I feel like I had opened my eyes and it was a different time. I frown (because I think I’m still awake) and try to go back to sleep, but I catch sight of my Alexa again and it’s a completely different time. I roll out of bed and I’m falling really sluggishly. I will myself to go faster and it works! Then I go out to the door near my room and I open and unlock it as I step outside into the bright morning sunlight. Also odd, because I distinctly remember trying to fall back asleep at four in the morning. I quickly pinch my nose. I’m still breathing! I can feel that my nose is pinched and I’m breathing normally! It’s strange, but also I’m also obviously dreaming, so…. I try to say “I’m dreaming!” but my words don’t come out right. An old woman comes out the other back door with a broom. I don’t recognize her, but I assume that she’s supposed to be my grandmother. “Hi grandma,” I tried to say, but again, my speech was all messed up. She seemed to understand me though. “Good morning Clare.” I knew that I had been wanting to fly in my next lucid dream, and here it was! I had been planning to glide and then pull myself up, since most of my non-lucid flying dreams have been more gliding. So I climbed to fence and got to the roof of the garage. I made sure that I fully expected to fly, then jumped off. It didn’t work. I messed up somehow. I think I was trying to fly, but my dream body was trying to glide. Or vice versa. Oh well. I went back through the gate and now everyone was outside. I tried to get back on the garage from the other side of it, for no reason whatsoever. Apparently there’s some sort of attic there in my dream? And someone else is there. Again, I don’t recognize her, but I think she’s my sister. And she’s in the way. I sigh and go back around to the other side but someone that I think is supposed to be my dad is on the fence, right in the spot where I need to be. I climb next to him and I try to go over, but he doesn’t let me. I woke up and instantly did a reality check, but it was for real this time.
Your dream vividly encapsulates the experiences often encountered during what are known as "lucid dreams," where you become aware that you are dreaming and can sometimes exert control over the dream's narrative and environment. Here’s a detailed interpretation of various elements from your dream:
Time and Reality Distortion: The shifting time on your Alexa and your attempt to discern it reflects a common metaphor for confusion or being out of sync in your waking life. These elements can symbolize a feeling that you’re losing track of time or are caught in an unexpected change in your life.
Sluggish Falling and Accelerating: The sensation of falling slowly yet willing yourself to move faster can represent current struggles where you feel progress is slow, yet you have the determination to push through these obstacles in real life. It’s a powerful showcase of your subconscious affirming your ability to overcome hurdles.
Pinching Your Nose, Yet Still Breathing: This is a classic technique used in lucid dreaming to test reality. Breathing despite holding your nose signifies your realization and acceptance that you are dreaming and is a gateway sign to taking control of the narrative.
Encounter with Unknown Characters: Interacting with a presumed grandmother and sister whom you don't actually recognize reveals an examination of familial and personal relationships. This may suggest a desire for connection or reconciliation with family, or it may point to your perception of family roles and the nurturing aspect of these relationships.
Speech Difficulties: The inability to articulate words, despite your awareness, represents feelings of being unheard or not entirely understood in your waking life. This could be an indication of communication barriers or anxiety about expressing your true thoughts and feelings.
Desire to Fly: Flying is a common ambition within dreams, representing freedom, ambition, and transcendence. Your trouble with flying might reflect internalized doubts or fears about achieving your aspirations or testing your limits.
Others in Your Path: The presence of family members or figures in positions that hinder your movement suggests that you might feel blocked by familiar obligations or responsibilities, or you could be feeling restricted by familial expectations.
Reality Check Upon Waking: The immediate performance of a reality check indicates high self-awareness and an analytical mindset. You’re questioning what is real, perhaps signifying a deeper introspection or transition phase in your life.
In essence, your dream suggests a complex interplay of personal fears, ambitions, and familial interactions. By becoming aware in your dream and attempting to navigate it, you are mentally preparing yourself to tackle these themes in real life. This dream encourages you to explore your desires and fears, focusing on open communication with those around you, and addressing any barriers—real or perceived—to reaching your goals.