At one time or another, most people will have a dreamed about flying. In fact, flying dreams are one of the most commonly reported dream experiences. They can also be one of the most exciting dreams.
Flying dreams and the ability to control flight represent the dreamer’s personal sense of power. Many dreamers describe the ability to fly as exhilarating, joyful, and liberating. And they leave the dreamer with a great sense of freedom and feelings that they have no boundaries about what they can accomplish.
Others, however, describe the experience as fearful and out of control.
What Do Flying Dreams Mean?
“Because there are so many kinds of flying and reasons for flying, there are also many different meanings,” explained Richard Wilkerson, director of DreamGate Internet Communications and Dream Education Center and general editor of Electric Dreams.
In fact, Anthony Shafton, author of Dream Reader: Contemporary Approaches to the Understanding of Dreams, noted that contemporary dream analysts claimed there were more than 24 explanations for flying in dreams.
Wilkerson says that some of these explanations include Freud's idea that flying dreams reconstruct the joy of being tossed around as a child by adults; Alan Hobson's theory that it is the result of neuron firings from the brain stem; and Walter Bonime's thought that it represents the person's desire to flee responsibility and limitations of nature.
Flying Dreams Have Common Interpretations
"In flying dreams, people are most likely flying away from danger, flying to make new discovery, or flying to demonstrate new skill," said Tahnee Kinsman, sleep researcher for the Australian Institute of Sport.
“The limitations of dream flight and its relationship to psychological limitations are open to interpretation,” said Kinsman. However, he indicated that flying dreams typically reflect an individual’s personality, behavior, and psychological patterns.
Flying with ease and enjoying the scene and landscape below suggests being on top of a situation or rising above something, according to DreamMoods.com. It may also mean the dreamer is trying to get a different perspective on a problem.
Difficulty staying in flight indicates a lack of control in a situation—especially if the dreamer is struggling to stay aloft and on course, DreamMoods.com indicates. Things like power lines, trees, or mountains may further obstruct flight, and probably represent a particular obstacle or person who is standing in the way in waking life. However, it may also indicate the dreamer’s lack of confidence. Further, fear of flying or flying too high suggests fear of challenges and success.
“Whatever the flying dream, the timing of the dream is likely to signify mental recovery and the realization of a learning experience,” Kinsman explained, adding, “They usually follow episodes of depression or intense periods in your life. Even when the dream flight is to escape danger it shows that an individual’s psychological state is improving, demonstrating that he or she has found a solution and are dealing with a change in life.”
Dream Fliers Have Different Styles
The way people fly in their dreams varies among individuals, though some will exhibit a consistent method of dream flight, according to Kinsman. Here are some examples of common dream flying styles:
- Superman Style: This form of flying involves maintaining the body in a horizontal position, arms straight out with subtle shoulder and hip twisting for guidance. The limitation of this style is poor vision. The arms tend to block the view of the flier and can cause frustration in the dream experience.
- Breast Stroke Style: The breast stroke flying style is similar to the breast stroke in swimming. But the dreamer ues the hands position for guidance at the beginning of each stroke. The limitation of this stroke is fatigue. It involves constant stroke to maintain height.
- Run/Cycle Style: As described, this flying action requires a high level of energy and like the breaststroke style and clear destinations need to be established otherwise the dreamer finds themselves waking in distress.
- Pin Style: In the pin style of dream flight, the dreamer maintains a vertical body position, with the arms by the side and legs straight out. Although this is usually the style of flying that enables the dreamer to travel to the greatest height, the limitation is control and guidance. The dreamer is likely to fly so high that it evokes fear.
Flying Dreams Can Lead to Lucidity
Gale Delaney, author of Living Your Dreams, has noted that dream flying can easily lead to lucid dreaming. Lucid dreams occur when dreamers become aware that they are dreaming. Once a dreamer realizes that he is flying, he may realize that this is not something he can do in waking life.
The dreamer may then have some really fun options with dream flying, says Wilkerson, further explaining that some people like to test their skill, seeing how high or low, fast or slow they can fly, while others like to visit far away places or see friends.
For More Information about Flying Dreams
Flying dreams can be fun. Soaring through the sky can make dreamers feel free and powerful. But if they do invoke fear, dreamers can learn to control them. More information about flying dreams can be found at DreamMoods.com or the Lucidity Institute at Stanford University.
Kathy Jesperson - Kathy Jesperson is veteran journalist with more than 18 years’ experience. She has written about environmental health, water ...
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