Dream of a Smiling Face in Death: Seeking Meaning and Insights🤍

[Mathematician]

Introduction:

Helen was a close friend of mine during college. I first noticed her when we were in the same class at college after not seeing her since lower school. Back then, she was just a stranger to me, someone I barely noticed as she was in another division.

Helen was one of the top students in our batch, while I was more of a laid-back student. My friends were similar to me—lazy and not very academically focused. Despite our differences, Helen made an effort to build a friendship with me, even though I wasn’t a great student or someone who put much effort into maintaining friendships.

Helen Stood out from others, especially compared to other toppers in our batch. Unlike most students, who rarely shared notes or helped others, Helen was incredibly kind and supportive. She went out of her way to help me, sharing notes and teaching me even when I didn’t ask for her help. Thanks to her support, I was able to pass with a good score.

Even though life has taken us on different paths, Helen holds a special place in my heart. I deeply admire and trust her for her kindness, positivity, and generosity.

The Dream:

Recently, I had a dream about Helen that felt incredibly vivid and emotional, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. In the dream, I received a call informing me that Helen had passed away. I rushed to see her and found her lying on a hospital bed. She was no longer alive, but her face had a serene and peaceful smile.

Later, I saw her body dressed in white, lying inside a funeral box, which seemed to be placed in her house. Her friends and loved ones were waiting along the roadside to see her body before it was taken to the church cemetery. People were writing messages on pieces of paper, filled with love and gratitude for her, and placing them near her. Everyone was crying.

My Question:

Why would I have such a dream? Could there be a reason behind it—mythical, psychological, or perhaps even a sign about the future? I’m seeking guidance or an explanation for this

 

[PaulKH]

Firstly, I encourage you to be open and embracing of this experience--push through any discomfort to see the gift of it, the stimulation and reasoning to *grow*. You will find there can be many angles from which to view this kind of dream, especially since you spent so much time communicating it (thanks for that, and for the explanation/backdrop of the dream subject). What I am sure of is that you will be better off in *any* method of evaluation if viewed with a positive/grateful manner--this is conditioning that will benefit you even as you decide on what course to take (even leading to a real life follow up).

For a receptive and empathy-prone person it isn't rare to have vivid dreams of those we interact with, highlighting and sometimes even objectifying traits of theirs that deeply move/influence us (in this case, Helen's giving, kind manner, which even your subconscious would know as her own choice and a precious one at that, hence all the outpouring of love at her funeral from those who had also been moved)--the dream made it quite clear that you were one of many who were positively touched by this special woman.

There are several powerful symbols here, but none overshadow the genuine goodness of Helen ("even in death she smiles," says the dream to you)--you are connecting this in a very tangible and story-related way. Remember that all stories are principles or characteristics put through a what-if-this-happened process, and these kinds of dream stories use this same technique--or more accurate to say us storytellers copy the technique employed in our dreams. So it could be as simple as reminding you in a way you cannot possibly ignore how much those positive attitude/actions of Helen rippled outward in a way that *should* be more universal. In how her intellect made her a *better* person, not just a smarter one...and your dream consciousness is savoring that, knowing that even her death would not diminish her gift-of-self.

There could also be a repressed need to check up on her, to at least make sure she is happy/healthy, but very well could be an unresolved need for you to thank her specifically for her kindness. Even in this mostly rushed and self-centric culture, it is vital to our long term wellbeing to be outwardly/thoughtfully grateful to good deeds, while expecting nothing in return. This cannot be "praise" given with expectations attached, but something freely acknowledged because she *earned* that from you. Does that make sense? Sometimes--especially for one of healthy empathy--it will bother us if we do not let that person know how much we appreciate them. That they are in fact a positive force in our lives (even if only in memory and dreams). This kind of resolution might even be cathartic if you realize that you never let her actually know how special she was/is, and this could very well explain the death/funeral angle in your dream sequence. Sadly, many wait until a funeral display to express or feel what they should have when that person was alive.

