I don’t remember all the details which is typical for my dreams, but I was climbing up this huge natural rock structure in the middle of a body of water, it may have been attached to a cliff but I’m not sure. Anyway, I got up it okay even though the structure was absolutely gigantic, but I don’t remember what happened after I got up it- the next thing I remember is trying to climb down it and I was TERRIFIED. I nearly lost my footing and my grip on the rock structure didn’t feel tight, I could also see the huge drop below into the bright blue turquoise looking water. The fear felt truly real, but I eventually got down with the help of my uncle, my parents may have been there too but I can’t quite remember. My uncle was speaking to me as well but I can’t remember what he said, nor can I recall what happened after I got back down the structure, the thing I remember most is the visceral fear of trying to climb down it. I had another dream fragment after this, maybe connected to it, in which I was back in my old high school, although it didn’t really look like my old high school I just identified it as such, and there was a school shooting done by Adam Lanza, the sandy hook shooter. The shooting didn’t really feel realistic though, and I spent most of it in a classroom with a teacher I had in 11th grade and 2 other people I identified as my classmates, with the door barricaded. Eventually towards the end I either went outside the door or looked through it somehow and saw immense chaos with people running around, including another teacher I had in high school and Adam Lanza standing in the middle holding his gun shooting at people before ending his life. I remember having some thought related to “columbine” around that time as well, and I can’t remember if I saw Adam shoot himself, I just know he ended his own life in the dream like he did in the actual shooting, and I woke up soon after I believe because I don’t remember anything else at all.
Dreams often weave complex narratives that reflect our inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Let's break down the two distinct segments of your dream for a deeper understanding of their potential meanings.
Symbolism of Climbing: Climbing often symbolizes the struggles and obstacles we face in life. In this case, the gigantic rock structure signifies a significant challenge or goal you are striving to reach. The fact that you climbed up the structure without much issue suggests that you might have confidence in your abilities or feel capable of achieving your goals.
Fear of Descent: The transition from climbing up to the terrifying moment of climbing down introduces a pivotal emotional shift. Fear of descending might signify a fear of losing progress or reverting to a previous state after having achieved something significant. It could point to anxieties about facing consequences or challenges that may arise after a success—concerns that the heights attained may not be sustainable or that you might fall back into old patterns.
Influence of Family: The presence of your uncle and possibly your parents during this critical moment indicates a desire for support or guidance. Family figures in dreams often represent wisdom, support, or authority and their assistance in your descent suggests you're seeking help in navigating your challenges or fears in real life. This bond can also reflect themes of inheritance and family legacies that might contribute to your current struggles.
Old High School Setting: Revisiting your old high school can signify a reflection on formative years—experiences that shape who you are. This part of the dream likely connects to unresolved feelings or experiences from that time, possibly indicating that past challenges are resurfacing in your life.
Themes of Violence and Fear: The imagery related to a school shooting evokes intense fear and chaos, representing deep-seated anxieties about safety, vulnerability, and loss of control—common themes in our current societal context. Channeling Adam Lanza, a notorious figure in tragic events, suggests an exploration of fears regarding societal violence, emotional turmoil, or feelings of helplessness amidst chaos.
Barricading in the Classroom: Barricading the door reflects a desire to protect yourself or withdraw from a threatening environment. It can symbolize an emotional defense mechanism, revealing a feeling of being under siege by external pressures or internal fears, especially related to past experiences or issues.
Chaos and Resolution: The chaotic scene of people running and violence occurring can encapsulate the broader uncertainties you might be feeling in life. Your thoughts about "Columbine" may indicate an awareness of how collective trauma has affected your psyche and may symbolize your internal conflict regarding safety and emotional well-being.
Together, these dream segments depict a journey through fear, challenge, and reflection. The initial climb represents personal aspirations and achievements, while the descent introduces anxiety over maintaining those heights. This leads into an examination of past traumas and fears in the context of societal chaos, revealing a need for security and a safe space to process emotions.
This dream suggests that you may be navigating significant changes or feelings of insecurity in your waking life, dealing with anxiety related to personal growth and external chaos. It may be helpful to reflect on recent experiences or feelings that align with these themes, and consider seeking avenues for support or processing these emotions, whether through conversation, therapy, or creative expression.