Bare

Basically this is about feeling exposed. This may be desirable or undesirable depending upon what you feel in your dream. It can indicate a desire to be attractive and noticed – as in the example, where Miss L. is enjoying an acceptable form of intimacy, or being open about what you really feel. It is also showing you feeling people know what you are feeling or desiring, or else being open about what you feel. This often refers to sexual feelings, or feelings you usually hide.

At times it can be a sign of anxiety about not being adequate socially or that you do not ‘look’ good, or lacking ability to conform to social norm.  See: Naked; Clothes.

Example: ‘I am at the doctor’s being examined. It is always the same. I have all my clothes off and he examines me from the roots of my hair down to my toe nails. I am just at the point where I am going to ask him for his diagnosis when he fades away.’ Miss L.

How we feel about being naked in the dream may simply show our cultural background and childhood training in regard to being undressed. In some families it is easy and natural, and in others something to be ashamed of and arousing critical remarks.

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 and Hints:

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?

Try using Easy Dream Interpretation to see if you can uncover more of the dream’s meaning.