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• Dream interpretation class delves into the subconscious mind

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average American gets six hours and 40 minutes of sleep a night. In terms of productivity, that’s a third of your day down the toilet. Of course, rest is necessary, but did you know that you could be double tasking while you sleep, subconsciously worrying about things that have happened or even are yet to happen?

Learning to interpret your dreams is one of the many subjects taught at the School of Metaphysics on Main St. in Urbana. The Urbana chapter of SOM is run by director Dr. Pam Blosser, and is one of 16 locations nationwide. Currently, the school is holding a four-week class on dream interpretation. Each class costs $15 and is open to all people interested in taking a deeper look at their nightly reveries.

“By the end of our four week class,” said Blosser, “you will have a foundation of what dreams mean and you will be able to interpret them.”

Currently, Claire Eskew, one of Dr. Blosser’s students, is teaching the 4-week course in dream interpretation at the school. She said it is designed to give a taste of the year-long cycle of study offered at SOM.

“Dreams, which occur in the subconscious mind, are a review of what has happened to you throughout the day,” said Eskew. “A lot of times our conscious mind ignores our subconscious mind because we’re too busy. It’s important to remember that the subconscious never lies and shouldn’t be overlooked.”

The course stresses two general rules of dreams: every dream is about the dreamer and every person, place or thing in the dream is the dreamer. Symbols also play a significant role in the interpretation process. For example, according to Eskew, a car symbolizes the physical body while a knife symbolizes a tool for change.

Paul Schanbacher, a student in the dream interpretation class, said he believes that dreams can reveal a lot if one takes the time to look at them closely.

“By taking these courses I’m hoping to strengthen my foundation for understanding dream symbols,” Schanbacher said.

The class is offered from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and is entering its third week. Although prior attendance is not necessary, it is recommended.