These are just a few of the scientists, musicians, artists, writers, inventors and athletes who have said their work was deeply enriched and
often, completely inspired by their dreams! Dreams are one of the primary sources of human creativity and problem solving. Indeed,
virtually all cultures throughout time have honored the wisdom and guidance available from dreams. Yet, in our own society, few of us
realize the numerous discoveries, inventions and works of art that are dream-inspired and which have shaped our culture.
That's why the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD) is unique: We study dreams...and not just the dreams of famous
people. We know that dreams can be a profound source of problem solving, guidance, as well as healing in the daily lives of each and
every one of us.
I am writing to let you know the real treasure I have found in getting to know and learn from this richly diverse group of teachers,
anthropologists, counselors, researchers, clergy and artists, not to mention the many simply interested in dreams for their own personal
study and spiritual nourishment. When you attend an IASD international or regional conference, this vast array of experts from different
disciplines, countries and cultures will offer you an abundant choice of workshops and programs.
So, whether your interest is personal or professional, one of your greatest dilemmas at each of our meetings may be having to choose
from our sumptuous banquet of offerings.
Here are some recent offerings:
* Find out how dreams can help you at critical turning points in your life.
* Learn how as parents we can help our children benefit from their dreams and overcome nightmares.
* Hear why brain researchers no longer view dreams as random and meaningless.
* Discover the role dreams play in literature and philosophy and how they stimulate the artistic and creative process.
* Chat with Tibetan monks about the Yoga of dreaming and explore the fascinating functions dreams play in many indigenous
and shamanic cultures.
* Join a dreamsharing group and discover new techniques for working with your dreams
The subject of dreams is cross-cultural and indeed, universal in scope. That's the reason IASD members come from dozens of countries
around the world to our annual conferences in the U.S. and Europe. Each year I look forward with excitement to these meetings, always
knowing that I will be welcomed into what feels as much like a warm extended family as an international organization whose mission is to
explore the leading edge of consciousness about the nature of dreams.
However, the embrace of community and like-minded friends is only one of the special benefits of joining IASD. As an IASD member,
you'll also be treated to our quarterly DreamTime magazine and our member newsletter Dream Connections. You'll receive our quarterly
multi-disciplinary journal Dreaming as well. For cyberspace dreamers, you can check us out at our ever-expanding web site
www.asdreams.org where you'll have the opportunity to create your own personal member web page, log on to bulletin boards, hear
about regional conferences and speak monthly with dream experts via our DreamTime Live Internet Chats.
And if that's not enough...IASD E-News will be available at your e-mail doorstep every month. You'll also enjoy chatting online with other
IASD members about your own area of interest in dreams. Finally, don't forget about our now world famous Dream Ball that caps off
every annual conference - a fabulous dream-inspired costume party!
On a personal note, I attended my first IASD conference fifteen years ago on a lackluster whim: "Sounds interesting. Guess I'll go. Why
not?" Now fifteen years later, I want you to know the immense impact that learning the language of my dreams and becoming part of an
international dream community has had on my life. I know when you choose to join IASD, you will find as I have that your life is
enormously enriched by the people you meet and the understanding you gain about dreams.
So having shared with you some of the unique and wonderful benefits I have personally enjoyed as a member of IASD, I am inviting you
to join us now. Take advantage of this extraordinary educational opportunity and be part of the....festivities at our upcoming annual
conference.
Until then....
May your dreams guide you swiftly and well along your path.
David Gordon, Ph.D. Membership Co-Chair
International Association for the Study of Dreams
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