Mythologies of Rest, Sleep & Dream
“Mythology is the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into human manifest life.”
To welcome the seasons of fall and winter, we will explore the thresholds and mythologies surrounding rest, sleep, and dreams. Mythologist Joseph Campbell explains that a myth is the reenactment of a ritual. Throughout this exploration, we will engage in the practices of storytelling, close reading, and illustrating myths both individually and collectively. At each portal, we will focus on practices that help open the door to these mythologies.
Rest, sleep, and dreaming are all transitional or liminal states. When we rest, we take a momentary pause; during sleep, we disconnect from our daily awareness, and in dreams, we can enter entirely different worlds.
We will begin our journey on El Día de los Muertos, a significant time to honor the dead, which originated in Mexico and Central America and has since been embraced by various cultures. During this time, people pause their daily lives and commemorate their deceased loved ones. Some of the mythologies or mythological figures we will consider as symbols of rest, sleep, and dreams include: The Forest, The Threshold, La Siesta, Hypnos, Vishnu’s cosmic sleep, the Goddess Yoga Nidra, Briar Rose, Baba Yaga, and Penelope and the Gates of Dreams.
Our first portal will focus on rest as a refuge, engaging in practices such as yoga nidra, breath awareness, tending to an altar, and exploring simple drawing techniques. Next, we will explore sacred sleep rituals and nighttime self-care practices. Finally, we will approach the dream gates, where we will learn about and engage in creative dream journaling.
I invite you to embrace the tranquility of the slower-paced seasons by honoring the stillness. By reimagining sleep as a sacred practice, we can transform our nightly rest into something profoundly meaningful. Let us remember that our dreams hold divine messages waiting for us to explore.
DATES: Sunday’s November 2, 23, December 14
TIMES: 2:00-4:00 MST
LOCATION: Zoom Virtual Temple
$120 THE SUSTAINER (Pay-It Forward) for those who have financial stability and want to support the other payment tiers.
$81 THE NURTURER the price of this course
$66 The NOURISHER for those who need a little extra financial support and students.
Set your own price: No one will be turned away if you need or want to pay a different price, please set the price point that best works for you.
*Tiered Pricing makes this 3 week course more accessible to all.
Once you enroll you will receive access to our Mighty Networks online classroom, suggested supply list, course readings and Zoom links.
What You’ll Receive:
Three 2-hour live sessions (with full replay access)
An Rest, Sleep, Dream PDF Journal
Weekly inspiration with journal prompts, recipes, rest rituals and creative inquiries.
Access to a virtual classroom and online community