Thinking about thinking is hard, and thinking about dreaming is harder. Believe it or not, there is only one evolutionary theory of dreaming seriously at work these days in academia. Indeed, a theory supporting the biological function of dreams has … [Read more...] about An Evolutionary Theory of Dreaming
Meditating Slows Down HIV Virus
In case you missed it, Science Daily reports that mindfulness meditation slows immune degradation in AIDS patients by lowering stress. "Mindfulness meditation is the practice of bringing an open and receptive awareness of the present moment to … [Read more...] about Meditating Slows Down HIV Virus
Techno-Intermission
Wow, I just upgraded my blog and it was completely painless thanks to Keith Dsouza's plug-in that automotically does all the techno-gobbly-goop that makes me want to give up and take a nap. Highly recommended if you use the wordpress platform for … [Read more...] about Techno-Intermission
The Logos of Dreaming
What is the logic behind dreams? Is dreaming only a pale imitation of our waking abilities, as some say, or does it represent an entirely different ability? This question has forever shadowed the scientific exploration of dreams. The question can … [Read more...] about The Logos of Dreaming
Head Shrinking and the Power of Dreaming
To start off my review of this year's International Dreams conference in Montreal, here's a fun factoid: head shrinking in the Amazon is alive and well. Know to the West since the 1940s, head shrinking is an important ritual for the Indigenous … [Read more...] about Head Shrinking and the Power of Dreaming
Does the Full Moon Effect your Dreams?
Tomorrow is the full moon, depending on your ancestral tradition it is known as the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon or the Hay Moon. In all traditions, it's gonna be big and round. But more pertinently, will this rising stone of Artemis effect your … [Read more...] about Does the Full Moon Effect your Dreams?
Dreaming but Not Sleeping
The International dreams conference is now half over. I"m sitting in the lobby of the hotel tapping this out before I collapse on my bed. Yes it's true, you get no sleep at academic conferences, even ones about dreaming. It's the best kind of … [Read more...] about Dreaming but Not Sleeping
House Cleaning
I"m prepping for the trip to Montreal tomorrow, and thought this is the perfect time for a little dream studies house cleaning. First, I neglected to mention that the Dream Studies Portal is now a year old! Check out the very first post that … [Read more...] about House Cleaning
The Path is Clear
I"ve finally resettled. It's been difficult to think about dreams and consciousness as my attention has been on the material needs. You know, Maslow's sweet hierarchy dictates shelter and food first, dreamy blog updates second. But there's a lot … [Read more...] about The Path is Clear
Beloved Dream Researcher Montague Ullman Passes
Montague Ullman passed away on June 7, 2008. He was 92. I had the chance to see him speak two years ago in Boston, and was delighted to see how engaged Ullman still was with the dream studies community - a community that he is largely responsible … [Read more...] about Beloved Dream Researcher Montague Ullman Passes