Author: Ben Grosser

Within the shadowed corridors of totalitarian regimes, characterised by pervasive surveillance and the suppression of dissent, the realm of dreams surfaces as a refuge—a final bastion of unarticulated truths and suppressed fears. Charlotte Beradt’s Das Dritte Reich des Traums (The Third Reich of Dreams) presents a haunting examination of this refuge, chronicling how the Nazi regime penetrated not only public life but also the intimate domains of the subconscious.

Charlotte Beradt: Chronicler of the Unconscious
In 1933, Charlotte Beradt, a Jewish journalist in Berlin, faced suppression from the Nazi regime. Yet, she began a secretive endeavour: gathering and recording the dreams of everyday Germans from 1933 to 1939. These dreams, collected from people of all backgrounds—such as tailors, neighbors, milkmen, and friends—were carefully documented, exposing the pervasive influence of authoritarianism on the human psyche.

Beradt’s mission was fraught with danger; she concealed her notes within book covers and smuggled them overseas, always wary of being caught by the Gestapo. Her compilation, published in 1966, consists of fifty “dreams dictated by dictatorship,” providing a distinctive psychological insight into the time. These dreams transcend mere nighttime visions; they vividly illustrate a society struggling with fear, guilt, and the gradual loss of personal liberties.

Dreams as Mirrors of a Fractured Society
The dreams collected by Beradt are replete with symbols of oppression and internal conflict. One dreamer envisions a mind-reading machine capable of detecting subversive thoughts, reflecting the pervasive fear of surveillance. Another individual dreams of being unable to perform the Nazi salute, resulting in a broken backbone—a potent metaphor for the physical and moral contortions demanded by the regime. These narratives underscore a critical insight: even as the regime sought to obliterate individuality and moral judgment, the unconscious resisted. Dreamers still discerned right from wrong, their inner compasses intact despite external coercion. However, the dreams also reveal a populace increasingly paralysed by fear, with their actions dictated not by conviction but by survival.

A chilling affirmation of this intrusion into private life comes from Robert Ley, the Nazi Reich Organisation Leader, who proclaimed:
“Der einzige Mensch, der in Deutschland noch ein Privatleben führt, ist jemand, der schläft.”
“The only person in Germany who still leads a private life is someone who is asleep.”

Beradt’s work poignantly refutes this claim, illustrating that even sleep offered no refuge from the regime’s reach. Dreams became arenas where individuals confronted their deepest anxieties, a testament to the totalitarian state’s pervasive influence.

The Genesis of Social Dreaming: Gordon Lawrence’s Vision
Years later, Gordon Lawrence, a psychoanalyst at the Tavistock Institute in London, recognised the importance of Beradt's work. In 1982, he introduced the idea of “social dreaming,” a practice wherein groups share and analyse their dreams to gain joint insights. Unlike conventional psychoanalysis, which centres on personal interpretation, social dreaming investigates the collective unconscious, aiming to comprehend societal undercurrents and shared experiences.

​Lawrence’s approach transcended traditional therapy; it served as a means of social analysis. By exploring individuals' dreams within a group framework, social dreaming seeks to uncover the underlying thoughts and feelings that influence a community. This method has been applied in diverse contexts globally, ranging from organisational growth to examining cultural and political shifts. Beradt’s recordings of dreams during a totalitarian regime illustrate how collective dreams mirror societal realities. Her research indicated that dreams are not standalone events but are profoundly connected to the socio-political landscape, a concept that is central to social dreaming's methodology.

Tapping into the Collective Unconscious
Social dreaming suggests that dreams serve as a portal to the collective unconscious, which is a common store of experiences, fears, and hopes. By participating in this practice, groups can tap into a shared narrative, gaining valuable insights into humanity's psychological development. It contests the belief that dreams are merely personal experiences, proposing instead that they are interconnected elements within a grander human consciousness. 
This viewpoint encourages us to contemplate the idea that every individual has access to a communal repository of knowledge—collective memory shaping our actions and convictions. Through social dreaming, we can delve into this collective pool, revealing patterns and themes that extend beyond personal experiences. It offers a way to understand ourselves not just as solitary individuals but as active contributors to a larger human narrative.

Reflections in Contemporary Society
Beradt’s and Lawrence’s work remains highly relevant today, offering a framework for exploring contemporary societal dynamics. Recent social dreaming matrices indicate that participants frequently dream of loss, despair, and a pervasive sense of decline. These shared dreams reflect our current anxieties, including the rise of authoritarianism, global conflicts, and the diminishing of democratic principles. 

