Naked

Revealing what we usually try to conceal, in the way of feelings, thoughts and reactions. We may hide dislike with a smile. If we are not pleased to meet someone, we may hide our feelings with courteous behaviour, shaking hands, but a child will usually refuse to talk to, shake hands or associate with, someone they dislike. Their real feelings are therefore naked to view. To be naked in a dream may thus express either a fear of or a desire for people to know your real feelings; fear of being disclosed or revealed; or discovery of your real self.

Some naked dreams show extreme self consciousness about other people seeing you. In other cases the dreamer enjoys being on view, likes people, or the doctor, to look at them.

Therefore being undressed can either be anxiety about being revealed, or pleasure in letting someone else see how attractive and perhaps desirable you are. Sexual feelings are often a part of these dreams. See: Clothes.

There is an almost instinctive drive in many young children to uncover themselves to others. Erich Fromm, in his book Dreams – The Forgotten Language, says that, “It is hardly possible to pass through a village in country districts without meeting a two- or three-year-old child who lifts up his or her blouse or frock before the traveller, possibly in his honour.” As adults, if such behaviour were punished or frowned upon we may still be stuck in this behaviour, desiring the acceptance we should have received at an earlier stage of our growth.

Useful questions are: Am I feeling relaxed about this or exposed and vulnerable – and does that reflect how I feel about people knowing who I am?

Is there any signs of sexual feelings here, and if so what does the dream suggest about my response?

If there is a reason for my being naked, what is it?