Tame the White Shark

Dream Description

(11/08/2022)

I found myself on a breathtaking island with Zahed, a childhood friend from our days as neighbors. As the sun began its descent, Zahed suggested we explore a cave that opened into the ocean. Intrigued, I readied my cellphone to capture any remarkable moments.

Inside the cave, the echoes of crashing waves and the salty tang of the sea mingled in the air, creating an enchanting ambiance. Zahed, ever adventurous, led us deeper until sunlight filtered through an opening above, casting a magical glow over the clear waters below. It was then Zahed signaled for me to start recording.

To our amazement, a majestic white shark gracefully entered the cave, its presence both thrilling and awe-inspiring. I focused my camera as the shark circled Zahed with surprising calmness. Instead of fear, Zahed seemed to radiate confidence, gently reaching out to touch the shark as if they shared a silent understanding.

I watched in awe as Zahed’s interaction with the shark unfolded. His gestures and soothing voice seemed to resonate with the creature, evoking a sense of mutual respect and harmony. It was a mesmerizing display of human-wildlife connection that felt almost surreal in its tranquility.

Zahed smiled and told me, “It follows to my voice, coming whenever I call.” His words reverberated through the cave as I abruptly woke up.

---

Dream Interpretation

Before delving into the symbolism of my dream, it’s important to understand the context in which it occurred. Last year, I suffered from chronic headaches whose cause initially eluded diagnosis. Initially suspected as sinusitis, an MRI later revealed a different underlying issue. The pain was relentless, starting in the morning and lasting all day, making work exceptionally challenging. Stress exacerbated these headaches, worsening them significantly.

One night, amidst this turmoil, I had a significant dream. It took me back to when I first met my childhood friend Zahed at age 13. Zahed, my neighbor, was notable for his exceptional flexibility from years of gymnastics training.

Now, returning to the dream and its symbolic meanings: the ocean symbolizes the unconscious mind according to psychological interpretations. It harbors repressed emotions, hidden memories, and desires. An island, where land meets the sea, represents the junction of conscious and unconscious realms. Additionally, the cave symbolizes rebirth, emerging from the depths of the mind and life. Together, these symbols suggest that my unconscious mind was signaling a transformation to my conscious self.

White sharks in the dream held particular significance. These predators, typically dwelling in deep waters and surfacing to hunt, symbolize deep-seated fears and destructive emotions like rage and anger.

“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways”

Sigmund Freud

In times when reality disappoints, such as being coerced into agreements or actions against our will, we often suppress genuine emotions, causing inner turmoil. This internal conflict manifests physically as tension and stress, affecting muscles and overall health.

“There is no coming to consciousness without pain. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own Soul. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious”

C.G. Jung

The dream vividly portrayed Zahed’s control over a white shark, demonstrating mastery over fears and destructive impulses. His approach differed from rejection or avoidance; instead, he understood how to harness its power wisely.

Inspired by this revelation, I sought help at a rehabilitation gym. A thorough examination revealed severe muscle tension, especially in my neck, exacerbated by stress. Through targeted stretching and later yoga practice, I gradually relieved the tension and ultimately resolved my headaches.

In retrospect, Zahed’s flexibility—both physical and metaphorical—proved instrumental in managing and alleviating my condition. The dream served as a powerful message about understanding and addressing the underlying causes of physical and psychological distress.

“So much unnecessary suffering comes into the world because people will not accept the ‘legitimate suffering’ that comes from being human”

C.G. Jung

---