The revival of right-wing ideologies, persistent warfare, and disrupted diplomatic relations generates a collective unease similar to what Beradt observed. As in earlier times, dreams serve as a means for societies to process trauma and address the unconscious effects of external chaos.
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By collectively engaging with these dreams, we can cultivate a better understanding of the psychological forces influencing our world. Social dreaming thus becomes a vehicle for self-reflection as well as a means of promoting communal healing and resilience.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Dreams
The works of Charlotte Beradt, specifically Das Dritte Reich des Traums, alongside Gordon Lawrence’s concept of social dreaming, illuminate the profound connection between our inner worlds and the societies in which we reside. These contributions reveal that dreams are not merely figments of imagination; they reflect our deepest fears, values, and aspirations.
During periods of crisis, when external expression is suppressed, dreams persist as vessels of truth and forms of resistance. By engaging in the collective sharing and analysis of these dreams, we access a reservoir of collective wisdom, gaining insights that can lead us toward a more conscious and compassionate society.
 
As we traverse the complexities of the contemporary world, we should not underestimate the significance of our dreams. Rather, we ought to embrace them as reflections of our collective psyche, instruments for understanding, and beacons that guide us through the darkness toward a more enlightened future.

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References:

• Beradt, Charlotte. Das Dritte Reich des Traums. Suhrkamp Verlag, 1966.
• Lawrence, Gordon. Social Dreaming @ Work. Karnac Books, 1998.
• “How Dreams Change Under Authoritarianism.” The New Yorker, 2019.
• “Socio-analysis.” Wikipedia, 2025.
• “Träume vom Terror.” Der Spiegel, 2025.

Author: Ben Grosser

In our fast-paced world, it is easy to feel disconnected from our authentic selves, leading to frustration and unhappiness. This disconnection often arises from a lack of awareness about our desires, goals, values, and life’s mission. Embarking on a path of self-discovery can help bridge this gap, fostering a deeper understanding of who we are and what truly matters to us.
 
Understanding Your True Desires
To reconnect with your core self, begin by exploring your true desires. Ask yourself, What experiences would make me feel truly happy? This introspection can reveal what brings you joy and fulfilment, guiding you toward a more authentic life.
 
Reconnecting with Core Values
Identifying your core values is crucial in aligning your actions with your true self. Reflect on past experiences and consider, Which values guided me during my happiest times?
This reflection helps pinpoint the principles that resonate most with you, serving as a compass for your decisions and actions.
 
Overcoming Limitations
We all face fears that hinder our progress. To move beyond these limitations, contemplate, What fears stop me from pursuing my dreams? Addressing these fears head-on empowers you to break free from self-imposed constraints, paving the way for personal growth.
 
Formulating Meaningful Goals
Setting goals that align with your values and desires brings purpose to your life. What do I want to achieve that will bring meaning to my life? This question directs your focus towards objectives that contribute to your overall sense of fulfilment.
 
Developing Necessary Skills
Achieving your goals often requires specific skills. Identify these by reflecting, Which skills am I lacking to accomplish my goals? Recognising skill gaps allows you to seek opportunities for learning and development, enhancing your ability to reach your aspirations.
 
Tracking Progress
Monitoring your progress keeps you motivated and on track. Regularly ask, What small wins can I recognise to stay motivated? Celebrating these victories reinforces positive behaviour and encourages continued effort toward your goals.
 
Integrating These Steps for Self-Discovery
Breaking down these steps provides clarity and direction, helping you reconnect with your authentic self. This process involves deep self-reflection and a commitment to personal growth, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
If the journey feels overwhelming, consider seeking assistance from an experienced coach. Coaching offers personalised guidance, accountability, and support, facilitating your path toward self-discovery and goal achievement. Studies have shown that coaching can lead to increased self-confidence and improved work performance (Institute of Coaching).
 
Investing time and effort into personal development is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It fosters self-understanding, enhances self-worth, and enables you to overcome unhealthy habits. This continuous growth journey leads to a more authentic and satisfying life. Embarking on the journey of self-discovery is both empowering and transformative. By understanding your desires, values, and goals, and by overcoming the fears that limit you, you can reconnect with your true self and lead a more fulfilling life.
 
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References
1. Institute of Coaching. (n.d.). Benefits of Coaching. Retrieved from (Institute of Coaching)
2. BetterUp. (2020, August 20). 29 Benefits of Coaching for Individuals and Businesses. Retrieved from (BetterUp)
3. Applied Jung. (2011, September 9). Common Dream Archetypes. Retrieved from (Applied Jung)
 

Author: Ben Grosser

​In our fast-paced world, where “hustle culture” often reigns supreme, stepping back to rest can feel counterintuitive. Yet, research consistently shows that intentional breaks—whether short pauses or extended vacations—are critical for maintaining productivity, creativity, and mental health.
 
