I had a cool dream just before waking this morning. My wife and I were visiting an old man in a neighborhood that reminds me a bit like where I live now, stand alone houses – not big. A place where people keep their stuff together – yards in order – lots of variation but nothing too fancy, some nice trees. I can describe it well because all three of us went to the garage and grabbed some bicycles and went for a ride through the neighborhood together. It was a nice sunny day. As I looked at the different houses I really appreciated being in a community that was nice but not pretentious, safe but not gated, I liked the vibe of “middle class.” We sorta goofed as we rode bicycles together, enjoying each other, the ride, and the scenery. I’m not sure who the old man was . . . maybe he was me? Maybe he was someone else – but I was at ease with him.
Then the dream shifted and was with a beautiful baby boy, he was probably not quite walking or talking intelligibly yet, but almost. He laid on his stomach looking up at me. His mom was sitting nearby. I leaned down face to face and cooed and talked with him – carefully watching his reactions and emotions. He was happy and engaging – directing some baby talk my way. I was stunned at the beauty of new life . What a joy it was! I’m not sure who the baby boy was, maybe it was me? Maybe he was someone else – but I was at ease with him.
I’m sure this juxtaposition from old man to infant has meaning. My subconscious is saying something to me here, perhaps. Currently I stand in the middle of life in between these two states of being. No longer young, not yet old. This dream seemed to feature the finding of joy with others – simple connection and mutual admiration. Simple, but not always easy to find.
Ben Wagner
Member The365Commitment
