It is easy to have dreams. We all do.
However, when I look around, it seems that it’s those that give dreams are the ones that get the most done. Sometimes it can be an inspiring leader who gives his people a dream for a better future. Sometimes it can be a philanthropist who makes a dream come true. But in any event, it is the dream givers that move us forward.
Isn’t it just a way to make yourself feel better?
There is a downside to this view, of course. If you look at those who say that they have dreams but resist any attempts to make them come true, it’s easy to say that dreams are meaningless. To call someone a “dreamer” in our society is practically an insult.
In spite of all of that, being a dreamer isn’t so bad. To dream of a better world is to take a step to improve it. Big picture or small picture doesn’t matter much. The two cannot be separated.
Some look at things that are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not?
George Bernard Shaw
What about harmful dreams?
Yes, like any tool, giving dreams to someone can be used for harmful purposes. War-mongering comes to mind. Or the person who offers an inspector his or her dreams in the form of cash to ignore their duty.
The thing to remember is that although you can do evil by giving people dreams, you can also do a lot of good. To give people the dream of peace, or to give them the dream of a safe place to live. To give them the dream of a good place for their children to grow up. These are powerful dreams. So powerful, that I believe that given time and effort, the harmful dreams don’t stand a chance.
A few tips for the starting dream-giver.
Firstly, remember that (in our society) people don’t know how to receive very well. People tend not to value things if they are freely given. If you think you can make someone’s dream come true, try instead giving them just enough of a boost to make it happen. This will let them get the most out of the experience. If the person in question is good at receiving, then give at will but they are probably well on their way already.
If you are looking to inspire a dream, remember to make the dream big. Small dreams are nice, but we want more than nice. We want a dream that will inspire. We want a dream that will make people think harder, and work longer. We want a dream that engages the mind and heart of the soon-to-be dreamer. What should the dream be? That’s very individual.
If you are familiar with the pyramid of needs, or chakras, you can look at where that person is and where (deep down) they want to go. Then show them what can be.
Perhaps the best thing that you can do to give a dream is to help the dreamer along their way. Share an insight that may help them. Show them how to avoid a pitfall. Talk them through some steps that they will need to follow. It all comes down to the same thing:
If you give a dream to someone, you are moving them and the world forward. The more dreamers we have in our lives, the more energy and joy we’ll find. Will every dream pan out? Probably not. But that doesn’t matter. If we can keep dreaming, and inspire those around us to do the same, the world will be a better place for it.
For more information on how this works on an individual level, see The important of having goal..or goals.
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***The November 2007 Challenge***
This is the badge for my two goals. There are two “points”: One for each piece of the challenge. (Living up to the “Blogging Promise” at right and maintaining a good, consistent meditation practice each and every day.) The challenge began 11-9-2007 and ends 12-9-2007. Comments, suggestions, and feedback welcome!
