"What do my dreams mean?" This is a pretty common question that most people wish they had the answer to, but since there is no concrete evidence as to what dreams mean, the explanations are only theories. Here are some examples:
Dreaming about being chased:
According to DreamsCloud, "Often, the reason for these dreams comes not from the fear of actually being chased, but rather what we're running from. Chase dreams help us to understand that we may not be addressing something in our waking lives that requires our attention." For example, if you are being chased by a relative, that could mean that there is an unresolved conflict there that is need of your attention.
Water:
Researchers have noticed that whether the water you're dreaming about is rough/calm or clear/cloudy, the water is representing your emotions or subconscious.
Death:
Many think death in dreams is a negative, but researchers have discovered that death can directly relate "to dramatic change happening for the dreamer - the end of one thing, in order to make room for something new." An example of this could be the episode of Boy Meets World where Cory continuously dreams about killing his best friend, Shawn. Cory begins to worry about the dreams he's been having, so he seeks advice from his beloved teacher, Mr. Feeny. Mr. Feeny helps Cory realize that he has never actually finished the dreams, he has always woken up in the middle of them. Cory then finishes the dream that night and discovers that he was "killing", or giving up, all of his friends and things he would never do when he marries his girlfriend, Topanga. He was making room for her.
Falling:
Depending on how you are falling, peacefully and smooth or fast and uncontrollably, scientists believe it relates to how much control you think you have in your life and letting go. DreamsCloud states that "Some dreamers report a type of slow falling that indicates serenity and the act of letting go. Often, falling uncontrollably from a great height indicates something in waking our life that feels very much out of control."
Food:
DreamsCloud gives an interesting insight as to why we sometimes dream about food. "Food symbolizes energy, knowledge or nourishment and is directly related to our intellect, emotions and spirituality. Food can also be a manifestation of idioms like, "food for thought," and reveal that we may be "hungry" for new information and insights."
Citations: Block, Snadra, and David Muhlbaum. “Thinkstock.” Kiplinger, 30 Oct. 2017. BORZACK. “Being Chased.” Healthy Lifestyle, 17 Aug. 2011. Drea. “14 Common Dreams and Symbols and Why They’re Important.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 6 Dec. 2017, www.huffingtonpost.com/dreamscloud/meaning-of-dreams_b_4504512.html. “Falling off building.” UDAYAVANI, 7 June 2016. “Food.” Renal & Urology News, 27 Mar. 2017. “Thien Cam Beach.” Vietnam Travel.