This article explores why rest is essential, how it impacts our minds and bodies, and practical ways to incorporate recovery into your professional and personal life.
 
Why Rest Matters for Productivity
It may seem paradoxical, but stepping away from work is often the best way to boost productivity. Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout, fatigue, and diminished cognitive abilities. Researchers at the University of Illinois (Ariga & Lleras, 2011) found that mental concentration decreases over time when people work on long, monotonous tasks. Short breaks helped participants maintain focus and perform better.
 
Vacations, in particular, are shown to have even greater restorative effects. According to a meta-analysis by de Bloom et al. (2009), vacations improve general well-being, reduce stress, and enhance job performance. Unfortunately, these benefits tend to fade quickly if recovery isn’t sustained through regular breaks and healthy work-life balance.
 
The Neuroscience of Rest
Our brains are not designed for continuous output. During rest, the brain activates the “default mode network” (DMN), which plays a key role in consolidating memories, processing emotions, and fostering creativity. When you’re not actively focused on tasks, your mind is still working—making connections, solving problems, and generating insights (Buckner et al., 2008).
 
For example, the phenomenon of “aha moments” often happens during downtime. One study by Sio & Ormerod (2009) found that people were more likely to solve complex problems after taking a break or engaging in unrelated activities.
 
The Cost of Not Resting
Ignoring the need for rest comes at a steep price. Chronic stress and overwork have been linked to a range of physical and mental health issues, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety (Melchior et al., 2007). Beyond individual health, fatigue and burnout also impact team dynamics and organisational performance.
 
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report (2023) highlights that employee engagement suffers dramatically when individuals lack adequate rest. Poor engagement can lead to higher turnover rates, lower productivity, and decreased overall morale.
 
Rest as a Leadership Strategy
For leaders, modeling the importance of rest is a powerful tool. When leaders prioritise their own well-being, it sets a tone for the entire organisation. Encouraging breaks, setting realistic work expectations, and fostering a culture of work-life balance can significantly improve team performance.
 
Stephen Covey, in his bestselling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, refers to this as “sharpening the saw.” He explains that just as a woodcutter must regularly sharpen their saw to maintain efficiency, individuals must prioritise renewal to achieve sustained success.
 
Fika: A Cultural Tradition of Rest
In Sweden, the importance of taking breaks is deeply embedded in the work culture through the tradition of fika. Fika, the Swedish custom of taking coffee breaks during the workday, has long been recognised as beneficial for both employee well-being and productivity. While not legally mandated, many Swedish workplaces incorporate fika breaks into their daily schedules, some even formalising it in employment contracts.
 
This practice, which dates back to the early 20th century, was initially adopted to boost workplace morale and efficiency. Workers would pause for coffee and social interaction, which was found to enhance both social bonds and productivity. Today, fika serves as a vital component of Swedish (work) life, fostering connections among colleagues and friends and providing a structured opportunity to rest and recharge during the day. This cultural custom underscores Sweden’s strong emphasis on work-life balance and reflects the belief that regular breaks are essential for long-term job satisfaction and performance.
 
Practical Strategies to Integrate Rest
So, how can we integrate meaningful rest into our lives without compromising productivity? Here are some evidence-based tips:
1.  Plan Regular Breaks: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This method helps maintain energy and focus throughout the day.
2.  Prioritise Vacations: Schedule vacations well in advance and resist the urge to check emails or bring work along. Research by Fritz et al. (2011) shows that even short vacations significantly enhance well-being.
3.  Engage in Active Rest: Rest doesn’t have to mean inactivity. Activities like walking, reading, or meditating can provide the mental and emotional recovery needed to recharge.
4.  Disconnect Digitally: Technology can blur the lines between work and rest. Designate tech-free times or spaces to ensure uninterrupted recovery.
5.  Sleep Well: Sleep is the foundation of all recovery. Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night, as recommended by the National Sleep Foundation (2023).
6.  Reflect and Reset: Use your breaks to reflect on achievements and set intentions. This practice can help you return to work with clarity and purpose.
 
Rest Is an Investment
Taking a break is not a luxury; it’s an investment in yourself and your future productivity. In the words of Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, “Rest is not idleness. It is the key to sustained creativity, innovation, and performance.”
 
As we embark on a new year, consider how rest fits into your goals and routines. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a daily meditation practice, or simply pausing to enjoy a cup of tea, each moment of recovery contributes to your long-term well-being and success.
 
