Walking on a Dream

[DISCLAIMER]

Photo credit, fair use

In 2008, the album Walking on a Dream was released by electronic dance music (EDM) duo Empire of the Sun (a collaboration between Luke Steele, of alternative rock band The Sleepy Jackson, and Nick Littlemore, of electronic dance band Pnau).

On the anthology was the song “Walking on a Dream”, which was virtually inescapable for anyone who went to a trendy restaurant, local mall, or other popular area of social gathering for years following its release. Noteworthy, the eccentric video was filmed in Shanghai, China.

For clarity, the American Psychological Association succinctly defines a dream as “a physiologically and psychologically conscious state that occurs during sleep and is often characterized by a rich array of endogenous sensory, motor, emotional, and other experiences.”

Lyrics on the first verse of “Walking on a Dream” state, “Walking on a dream. How can I explain? Talking to myself. Will I see again?” Metaphorically walking on a dream may suggest that although one could attempt to describe an experience, doing so may be challenging.

As if one is “talking to myself” with incoherent ramblings, trying to express “a physiologically and psychologically conscious state” can be extraordinarily difficult for many people. Still, challenging oneself to effectively communicate one’s own experience in life is often necessary.

Regarding this matter, I think of a psychoeducational lesson on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Unlike dream analysis, which is used in other psychotherapeutic modalities, I’ll approach this matter without relying on invalid dream interpretation.

Often, when presenting new clients with REBT tools regarding the ABC model and unconditional acceptance, I’m told that trying to decipher irrational beliefs is similar to attempting to describe a peculiar dream. Therefore, it can be like walking on a dream.

Still, I invite new clients to push through discomfort of unraveling unhelpful attitudes so that these individuals can learn not to self-disturb. After all, when unproductive scripts begin revving up in the conscious mind, it can be challenging to clearly identify what’s currently at hand.

Of this, the pre-chorus of “Walking on a Dream” states, We are always running for the thrill of it, thrill of it. Always pushing up the hill, searching for the thrill of it. On and on and on, we are calling out, out again. Never looking down, I’m just in awe of what’s in front of me.”

Unlike the often pleasant experience of awe (admiration and elevation in response to desirable elements of life) with “what’s in front” of clients, when self-disturbing, these individuals may endure unpleasant weariness (a complete depletion of energy or strength) with unhelpful beliefs.

In this instance, “walking on a dream” can become more like ‘running through a nightmare.’ Therefore, I’ll invite you to practice as I encourage new clients to do, by pushing through the discomfort of identifying beliefs which are difficult to identify or describe.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost EDM-influenced REBT psychotherapist—promoting content related to EDM, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters. 

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Awe. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/awe

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Dream. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/dream

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Dream analysis. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/dream-analysis

Empire of the Sun. (2009, March 10). Empire of the Sun - Walking on A Dream (Official music video) [Image; video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/eimgRedLkkU?si=xmroLvC37dPMg0G_

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Hollings, D. (2024, March 14). REBT and emotions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rebt-and-emotions

Hollings, D. (2024, January 20). Reliability vs. validity. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reliability-vs-validity

Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance

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Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2025, January 9). Traditional ABC model. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/traditional-abc-model

Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Empire of the Sun (band). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_of_the_Sun_(band)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Luke Steele (musician). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Steele_(musician)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Nick Littlemore. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Littlemore

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pnau. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pnau

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Wikipedia. (n.d.). Walking on a Dream (album). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walking_on_a_Dream_(album)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Walking on a Dream (song). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walking_on_a_Dream_(song)