Recurring Dreams: A Journey to Wholeness

The above reviews say a lot of what I would say. So I'll just add that it's refreshing to read an author who is candid about her own challenges and lessons.This book is really two in one. First a fascinating story and then practical, clear directions for doing your own dreamwork. It's a must for those who want to discover their own truth and guidance. (offered up into consciousness through the dream) This author walks her talk. The proof is in the transformation she's achieved in her life.

I've been in a dream group for the past 3 years and have read numerous books on dreams. Yet, when I stumbled across Recurring Dreams: a Journey to Wholeness a few months ago, I felt that it illuminated dreamwork for me in a whole new way -- perhaps because I hadn't learned a lot about recurring dreams and their meanings until now. I was mesmerized with Kathleen's transformation out of a life of struggle and pain -- and into the authentic and passionate life she is now living. Her life gradually transformed from cocoon to butterfly as a result of working with a recurring dream character who came to her in different scenarios over a span of 35 years, showing her what she needed to work on in her conscious life. Her courage to take a hard look at herself and make healthier choices as a result of the dream character's messages was both inspiring and motivating. Her story really made me look at my own journey and commit to my own dreamwork on a much deeper level. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

I had a copy of "Recurring Dreams: A Journey to Wholeness" (Crossing Press) for several weeks before I got around to reading it. As I began, I felt a familiar tightening in my stomach, and thought, "One thing the world really doesn't need is yet another book which could be subtitled, `How I Survived an Inhuman Childhood with a Mother Who Never Nurtured Me, and I Turned Out Okay Anyway.'" I was wrong. This book deserves a careful reading and attention to how it can map to almost anyone's life, whatever type of childhood they had.In "Recurring Dreams," Kathleen Sullivan presents a warts-and-all view not only of her own inner process of healing and recovery via the meandering path of dream work, but also a series of Inner Exploration hints and exercises to help the reader begin or perfect her or his own journey down that path. While reading it, I experienced a number of "body hits," as Sullivan calls the physical sensation associated with realizing a deep truth about oneself. To quote Sullivan's chapter on "Changing World View:" "One of the many thrilling benefits of dream work is the release of energy when a previously buried truth is uncovered. New power is now available to commit to a new goal and direction. It very much feels like the soul gulps in a breath of relief, knowing that the right track has been found, leading where the soul--not the personality--wants to go."One of the most useful portions of "Recurring Dreams" deals with resistance, a concept with which I myself am clearly wrestling. I thought I had resolved one particular aspect of my life, but realize after reading Sullivan's book that my best efforts have barely scratched the surface. Judging from the number of sticky notes, underlined passages, and notes scribbled in the margins of my copy of this book, it's a useful tool for me. Sullivan's sage advice about "recovering that natural self (which) requires as much awareness of who we are not as of who we authentically are" will! no doubt help me walk the balanced path between honoring my Self and the toxic self-absorption which constantly beckons to anyone who attempts the journey to wholeness.I salute Kathleen Sullivan's brave heart, and wish her well on her continuing journey. I also look forward to her next book, which she mentions in "Recurring Dreams" as forthcoming. Among the myriad authors out there writing "been there, done that" books, Sullivan emerges as someone worth listening to. Kathleen, I'm all ears.

An incredible story of emotional and physical healing emerging through the power of dream analysis. The content is moving. The author is authentic and offers many suggestions for the reader to incorporate this valuable, rich resource in their own personal and spiritual growth process.