dreams are mirrors
windows into one’s inner workings … the workings of our world. The insight they bring is infinite.
There are many ways to work with dreams, I combine several and make up my own. I offer workshops for groups, and one-on-one sessions, utilising archetypal psychology, projective dreamwork methods, guided visualisation, shamanistic practices, dream re-entry, embodiment, dream-theater, nature counsel, play, and dream synthesis.
It is my intention to support you in understanding your dreams, be empowered by them, and creatively express them.
DreamWorking
“Lana supports you with her enormous knowledge, but also with her creative mind and listening ear, to penetrate deeper into your dreams and to talk to them. She creates a safe, warm environment in which you can be yourself. Thanks to Lana, I now see my dreams as old friends who know me better than I know myself, and who I’d like to spend more time with because they’re such good company.” (Saskia, poet)
DreamWork Retreats: Click here for more info
My dreaming journey
When I was a child, I used to go to sleep with one main objective: to dream. More often than not, this is still the case. My earliest recollection of a dream was one in which I held on to my pillow and flew into the sky. The second one was a nightmare – an encounter with snakes.
Flying dreams continued – with the form and ease of flying giving me clues to my waking reality. As for snake dreams, those haunted me into adulthood. While studying dreams at JFK university, I started working with the symbol of the snake as it appeared in my dreams. I learnt how dreams can open a door into the psyche with potential for growth and healing. Synchronicities started to happen (in waking) and the snake transformed from a fearsome beast to a power animal (in both dreams and waking.)
Since I started tending bees, my dreams have taken on a new depth, with dreams as realm of communication with these wise teachers whom I choose to serve.
Community of dreamers
I’ve had the privilege over the years of studying and working with leading dream researchers and dream-artists, including Fariba Bogzaran, Kelly Bulkeley, Meredith Sabini, Jeremy Taylor. I attended several conferences by the International Association for the Study of Dreams both as performer and workshop facilitator, as well as participant and volunteer… you name it. The dream ball was my favourite. Over the last few years, I’ve been involved with The dream mapping project and enjoying every creation.
dream immersion and enactment
The re-enactment of dreams is a powerful tool, both to generate theatrical material and gain a deeper understanding of the psyche – individually and collectively. It borders on family constellations, gestalt, theater of the oppressed. Dream theater is suitable for everyone. You don’t have to be a performer or artist to do it, but if you are, then you can also use it to enrich your creative work. The sessions include some theory and dream-practice techniques as well as talk-dream-analysis.
Workshops offered upon request for pre-formed groups (working in English, Arabic or Dutch) anywhere in the world. contact me to discuss. I also offer dreamRetreats at Maskan Aat in North Limburg and teach at other venues liked Hof Van de Axen in midden-Drenthe.
Dreams one-on-one
If you’d like me to work with me on your dream(s), it would be a privilege and honour. Let’s talk. Sliding scale, virtual or in-person.
Photos: Bird wings by Bhaskar Banerji. and the rest by Kristof Persyn.