What are your strategies for incorporating rest into your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 
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References:
   •       Ariga, A., & Lleras, A. (2011). Brief and rare mental “breaks” keep you focused: Deactivation and reactivation of task goals preempt vigilance decrements. Cognition.
   •       Buckner, R. L., Andrews-Hanna, J. R., & Schacter, D. L. (2008). The brain’s default network: Anatomy, function, and relevance to disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
   •       de Bloom, J., Kompier, M., Geurts, S., et al. (2009). Do we recover from vacation? Meta-analysis of vacation effects on health and well-being. Journal of Occupational Health.
   •       Fritz, C., Lam, C. F., & Spreitzer, G. M. (2011). It’s the little things that matter: An examination of knowledge workers’ energy management. Academy of Management Perspectives.
   •       Melchior, M., Caspi, A., Milne, B. J., et al. (2007). Work stress precipitates depression and anxiety in young, working women and men. Psychological Medicine.
   •       National Sleep Foundation (2023). Sleep Health Guidelines: https://www.thensf.org/#:~:text=Use%20a%20consistent%20routine%20with,same%20sleep%20and%20wake%20times).
   •       Sio, U. N., & Ormerod, T. C. (2009). Does incubation enhance problem-solving? A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin.
 

Author: Andrea Bell / Ben Grosser

Author: Ben Grosser

Author: Ben Grosser 

With the use of the Social Dreaming Matrix (SDM), a potent and transformational tool that explores a group's collective unconscious, participants can discuss and examine dreams in a group environment. The SDM, which was created in 1982 by Gordon Lawrence and Paddy Daniel, focuses on the shared meanings and social dynamics that dreams disclose, going beyond the scope of standard individual dream analysis.​

At its core, SDM involves participants coming together in a group, referred to as a "matrix," where they share dreams and associations freely. An SDM lets people freely associate and connect their dreams without scrutinising their particular meanings, in contrast to traditional dream groups that place an emphasis on individual dream interpretation. Finding patterns, themes, and dynamics of the collective unconscious that surface from the shared dream content is the main goal. This collective sharing fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness within the group, revealing hidden patterns and themes that are often reflective of broader societal issues (Clare & Zarbafi, 2019). By suspending individual interpretation and instead focusing on the collective, SDM creates a space for empathy, creativity, and social cohesion.

The facilitator plays a pivotal role in facilitating and maintaining a safe place where participants can freely share their dreams in a social dreaming matrix. In addition to holding the space for the matrix, the facilitator creates a non-interpretative atmosphere that encourages in-depth investigation of group dynamics. Following the session, a discussion on newfound understanding takes place, giving the participants room for artistic expression and investigation sparked by the group’s social dreaming. Depending on the specific aim or objective of an SDM, the facilitator may compile a detailed report analysing patterns and recurring themes that emerged during the sessions.

Bridging the gap between the unconscious of the individual and the group is one of SDM's primary advantages. Dreams, in the view of Jungian theory, are manifestations of the unconscious mind and can reveal information about both the individual and the group. Dreams provide important insights and the possibility of societal and personal change in a world where communication is expanding quickly (Tatham & Morgan, 2023). Diverse interpretations and meanings coexist within the matrix, providing a democratic and collaborative place for individuals to examine their unconscious and communal elements.

SDM also questions the widely held notion that the only ways to address societal issues are through reason and science. Rather, it underscores the significance of preserving human connectivity and relatedness. According to Clare (Clare & Zarbafi, 2019), dreams might convey knowledge that exists before conscious awareness. This is based on the idea of the "unthought-known". The breakdown of the self is made possible by this creative inquiry inside the matrix, which inspires people to consider alternative viewpoints and promotes societal cohesiveness.

SDM's capacity to elevate underrepresented voices demonstrates its transformative potential. SDM fosters social cohesion and innovation among various groups by questioning preconceived notions and encouraging fresh viewpoints (Grosser, 2023). It establishes welcoming environments where people can participate in group storytelling that highlights connections and promotes healing and wholeness. Furthermore, SDM has practical consequences for intercultural communications. The SDM can assist in successfully navigating intercultural problems by having a thorough awareness of communication styles and cultural characteristics. It is a time-saving technique for global organisations to increase cultural awareness, reduce communication barriers, and improve team performance (Grosser, 2023). SDM is an alternative to standard intercultural communication training because of its intuitive character, which enables learners to immediately comprehend communication nuances.

To sum up, the Social Dreaming Matrix is a special and effective technique that goes beyond conventional dream interpretation. It provides a setting for group exploration of the collective unconscious that promotes social cohesiveness, empathy, and creativity. Dreams have the power to influence society and bridge cultural divides, as SDM demonstrates by highlighting the value of human connection and questioning preconceived notions. SDM crosses cultural borders and strengthens participant unity via shared dream exploration, making it an invaluable tool for personal and collective development.