Active Dreaming ─ Journeying Beyond Self-Limitation to a Life of Wild Freedom

More than a decade ago, Robert Moss began to call the work he did with dreamers “active dreaming” because it involves re-entering dreams, exploring the possibilities revealed in dreams, and consciously directing the subconscious to explore events or solve problems with dreams. Now, he has written a book that takes the next step beyond using and directing sleeping dreams to using the same powers that govern our night dreams to pursue our “dream lives,” the life we were born to live. Moss’s Active Dreaming is an original synthesis of contemporary dreamwork and shamanic methods of journeying and healing. A central premise of Moss’s approach is that dreaming isn't just what happens during sleep; dreaming is waking up to sources of guidance, healing, and creativity beyond the reach of the everyday mind. As Moss describes it, our “big story” is stalking us, and if we don’t embrace that story, others will impose their own stories, little stories and “small” identities, on us.

Based on Moss’s active teaching, the techniques in this book are time-tested and playful. They help readers expand their notions of what it means to “dream” and how they can tap into the powers dormant within each of us. Like any skill, active dreaming grows with the reader’s practice, evolving and expanding into a powerful force in relationships, at work, and in pursuit of goals. As in his previous books, Moss draws from indigenous traditions, ancient and modern history, and spiritual teachings to provide examples and insight into the stories and exercises. The book explores synchronicity, self-definition, shared dreaming, working with children’s dreams, healing dreams, shamanic dreaming, and working in dream groups. Throughout, amazing true success stories and playful exercises will inspire and motivate readers to put the techniques to the test in their daily lives.

Active dreamers are choosers. They learn to recognize that whatever situation they are in, they always have choice. They choose to stop running away from the monster in our dreams, who may turn out to be our own power that is hunting them, when they brave up and turn around to confront it. They choose not to buy into self-limiting beliefs or the limited models of reality suggested by others. Active dreamers learn to grow a dream of possibility, a dream strong enough it take us beyond fear and despair to a place of freedom and delight.