Description
Most Western approaches to dreams are limited to a psychological paradigm. Building on Jung's work, which was heavily influenced by the transformative model of alchemy, a new multidimensional approach to the process of human transformation through dreams has been developed which recognises the interrelationship of the psychological and the spiritual, and works with the mirroring body in service of both. In the approach presented here, dreams are seen as a mixture of worldly impressions and expressions of our individual spirit, which is trying to speak to us through the metaphors and narrative of our dreams. In this way, the spiritual comes through the psychological dimension. Though it may seem to be a contradiction, our dreams hold the key to our 'awakening' and, by actively engaging with them we can unlock their potential for initiating and facilitating our own unfoldment. This book is about recognising this process when it occurs in dreams, and how to work with them in the service of our growth and self-realisation. It is relevant to anyone with an interest in dreams, as well as psychotherapy practitioners working with clients who bring dreams to their therapy. Following the journey of transformation through the inner landscape in all its fascinating complexity and richness, through real case material and examples, helps us to recognise and support the unfolding process that is taking place within ourselves, to see our dreams in the broader context of a lifetime of transformation and, in doing so, to value them as the treasure that they are.
About the Author
Nigel Hamilton is the founder and director of the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education, London, which is a psychotherapy training centre and clinic established in 1984 that has grown to be one of the largest training centres for transpersonal psychotherapy in Europe. Nigel is a psychotherapist, lecturer, and teacher and a professional member of the UKCP and the BACP.Originally a research physicist at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology in Boston, USA, he has a particular interest in transformative dreaming and has facilitated dream groups and trainings in the UK and on the Continent for many years. Nigel has continued to develop the dream research that formed the basis of his PhD in transpersonal psychotherapy and has presented several papers in the UK and abroad via the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD).Nigel is also the UK Representative of the Sufi Order International and has an extensive background in Sufism, alchemy, and guiding spiritual retreats spanning thirty years. He lives with his family in the Malvern Hills area of England and likes to play the bagpipes and ride his motorbike (but never at the same time!).
Reviews
'In this wonderful book, decades of experience and insight are distilled into a readable, practical, and delightful guide. Nigel Hamilton shows how you can walk the path of dreaming's transformational potential for personal growth and spiritual development. Highly recommended.'- Robert Waggoner, author of Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self'Nigel Hamilton's Awakening Through Dreams offers readers a guide through the sometimes turbulent landscape of personal transformation. I wish his guidebook had been available when I was slogging my way though the fears and elations of my initial awakening. Step by step, Hamilton points out milestones on the seeker's path. Although various traditions (the mystics, Buddhists, Vedanta, and Sufis) label these markers differently, Hamilton reveals their characteristic essence in dreams at each stage of transformation. By tracing the journeys of two long-term dreamers, David and Ava, Hamilton provides an overview of the personal transformation process. With this model, readers may assess where they are on their own quests. Hamilton's perspective on light, colour, and direction in transformative dreams is, in particular, a valuable contribution to dream literature.'- Patricia Garfield, PhD, author of Creative Dreaming and Pathway to Ecstasy: The Way of the Dream Mandala'In Awakening Through Dreams, Nigel Hamilton presents a unique and provocative approach to the dreamworking process. He sees dreams as a tool for self-transformation and "inner alchemy" - one that becomes a spiritual discipline. Dr Hamilton's perspective has many dimensions and is a thoroughly original concept that can be of use to counsellors,psychotherapists, and those readers who are ready to embark on a lifechanging personal journey.'- Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-author of Extraordinary Dreams and co-editor of Perchance to Dream
Book Information
ISBN 9781782200505
Author Nigel Hamilton
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Karnac Books
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
About the Author
Nigel Hamilton is the founder and director of the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education, London, which is a psychotherapy training centre and clinic established in 1984 that has grown to be one of the largest training centres for transpersonal psychotherapy in Europe. Nigel is a psychotherapist, lecturer, and teacher and a professional member of the UKCP and the BACP.Originally a research physicist at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology in Boston, USA, he has a particular interest in transformative dreaming and has facilitated dream groups and trainings in the UK and on the Continent for many years. Nigel has continued to develop the dream research that formed the basis of his PhD in transpersonal psychotherapy and has presented several papers in the UK and abroad via the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD).Nigel is also the UK Representative of the Sufi Order International and has an extensive background in Sufism, alchemy, and guiding spiritual retreats spanning thirty years. He lives with his family in the Malvern Hills area of England and likes to play the bagpipes and ride his motorbike (but never at the same time!).
Reviews
'In this wonderful book, decades of experience and insight are distilled into a readable, practical, and delightful guide. Nigel Hamilton shows how you can walk the path of dreaming's transformational potential for personal growth and spiritual development. Highly recommended.'- Robert Waggoner, author of Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self'Nigel Hamilton's Awakening Through Dreams offers readers a guide through the sometimes turbulent landscape of personal transformation. I wish his guidebook had been available when I was slogging my way though the fears and elations of my initial awakening. Step by step, Hamilton points out milestones on the seeker's path. Although various traditions (the mystics, Buddhists, Vedanta, and Sufis) label these markers differently, Hamilton reveals their characteristic essence in dreams at each stage of transformation. By tracing the journeys of two long-term dreamers, David and Ava, Hamilton provides an overview of the personal transformation process. With this model, readers may assess where they are on their own quests. Hamilton's perspective on light, colour, and direction in transformative dreams is, in particular, a valuable contribution to dream literature.'- Patricia Garfield, PhD, author of Creative Dreaming and Pathway to Ecstasy: The Way of the Dream Mandala'In Awakening Through Dreams, Nigel Hamilton presents a unique and provocative approach to the dreamworking process. He sees dreams as a tool for self-transformation and "inner alchemy" - one that becomes a spiritual discipline. Dr Hamilton's perspective has many dimensions and is a thoroughly original concept that can be of use to counsellors,psychotherapists, and those readers who are ready to embark on a lifechanging personal journey.'- Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-author of Extraordinary Dreams and co-editor of Perchance to Dream
Book Information
ISBN 9781782200505
Author Nigel Hamilton
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Karnac Books
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
