Teach Yourself to Dream: A Practical Guide to Unleashing the Power of the Subconscious Mind [Paperback]

David Fontana (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1997

Teach Yourself to Dream, the practical companion to Chronicle Books' best-selling Secret Language of Dreams, is a beautifully illustrated, hands-on guide to remembering and understanding dreams. Dr. David Fontana, renowned for his dream workshops, presents more than fifty exercises that enable earnest dreamers to explore, intensify, and even guide their night wanderings. With more than 150 images that evoke the surreal quality of dream visions and a brief A to Z directory of dream symbols and their meanings, Teach Yourself to Dream is a unique new tool for anyone interested in utilizing the life-changing power of dreams.

Editorial Reviews

Review

There are 144 brief chapters, each two pages, each copiously illustrated, organized into six major groups that move from basic Jungian beliefs about dreaming, to how to recall dreams, to the meaning of dreams, and how to interpret dreams. Kliatt

-- Kliatt, July 1997
The author teaches at the University of Wales in Cardiff and the University of Minho, Portugal. Just as important is the fact that he is a Jungian who makes extensive use of art (the book has 150 beautiful illustrations) to illustrate what is claimed to be a practical guide to remembering and understanding one's dreams. The beliefs that undergird this book are Jungian, and include a belief that dreams are "a conversation between our unconscious and conscious minds, offering us opportunities to understand ourselves better and achieve greater inner harmony." There are 144 brief chapters, each two pages, each copiously illustrated, organized into six major groups that move from basic Jungian beliefs about dreaming, to how to recall dreams, to the meaning of dreams (including a glossary of dream symbols, e.g., a journey in a dream symbolizes personal growth and exploration), and how to interpret dreams. The format of the book, and its overall presentation and use of illustrations, are excellent.

About the Author

David Fontana, Ph.D. is the author of The Secret Language of Symbols and The Secret Language of Dreams , both published by Chronicle Books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; First Edition 2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1 edition (February 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811816281
• ISBN-13: 978-0811816281
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, Simple, and Straightforward, August 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Teach Yourself to Dream: A Practical Guide to Unleashing the Power of the Subconscious Mind (Paperback)

This is a most helpful and useful book. The exercises are quite lovely and straightforward, the explanations simple, and all the bases are covered (lucid dreaming, dream incubation, self-discovery through purposeful dreaming, dream interpretation). One of the most delightful aspects of the book is the collection of artwork and illustrations, which on their own provoke contemplation, and intrigue the reader with their dreamy symbolism. I have read a lot of "junky" books on this subject, but Fontana's book is a solid addition to my bookshelf, a real keeper.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Making Every Night An Adventure, July 2, 2001

By 

"rosecransreads" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teach Yourself to Dream: A Practical Guide to Unleashing the Power of the Subconscious Mind (Paperback)

I'm not particularly into new-age stuff, and this book does contain a bit of it, but I still find this book immensely enjoyable. I try and read a little before bed each night, for the writing is informative yet calming and the illustrations are also relaxing and dream-like. Unfortunately I'm usually very busy and am too tired to read every night, so I sometimes get out of the habit, but the times when I've stuck with it I've noticed I can remember more of my dreams and sometimes I've been able to lucid dream. The exercises in the book really help with remembering your dreams, controlling the content, controlling your actions (lucid dreaming), and interpretation. When I wake up in the morning, I recall all the adventures I had the night before and I feel like I've learned a little more about myself. When you can't take a vacation, you can always dream!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, December 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Teach Yourself to Dream: A Practical Guide to Unleashing the Power of the Subconscious Mind (Paperback)

This book is ABSOLUTELY wonderful.

The author teaches very simply about the nature of dreaming. Experimenting with the dreaming excercises given can really enhance your experiences with delving into your subconcious. Reading the book before sleep helps open your mind & allows you to remember many details of a dream. I have this book & have given it as a gift to 2 people already (deep book though - make sure they are into this kind of thing!)