 

[unclesirbobbyrobson]

Dreams use people as symbols. For you Helen represents someone who is kind and supportive. In the dream she has died so maybe the dream links to a feeling that you no longer have someone who is kind and supportive in real life in the way she was with you. But dreams are only transitory as they capture your feelings right now. Tomorrow you may feel better ad you may have a more positive dream.

 

[Mathematician]

Firstly, I encourage you to be open and embracing of this experience--push through any discomfort to see the gift of it, the stimulation and reasoning to *grow*. You will find there can be many angles from which to view this kind of dream, especially since you spent so much time communicating it (thanks for that, and for the explanation/backdrop of the dream subject). What I am sure of is that you will be better off in *any* method of evaluation if viewed with a positive/grateful manner--this is conditioning that will benefit you even as you decide on what course to take (even leading to a real life follow up).

For a receptive and empathy-prone person it isn't rare to have vivid dreams of those we interact with, highlighting and sometimes even objectifying traits of theirs that deeply move/influence us (in this case, Helen's giving, kind manner, which even your subconscious would know as her own choice and a precious one at that, hence all the outpouring of love at her funeral from those who had also been moved)--the dream made it quite clear that you were one of many who were positively touched by this special woman.

There are several powerful symbols here, but none overshadow the genuine goodness of Helen ("even in death she smiles," says the dream to you)--you are connecting this in a very tangible and story-related way. Remember that all stories are principles or characteristics put through a what-if-this-happened process, and these kinds of dream stories use this same technique--or more accurate to say us storytellers copy the technique employed in our dreams. So it could be as simple as reminding you in a way you cannot possibly ignore how much those positive attitude/actions of Helen rippled outward in a way that *should* be more universal. In how her intellect made her a *better* person, not just a smarter one...and your dream consciousness is savoring that, knowing that even her death would not diminish her gift-of-self.

There could also be a repressed need to check up on her, to at least make sure she is happy/healthy, but very well could be an unresolved need for you to thank her specifically for her kindness. Even in this mostly rushed and self-centric culture, it is vital to our long term wellbeing to be outwardly/thoughtfully grateful to good deeds, while expecting nothing in return. This cannot be "praise" given with expectations attached, but something freely acknowledged because she *earned* that from you. Does that make sense? Sometimes--especially for one of healthy empathy--it will bother us if we do not let that person know how much we appreciate them. That they are in fact a positive force in our lives (even if only in memory and dreams). This kind of resolution might even be cathartic if you realize that you never let her actually know how special she was/is, and this could very well explain the death/funeral angle in your dream sequence. Sadly, many wait until a funeral display to express or feel what they should have when that person was alive.

Thank you so much for your kind and detailed response.
Your perspective on the dream has given me a lot to think about, and I truly appreciate the time you took to explain everything so thoroughly.

I never thought about dreams being such a powerful way to reflect on emotions and relationships, but your explanation makes so much sense. The idea that Helen’s kindness and positivity left such a strong impression on me, even in my subconscious, is deeply moving. I hadn’t realized how much I’ve been carrying the need to express my gratitude toward her, and your words have reminded me of how important it is to share those feelings openly.

Your insights about expressing gratitude before it’s too late really touched me. I feel inspired to reconnect with Helen and let her know how much she has meant to me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me not just for this situation, but for all my relationships.

Thank you again for helping me see this dream in a more meaningful and positive light. Your words have been a gift.

 

[Mathematician]

Dreams use people as symbols. For you, Helen represents someone kind and supportive. In the dream, she has died, so maybe the dream links to a feeling that you no longer have someone kind and supportive in real life in the way she was with you. But dreams are only transitory as they capture your feelings right now. Tomorrow you may feel better, and you may have a more positive dream.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective on my dream. Your explanation about Helen being a symbol of kindness and support makes a lot of sense. It’s interesting to think about how dreams reflect our current emotions and feelings, even if they’re temporary.

Your words remind me to focus on the positive aspects of my relationships and to cherish the kindness and support I’ve experienced. It’s comforting to know that dreams can shift as emotions change, and I look forward to having more positive ones in the future.

Thank you again for helping me see this dream in a different light!