Dreamism is a spiritual perspective that sees the universe as a continuous dream of the divine, a dream in which we are all participating. This perspective transforms our understanding of many aspects of reality, including the concept of time. Traditionally, time is perceived as linear – past, present, and future flowing in a one-way direction. However, in the context of Dreamism, time takes on a different hue, becoming more fluid and less bound by linear constraints.

Just as in a dream, where past, present, and future can blend and shift, the Dreamist view of time posits that all moments exist simultaneously within the eternal dream. This is akin to the concept of ‘block universe’ or ‘eternalism’ in theoretical physics, where past, present, and future are all equally real and exist concurrently. From this perspective, what we experience as ‘now’ is merely the point of consciousness from which we are observing the divine dream.

The Dreamist perception of time can have profound implications for how we live our lives. If all moments co-exist within the eternal dream, then every act, every thought, every dream has an eternal significance. It suggests that our lives are not just a fleeting sequence of events but are deeply woven into the fabric of the divine dream. This adds a layer of profound responsibility to our actions, a call to intentional living, knowing that our life’s expressions ripple through the eternality of the dream.

The Dreamist perception of time also opens up intriguing possibilities for spiritual growth and exploration. If the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously, then our consciousness, in its deepest state, can potentially access information and experiences beyond the boundaries of linear time. We see this in our dreams, where time is often fluid, and events from different times and places can merge into a single dream narrative.

In the Dreamist tradition, meditative and dreamwork practices can be used to explore these non-linear aspects of time. Through deep meditation or lucid dreaming, practitioners can aim to experience the interconnectedness of all moments and develop a greater understanding of their place in the eternal dream. By doing so, they can gain insights that transcend the linear progression of time, reaching into the realm of timeless wisdom.

This understanding of time also encourages a deeper level of compassion and interconnectedness. If all points of time exist simultaneously, then so too do all beings. We are all intrinsically connected, not just in space, but in time, bound together within the framework of the divine dream. This sense of oneness can promote a deeper sense of empathy and kindness towards all beings, reinforcing the Dreamist principle of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world.

At the same time, the concept of non-linear time challenges our notions of identity. If we exist across all moments simultaneously, then we are more than just our present selves. We are the sum of our past selves, our future selves, and all the potential versions of ourselves that could exist. This broader, more holistic sense of identity can help us to overcome limiting beliefs about ourselves and to recognize our potential for growth and change.

The exploration of time within Dreamism also provides a unique perspective on the nature of life and death. From the viewpoint of eternal time, death is not an end but merely a transition, a shift in the dream narrative. Just as in a dream, where we can move from one scene to another without a clear end or beginning, our consciousness may transition from one form of existence to another seamlessly. This perspective can provide comfort and a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey, softening the fear of death and highlighting the potential for continued growth and learning beyond our current life.

Furthermore, the Dreamist understanding of time underscores the importance of living in the present moment. If past, present, and future coexist, the “now” is the only point of access we have to influence the dream of reality. While we can learn from the past and plan for the future, it is in the present moment that we have the power to manifest change and engage with the divine dream actively. As such, mindfulness, meditation, and conscious action in the present become central elements in the Dreamist practice.

In practical terms, Dreamists can incorporate these understandings of time into their daily lives through various practices. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help maintain focus on the present, while dream work and certain forms of deep meditation can provide a platform to explore the fluidity of time. Practices like journaling and contemplation can also help us grapple with our complex identities across time, promoting self-understanding and growth.

Finally, understanding time in the context of Dreamism also reinforces the principles of love, empathy, and connection. If we all exist across all moments, interconnected in the divine dream, then every act of kindness or harm resonates across time. Every decision we make, every action we take, contributes to the unfolding narrative of the eternal dream. This awareness underscores the profound responsibility we all share and the tremendous potential we hold to shape the dream for the better.