Setting Boundaries for Your Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing
While dreams of the deceased are often a source of great comfort, the journey of grief is vulnerable. It is a time when you deserve to be treated with the utmost care, respect, and honesty—both by others and by yourself. As you explore the meaning of your dreams, it is vital to set healthy boundaries to protect your emotional and financial wellbeing.
Sensitivity to Your Own Grief
First and foremost, be gentle with yourself. There is no right or wrong way to feel after one of these dreams. You might feel peaceful for days, or you might feel a renewed sense of sadness and longing. Both are completely normal. The dream can be a beautiful reminder of your bond, and that bond is built on a love that now lives alongside loss. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up without judgment.
If you find that dreams of your loved one are consistently distressing, or if your grief feels overwhelming, please know that support is available. Speaking with a licensed therapist, grief counselor, or a trusted spiritual advisor can provide a safe space to process these complex emotions. You can find helpful resources for grief and coping at the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Avoiding Exploitative Services
In moments of deep longing, it can be tempting to seek outside validation for a spiritual experience. Unfortunately, there are individuals and services that prey on the bereaved. Be cautious of anyone who claims to be a psychic, medium, or spiritual interpreter and exhibits the following red flags:
- Guarantees of Contact: No one can guarantee communication with the deceased. Authentic spiritual guidance is humble and respects the mystery of life and death.
- High-Pressure Tactics: Be wary of anyone who pressures you for immediate decisions, tells you that you “must” act now, or creates a sense of fear or urgency.
- Large Upfront Fees: Legitimate counselors or spiritual advisors have clear, professional fee structures. Be skeptical of those who demand large, non-refundable payments upfront for readings or sessions.
- Vague or Flattering Generalities: An exploitative practitioner often relies on broad statements that could apply to anyone (“He had a great sense of humor,” “She is proud of you”).
- Requests for Secrecy: A trustworthy helper will never ask you to keep your work with them a secret from your family or support system.
Your dream is a personal and sacred experience. You do not need anyone else to validate it for you. The peace and comfort it brought are real, regardless of what anyone else says or thinks.
A Script for Seeking Professional Support
If you decide to speak with a counselor or therapist, it can be hard to know how to start the conversation. Here is a simple, gentle way to open the door:
“I’d like to talk about my grief. I recently lost my [partner/parent/friend], and I’ve been having very vivid dreams about them. Sometimes the dreams are comforting, but they also bring up a lot of sadness and I’m not sure how to handle these feelings when I’m awake. I would appreciate having a space to talk about it.”
Remember, prioritizing your wellbeing is a sign of strength. Protecting your heart during this tender time allows you to honor your loved one and your own healing journey in the most authentic way possible.
