The Dream
I was walking toward a venue that was on the water. I could sense that there was an event taking place that I would like to attend, but I felt prohibited from being included.
As I arrived closer to the venue I realized that it was hosting a wedding for a relative of mine whom I had not seen for some time. It felt like I was invited to be a part of the wedding but in a restricted capacity.
I also realized that I was under-dressed for this wedding but my insecurity faded as I focused on what mattered most. Seeing my relative on her special day.
Since I had limited access to the actual wedding event, I was viewing the bride and groom walking down the aisle like a reporter or photographer would on the red carpet. Not as a participant, only an observer. Nonetheless, I saw my relative. She looked radiant with crystal clarity and excitement.
As she moved closer to my position, she stopped and said: “Matt! I’m so happy that I could see you today. I am leaving soon.”
Matt: “I am glad. I heard you’ll be moving to a tropical location soon.”
The Bride: “Yes, right after the wedding.”
Matt: “As in tomorrow or next week?”
The Bride: “Oh, no. As in 60 minutes.”
I was taken aback because that was quite a quick turnaround to move to another country. However, I didn’t judge her, I just embraced her excitement and supported her. Then I had the opportunity to meet her husband. We shook hands and I could sense that I was not as supportive of him but I couldn’t clearly articulate why. I just needed to balance trusting my intuition while being respectful for their shared experience.
My relative and her new husband needed to continue down the aisle of observers. I began to follow them into the reception hall. Then...BOOM! The doors closed in front of me, ensuring I would not be able to join the festivities. I then heard a voice say:
“You are not family so you are not allowed in.”
Admittedly, I was hurt. I know that I hadn’t been a part of my larger family for some time, but to be rejected in such a definitive way did impact me.
Instead of trying to force my way into the reception, I observed my relative and her husband, practiced gratitude for what I was able to be a part of, and then proceeded to leave the venue.
As I left, I decided to walk over a bridge. The water was high this day so I could feel the cool breeze that came off of it. While I was enjoying this sensation, someone exclaimed:
“Oh, WOW! Look at that. There are orca whales in the water.”
I immediately went to the side of the bridge to witness these majestic beings. There was a pod of them and I was completely in awe. Their sheer physical size somehow made the peace they projected feel even greater. I rested in this moment. I let go of feeling rejected and embraced the gift of peace that came with the experience I was now having. I felt a sense of belonging.
What the Dream Showed Me
There was a clear duality to the dream.
On one hand, I witnessed a restricted experience based on external conditions that my larger family system placed upon me. I chose not to force my way into their experience after being rejected. Instead, I accepted the boundary, practiced gratitude for what I was able to witness, and continued on my way.
On the other hand, I experienced a group of beings who were not of my own species, yet included me within their experience unconditionally.
By crossing the bridge, I moved from a state of rejection into acceptance. From human validation into a deeper source of peace. As I came to be included by the orca family, it felt as if they were saying:
“You are still part of life. You are still part of the greater family of creation. You are still allowed to witness beauty.”
I think this dream showed me that I am never really an outsider. Inclusivity based in unconditional love is always available to me, often in forms that exist outside of my traditional expectations.
Thanks for reading and have a great present moment!
Matt