What does it mean when I dream about the people from my village, sometimes just hanging out with them as a boy from the village? I moved from my village to Nairobi and haven’t been home for three years, then relocated to New York City for graduate studies. Yet, I often dream of being back in the village, running a charity foundation in honor of my late father. The most unsettling dreams are of going back to 8th grade and repeating it to achieve better marks. Although I passed reasonably well, my results were below my expectations.
Dreams about your village and your past can be quite significant, especially when you've experienced a substantial change in your life, like moving to a new city or pursuing graduate studies. Here are a few interpretations of your dreams:
Nostalgia and Connection: Dreaming of your village and hanging out with the people you grew up with may signify a longing for a sense of community and connection. This can be particularly poignant since you’ve been away for a while. It's a reflection of your roots, reminding you of the simplicity and comfort of your earlier life.
Processing Grief and Legacy: Running a charity foundation in honor of your late father suggests that you are processing feelings related to his legacy and your desire to honor him. This dream might reflect your aspirations to give back to your community and maintain a connection to your father’s memory, perhaps indicating that you’re searching for purpose or a way to make a difference in your new life.
Desire for Achievement and Validation: The unsettling dreams of going back to 8th grade and trying to achieve better marks might symbolize feelings of inadequacy or a desire to prove yourself. You may be feeling pressure to excel in your current studies and seeking validation in a new academic environment. It could also highlight unresolved feelings from your past, such as not achieving the goals or expectations you set for yourself.
Revisiting the Past: The recurrence of these dreams suggests that you might be reflecting on your past experiences and how they shaped your identity. This could be a subconscious way of reconciling your former self with your current ambitions, especially as you navigate challenges in a new and competitive environment.
Coping with Change: The transition from a village setting to urban life, particularly moving internationally, can be jarring. Your dreams could be your mind's way of coping with the significant changes, reminding you of who you are and where you came from. These dreams may also represent a need for stability and familiarity amidst new experiences.
Overall, your dreams appear to be a blend of nostalgia, personal aspiration, and the pressures of new challenges. It might be beneficial to reflect on these themes consciously and consider how they relate to your current feelings and experiences in New York City.