From Dr. Stephen LaBerge of the Dreams show

Gary Larson cartoon -- the punch line of what I was trying to say about reframing nightmares as opportunities for development and learning.

In Western culture today, most people are content to say of nightmares that they are "only dreams," meaning they are imaginary, meaningless, and worthless. That again, understates how most of us feel about nightmares; certainly most of us would happily do without the experience.

... I believe that this view of nightmares is simply wrong. Yes, nightmares are frightening. But that doesn't mean they are bad or meaningless, or without positive value. On the contrary, nightmares contain a great deal of potential energy that can provide the impulse for psychological development. Reframing nightmares as opportunities for growth is an important key to learning from your dreams. With a flexible and lucid approach to life, there are no bad dreams.

One of Gary Larson's The Far Side cartoons delightfully illustrates this creative approach to experience: two old ladies behind their locked front door are peering out the window at a "monster from the Id" standing on their doorstep. The wiser of the two ladies says, "Calm down, Edna...Yes, it's some giant hideous insect ... but it could be some giant hideous insect in need of help."

Stephen LaBerge, LUCID DREAMING: A Concise Guide to Awakening in Your Dreams and in Your Life. Sounds True, 2004.