In many ways the true spiritual director/guide is the dream itself. Throughout history there has been an awareness that dreams are given to us every night to help us in our ongoing journey of life. As the circumstances of our lives change from day to day, our dreams will accompany us, drawing us to a greater awareness and realization of the mystery of our being, and our relationship with all of creation and the source of all.
Dreams are not magic. They are wonderful gifts of support and wonder, reminding us from day to day, that we are not limited to our conscious awareness but are capable of being open to the mystery that surrounds our lives and that we, with an attitude of wonder and openness, are able to grow into that mystery.
The specific role of a spiritual director, working in the area of dreams, is to help the dreamer focus more clearly on the dream, ask questions, help to make associations, and work with the further meaning of the symbols and archetypal story lines. It is never the role of the director to interpret another person's dream. It is only the dreamer who is able to discern, with clarity and energy, what the deeper part of their being is presenting to them.
James Schmeiser holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and a D.Th. in Theology. As a professor at King’s University College, UWO, he introduced and taught courses on “Visions, Dreams and Religions, and different branches of spirituality. In addition to his university teaching and counseling he has led retreats and offered workshops in both of these areas. Now, as Professor Emeritus, he is dedicating himself to retreat work and spiritual direction/counselling.
