This is an excellent conversation. Thanks to Kevin, Allen, and Carl.

I kept an audio dream diary for a couple of years, using cassette tapes. I really enjoyed it at the time. I never got around to transcribing all those dreams though. I now keep a handwritten dream diary. I can see though how the transcription process is also an opportunity to learn from the dream, because of re-immersing oneself into the dream experience. At some point I do want to transcribe all of those hours of audio tapes. But when will I find the time? Maybe if I do it one dream at a time . . .

I prefer a written dream diary because seeing the dream written down provides easy access to the dreams. One can scan the dreams quite quickly to find a particular dream or to just browse to find to find common themes or compare and contrast.

Has anyone in the group tried digital recording of dreams? Like with a computer or an mp3 recorder (for example an ipod)? Also has anyone tried using a voice-activated recorder? I read of one person who used such a recorder and it recorded him talking in his sleep!

One concern I have about audio recording of dreams is the possibility of disturbing the person sleeping beside me. That is one of the advantages of using a light-pen. The light only goes where it is needed. It doesn't flood the room with light and wake up the bed partner.

My favorite light-pen is one I made. I made it by taping a penlight to a very smooth writing pen. A penlight is a tiny flashlight that uses common AAA batteries. Use a penlight that has a pushbutton switch that stays on while you write. You can also tape frosted magic tape over the light to soften the glow.

In dreams,
Deerheart

On Friday, August 14, 2009, at 10:02 AM, Ysgawen (Allen) wrote:

"I think the problem for most people is the time it takes to transcribe a dream from any recording, it's great that you are able to make enough time for that."

***

True.... although i'm not sure how that is any different than writing it all down right when you wake up in the first place. Your gonna put in the time sooner or later, only "later" you are likely to be more awake and able to revisit the experience as you listen to it again and then write it down from your own words. The tapes also allow me to re-listen to past dreams at any time. Any journal keeping requires effort, and effort requires the dedication of time. Hearing it again a second time as you write it down brings it back into consciousness and better asigns it into long-term memory so that you can begin to see patterns or make connections that you were to spaced-out to see in the wee hours of the dawn.

In the end I can only speak to my own preferences of course.

I've been keeping a dream log for about 7 years and using tapes for 4 of those years. I find it has made everything easier and that the tape actually reduces any time I need in the morning. Afterall most of us have the least leisurly time in the morning (what with brushing our teeth, grabbing the kids, taking out the garbage and recycling before the truck barrells down the street, and then heading to work and all that). Using a recorder means I dont have to compose my thoughts, or force my mind into a rational left-brain mind-set in order to write it all down while it is still fresh. I dont have to think about anything at all. I dont have to try and make sense of the dream yet. I dont even have to turn on the lights, I just hit a button and talk as if I were explaining my dream to a friend.

-Allen


-----Original Message-----
From: Carl S. <[address removed]>
To: [address removed]
Sent: Thu, Aug 13, 2009 10:38 pm
Subject: Re: [dreams-177] write in the dark pen ...

Hi Allen and Kevin,

Thanks for the tips!

At the meeting we discussed how a tape or digital recorder can definitely capture more emotion as well as be essential for recording dream melodies, and two of us sang dream songs we remembered. Opportunities for performance of dream songs (or theatre or whatever) were noted at the upcoming Oct 10 mystical art and talent show (see www.soulstirring.org and contact me [address removed] )

I think the problem for most people is the time it takes to transcribe a dream from any recording, it's great that you are able to make enough time for that. I have an ongoing transcription project myself just to go from notebook to compute. I remember so many dreams that i'm constantly just trying to catch up with a pen notes and then puzzling what it means before the next morning's dreams, I'm lucky if I get it transcribed. Dreaming is a constant flow, and synchronicities will happen with life to complement the process.

best wishes,
Carl



----- Original Message -----
From: Ysgawen (Allen)
To: [address removed]
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:31 AM
Subject: Re: [dreams-177] write in the dark pen ...

Far easier to just get a little recorder and keep it by the bed, speak into it when you wake up. No need to fumble for a pen and notebook or even get up. You dont need to turn on the left brain yet.... just hit record and start talking ... even if half-awake (stream of consciousness). I transcribe the tapes later in the week, find it more immediate and I seem to remember more details that way.
-Allen


-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Johnson <[address removed]>
To: [address removed]
Sent: Wed, Aug 12, 2009 10:14 am
Subject: [dreams-177] write in the dark pen ...

As promised, here's the link to the write in the dark pen I have ...
http://www.dfmassachi.net/penlight.html

Regards,
Kevin



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