"Write down your dreams," is the suggestion, directive or command that is often part of eating disorder recovery work.  We do it dutifully,

resentfully, awkwardly, enthusiastically.  We forget to do it.  We can't do it because, "we can't remember our dreams."  We are embarrassed to do it because the dreams are embarrassing.  Or we refuse to do it because the dreams are frightening.  Why do we need to do it at all?  What is the value of writing down our dreams?

In reading "Interior and Exterior Landscapes" by Leslie Marmon Silko I came about this quote which blasted out of the page like an exploding nova of brilliant articulation. Silk answers the question to spur us on in continuing to write down our dreams.

"[Dreams] have the power to seize terrifying feelings and deep instincts and translate them into images - visual, aural, tactile - and into the concrete where human beings may more readily confront and channel the terrifying instincts or powerful emotions into rituals and narratives that reassure the individual while reaffirming cherished values of the group.  The identity of the individual as part of the group and the greater hole is strengthened, and the terror of facing the world alone is extinguished."

If you read this quote when you find yourself too busy or reluctant to write down your dreams you may encourage yourself to move beyond your resistance as you see the treasures you may be denying yourself. And you may discover more entries to your eating disorder recovery.

An Evening with Leslie Marmon Silko

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