Afraid of Taking a Leap Down in Status

Dear Cynthia: I wanted to tell you about a recurring dream that I have. In my dream I often find myself on a cliff or other high location, with only a treacherous way to get down. Other people in the dream jump down without fear, but I hesitate, sure that the leap is too great and that others are just foolhardy. I never take the step and usually either wake up or move on to other dreams. This never scares me but does give me a feeling of uncertainty when I wake up.

--SEAN MAGUIRE

Los Angeles

Dear Sean: Being in a high place, the top of a building, mountain or cliff, can refer to status in life. You are on top of your game; you have a clear view and perspective. But there seems only to be one place to go from there and that seems to be down. Fear of losing status or financial security can fuel these recurring dreams.

Life is a series of ups and downs. As Frank Sinatra sang, “Riding high in April, shot down in May, but I think I’m gonna change my tune when I’m back on top in June.” Realizing that these ups and downs are normal in anyone’s life can go a long way toward healthy acceptance of setbacks. The others in your dream seem to accept this and go ahead and take the leap. Being willing to take an occasional well-thought-out risk is also a life strategy that pays big dividends. As the butterfly said to the caterpillar, we must always be willing to give up what we are for what we could become.

If you actually do have a fear of heights, then your dream could simply be suggesting that you face your fear. Any fear can restrict our growth. You might want to try this exercise: Close your eyes and relax with a few deep breaths. Then imagine the scene from your dream. Next, go ahead and jump! Feel the exhilaration and see where you actually land. Create a safe and wonderful ending to your vision and reassure yourself that you will always land on your feet. Make it a game and have fun with it; this will likely filter into the subconscious and change the dream.

Cynthia Richmond is the author of “Dream Power, How to Use Your Night Dreams to Change Your Life” (Simon & Schuster, 2000). Fax your dreams to Cynthia Richmond at (818) 783-3267 or e-mail them to in.your.dreams@worldnet.att.net. Please include your hometown and a daytime phone number. “In Your Dreams” appears every Tuesday and should be read for entertainment purposes only.