Dear Dreamer, Here's a short quiz: What do the following people have in common? Isabelle Allende, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, George Frederick Handel, Richard Wagner, Robert Louis Stevenson, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Renes Descartes, Orson Welles, Ingmar Bergman, Elias Howe, James Watt, Billy Joel, D.H. Lawrence, Dmitri Mendelev, and Jack Nicklaus. These are just a few of the scientists, musicians, artists, writers, inventors and athletes who have said their work was deeply enriched and often, completely inspired by their dreams! Dreams are one of the primary sources of human creativity and problem solving. Indeed, virtually all cultures throughout time have honored the wisdom and guidance available from dreams. Yet, in our own society, few of us realize the numerous discoveries, inventions and works of art that are dream-inspired and which have shaped our culture. That's why the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD) is unique: We study dreams…and not just the dreams of famous people. We know that dreams can be a profound source of problem solving, guidance, as well as healing in the daily lives of each and every one of us. On a personal note, I am writing to let you know the real treasure I have found learning from this richly diverse group of teachers, anthropologists, counselors, researchers, clergy and artists, not to mention the many simply interested in dreams for their own personal study and spiritual nourishment. I attended my first IASD conference fifteen years ago on a lackluster whim: " Sounds interesting. Guess I'll go. Why not?" Now fifteen years later, I want you to know the immense impact that learning the language of my dreams and becoming part of an international dream community has had on my life. I know when you choose to join IASD, you will find as I have that your life is enormously enriched by the people you meet and the understanding you gain about dreams. So, whether your interest is personal or professional, a vast array of experts from different disciplines, countries and cultures will offer you an abundant choice of workshops and programs. Here are some recent offerings:
Each year I look forward with excitement to these meetings, always knowing that I will be welcomed into what feels as much like a warm extended family as an international organization whose mission is to explore the leading edge of consciousness about the nature of dreams. However, the embrace of community and like-minded friends is only one of the special benefits of joining ASD. As an IASD member, you'll receive our: · Tri-annual magazine Dream Time · Quarterly multi-disciplinary professional journal Dreaming For cyberspace dreamers, you can check us out at our very cool web site http://www.asdreams.org/ where you'll have the opportunity to: · Create your own Personal Member Web Page: http://dreamtalk.hypermart.net/member/list/index.html · Log on to Our Bulletin boards: http://www.asdreams.org/subidxdiscussionsbboard.htm . · Hear about regional conferences and speak monthly with dream experts via our DreamTime Live Internet Chats: http://www.asdreams.org/subidxdiscussionschat.htm · Join our new E-Study groups aimed at your particular area of interest within the dream-related fields: http://www.asdreams.org/study/index.htm . Finally, don't forget about our now world famous Dream Ball that caps off every annual conference—a fabulous dream-inspired costume party! So having shared with you some of the unique and wonderful benefits I have personally enjoyed as a member of IASD, I am inviting you to join us now. Click on http://www.asdreams.org/idxmembership.htm to become a member of IASD. Join now and take advantage of this extraordinary educational opportunity. Be a part of the festivities at our upcoming 23nd Annual International Conference in Bridgewater, MA, on June 20-24, 2006. Sign up for the conference at:
Until then… May your dreams guide you swiftly and well along your path.
David Gordon, Ph.D. Membership Chair Association for the Study of Dreams
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