I arrived at my old church at the age of 32, when I walked in, sat down in the pew. I saw my teenage self in the choir stand. I left out of the church and went to the side of the church and my teenage self came out, looked at my older self, and said, "So this is what I'm gonna look like in the future". Then we hugged.
Dreams often serve as a canvas for our subconscious thoughts, emotions, and unresolved experiences. In your dream, several key elements emerge which can provide insight into your psyche, personal growth, and perhaps an assessment of your life choices and identity.
Setting of the Old Church: The church is a potent symbol often associated with faith, community, and childhood. This setting suggests a return to roots or a place of reflection. It may represent your past values, beliefs, and support systems from youth. Returning at the age of 32 can indicate a moment of introspection, possibly reflecting your current life direction vis-à-vis the beliefs and values you once held.
Seeing Your Teenage Self: Encountering your younger self in this dream symbolizes an exploration of your identity and the development of self. The teenage years are often marked by significant transformation, questioning, and self-discovery. This meeting serves as a reminder of who you were and suggests a desire to reconnect with those formative aspects of your identity. It could indicate that you are evaluating the choices you made in your youth, both good and bad, and how they have shaped the person you are today.
The Interaction: The moment in which you see your teenage self acknowledging the future you is highly significant. It suggests a bridge between your past and present. The comment, "So this is what I'm gonna look like in the future," indicates an acceptance and curiosity about the evolution of your identity. It underscores a sense of pride in having grown up and perhaps a reassurance that you have turned out okay or as expected.
The Hug: The act of hugging your younger self can be interpreted as a gesture of reconciliation and acceptance. It signifies a healing process—embracing your past, the choices you've made, and the person you've become while also acknowledging that there may still be parts of your teenage self that need attention or nurturing. This connection could represent a deeper understanding or acceptance of your past, relinquishing regrets while celebrating your growth.
Reflection on Future Aspirations: Dreaming about your future self might suggest that you're contemplating where you would like to go from here—what goals or aspirations you have at 32 and how they align with your younger ideals. It may be a call to integrate the dreams of your youth into your present life and to reflect on how your past informs your future aspirations.
In conclusion, your dream appears to be a poignant narrative about self-reflection, identity, and acceptance. It clearly illustrates a journey of coming to terms with your past while embracing your present and looking forward to your future. Engaging with this dream might encourage you to nurture unresolved feelings from your younger years, ensure your current path aligns with your core identity, and inspire you to integrate the dreams and aspirations of your younger self into your present endeavors.