i try to catch that ball i wake up before i get my hands on the ball
Cynthia Richmond: Okay interesting...
Swed¥: then when awake im really annoyed that i woke up before i got the ball...
Cynthia Richmond: This indicates that there's a frustration in your life. You feel you doh't get to complete the things you want to...
Swed¥: yeah sometimes
Cynthia Richmond: Perhaps you get distracted by other things out of your control and this interferes. Swed, do your best to complete important projects to you...even on a small scale, like finish reading a book or write a letter to someone you've been thinking about. Just following through can change things in the right direction.
Swed¥: thanx will try that =)

TerraMoon: k, I got 3...1) I'm being stabed with eading unncils.. 2) I"m being tossed around in a tornado, to and fro, and having fun...
Cynthia Richmond: terra do you have an eating disorder or concern about diet, food, etc?
TerraMoon: i think that i might need a diet
Cynthia Richmond: Ok so this can cause some anxiety and explains dream #1. The tornado dream indicates that you thrive on high drama. You don't mind being involved in change
TerraMoon: :i love change, hehe
Cynthia Richmond: ok so long as you love it, that's groovy. What was the 3rd recurring dream?
TerraMoon: I'm in a far off land, Everything is dark and creapy, there is a wonderfull t-storm outside ( i like t storms) then i came across some vampires...and thy start saying hi
Cynthia Richmond: Vampires suck your blood, which in the language of dreams, is symbolic for people who drain your energy. You know, those friends who you feel exhausted after you see them? The dark land is the unknown yet a part of you likes the unknown because you like change. It's almost like you like being afraid...like watching a scary movie.
TerraMoon: acutally i become friends with them and become one, and fly away with them
Cynthia Richmond: See I told you you liked it;-)
TerraMoon: hehe i gotta start writing stories on these
Cynthia Richmond: Good Terra! Ok I think we have time for one last question.

MRSP: I have two very different reoccuring dreams. One involves the end of the world and the other involves someone from my past. Any clues?
Cynthia Richmond: The end of the world just means that the world as you know it, meaning specifics in your life, are ending to create room for change. It is a positive dream of birth .. of ideas, new concepts, good stuff.
MRSP: that's good news
Cynthia Richmond: When you dream of someone from your past their influence or your feelings for them are reentering your life in some way. So ask yourself how you would describe them in 4 or 5 adjectives and then apply those terms to your current life. If you found the person patient and romantic for example, it would indicate that you need to bring more patience and romance into your life. If you're psychic, it could mean you're going to run into them......

Cynthia Richmond: )zone
Arctic Frost: hee hee

Cynthia Richmond: Okay thank you all very much! I enjoyed this! I wish you many nights of sweet dreams!

Alyssa (Miss P): Cynthia has to rush off to another event....I'm sorry.

skybird©: thank you

Ellison: you too cynthia!

wavyhill: thanx Cynthia

MRSP: thank-you!!

TerraMoon: and i shall have more

*Foxy: @154,274 )applause

Foxylady©®: awww thanks Cynthia

tashabelle: )applause

Arctic Frost: Very Very cool, Cynthia. Thank you sooo much!!

Carebear¥: Thank you, Cynthia =)

Alyssa (Miss P): Thanks eveone!

Ms. P.: Thanks Cynthia..... Very Good

tashabelle: thank you!!!!

Arctic Frost: It was a superb chat!