Flying High Again
I got to fly again last night, although it was not my preferred method of flight. I wait patiently for the two (sometimes three) instances a year in which a dream allows me to take flight. Each time this most exhilarating opportunity is presented to me I will fly all on my own, in a manner that transcends light years beyond extraordinary. I glide much like a bird, very high-up where it is quiet and peaceful. Despite my severe acrophobia, I am never ever afraid.
Last night’s flight was anything but peaceful or serene. It all started at a place where I was having a dinner party with people I don’t know. Though it was a very elegantly catered dinner, expensive platters and other items were breaking so I was busy trying to repair them with super-glue. After dinner, we all moved out onto the balcony overlooking a beautiful scenic view that much resembled the oceanside of Greece. Above the sea, several small-engine planes were flying high and performing very daring maneuvers. I was told that momentarily I was to ride ‘back home’ in one of these planes, apparently having no say in the matter. I watched on as the planes repeated their risky antics, and remember asking someone at least twice if my designated plane would still have enough gas afterward to complete the return trip back.
I strapped in tight with shoulder harnesses, seat belts and the like, and much to my surprise I found my faithful man sitting beside me – I was no longer alone. The small plane took off like a bolt of lightning and immediately commenced into the daring moves I had witnessed previously. Unaware that my heart had stopped, the seemingly fearless pilot made a complete nose-dive towards the sea, only to pull up at the last moment. He then inverted and carried us for what seemed like ten minutes, for which I kept my eyes closed. Flipping over, and over again and then again, he picked a building on dry land as his next target. The absolute last second before impact, he pulled up – we found ourselves flying straight up at a 90 degree angle. All during this terrifying ride I could physically feel my stomach drop, my head pound, and the gravity pull me when inverted. I was completely helpless and ode to this crazy pilot on a death mission who seemed quite intent on taking us along for the ride down.
In the past I’ve had much success with ending an undesirable dream. I’ve also learned that if I’m unable to end it, I can at least change it’s direction. This wasn’t the case last night. In my lifetime I’ve heard many people say you don’t feel pain in your dreams. Maybe some people don’t – but even as a child I’ve always felt pain in mine. In fact, any physical sensation that can be felt in reality can be felt in my dreams. Pain is just my least favorable one.
Risky. Out of control. Careless.
Dear Dreams: I’ll man my own flight next time, thanks.
Life of Bon 
I love how detailed your dreams are and how well you remember them. Mine are usually wispy little hauntings that dissipate in the daylight.
August 14, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Thanks E. I don’t remember them all either, but the flying ones seem to always stick with me.
August 16, 2012 at 9:12 am
I agree .. very detailed. Great blog.
August 14, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Thanks Mom! 🙂
August 16, 2012 at 9:12 am
I’ve never had a flying dream – I’d quite like one. But then I don’t remember mine as clearly as you do!
August 15, 2012 at 5:21 am
There’s plenty of them that ‘leave’ me too, believe me. I’m grateful that I remember my flying ones!
August 16, 2012 at 9:34 am
Great post. Sounds like there are deeper meanings to your dreams that only you know. When I was a kid, I could realize I was dreaming and change things. It was great. As an adult, I still sometimes realize that I’m dreaming, but I can’t change anything regardless of how hard I try. Deeper meanings there two, I suppose.
August 15, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Thanks Dave. I agree on the meanings, in particular I believe the super-glue thing probably means something. It was so much easier to control dreams as a kid, wasn’t it? Seems as though it should be the other way around. I haven’t met many people who’ve managed to control their dreams, as mine started out as a child too. I’m willing to be we’d have some interesting conversations on the subject.
August 16, 2012 at 9:43 am
I’m not sure what it means when one finds themselves flying in a dream. I know when it happens to me I feel exhilarated for days afterward just from reliving the feeling and memory of the dream. Each time I dream that it happens, I find myself jumping headfirst up into the air then swimming the breast stroke as if I were in the sea. Once air born I am as a bird, fleeing enemies, seeing all that lies below, diving and turning. Even in my dream my mind says it is impossible, yet there I am, flying! Maybe I feel the roots of circumstances holding me down when I wish to be free. My Given Native name is Misituha (Big Oak). An Oak has roots that hold firmly onto the earth so strong storms will not up end it. It gives a protective shelter to others while it bears the brunt of winter and summer storms. I sometimes wish that I could fly like the birds that safely roost in my branches. JW
October 22, 2012 at 5:37 pm
JW, my most favorite dreams of all are of flying. I can relate with the exhilaration you speak of for even days afterward. I’ve noticed I am only afforded this wonderful dream about twice a year, so I must relish those opportunities and I do. It is usually as you just described here… solo and peaceful, and I am never afraid. It becomes a memory that stays with me and can describe in detail when most of my other dreams become forgotten. I love your Native name. To me, it signifies a true and just friend, a genuine and strong person who is there at all times for others.
October 23, 2012 at 8:09 am
Dear Bonnie, when I was named in the naming cerimony, I was told of the responsibility that came with it. I know many times I have fallen short. Still, I find myself time and time again being the lone tree on the prairie. I have been very blessed. I see where I have made a difference.
When I am old and my leaves no longer give much shade, I can only hope that one of my deeds or acorns will spout another Oak tree.
I dream of flying once or twice a year too. I think it is a gift because it leaves me feeling so good, just as a gift would. Not all gifts given by our Creator are physical in nature. Sometimes the thrill of a dream is more than just a dream. If our Creator loves us, then it is rightly thought that he would give us gifts to make us laugh and shout to offset life’s struggles. I’m sure the Grandfathers watch us and enjoy the living we do in our dreams. They look upon the Creator as he winks and tells them, “Watch this, he is now going to fly!” JW
October 23, 2012 at 9:56 am