The Computer Dream Journal

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Feb 12, 1999

My last article discussed creating a dream journal of ink and paper, but there are many of you out there who either don't have the time or inclination to craft a journal, but still would like to keep track of your dreams. For you, there is the speed of the computer and its keyboard.

The simplest journal to keep on your home computer can be created in your familiar word processing program. All it takes is knowledge of how your application works and opening a new document. Then, just type as you would a letter, or other journal entry. Place the date at the top, and you decide what format you want for your dreams. If you're savvy with your system you can formulate a template for daily entries with specific categories and cells, or just have them as one ongoing entry.

If you want to invest beyond your current operating system, there are several software and shareware programs on the market specifically for collecting, categorizing, analyzing and allocating your dreams. In choosing one, make sure you know the product specifications. Ask yourself these questions. Does your computer have enough memory? Is the application compatible with your system? Will it make keeping my dream journal more effective, or just more expensive? Find out what the program will do for you, and don't be afraid to shop around.

In choosing a computer program over the more traditional ink and paper, there are some things to think about. You'll have to get out of bed and go to a desk, unless you have a laptop, turn on the computer, boot up the software, etc. before you can jot your dream images. This accounts for a lot of lost time between the dream state and waking consciousness where memory can be affected, and dream fragments lost. If you forget to save your files to disk, or print them out, or your computer crashes lots of important dreamwork can be lost. Of course, it's just as easy to misplace a spiral notebook. Each person must find what works best for them.

Personally, I prefer basic pen and paper and later I place my entries onto computer, as well as in a handcrafted journal over time. But then, I'm a lot more involved in my dreaming processes than most people. I have, however, never used one of the dream programs that's out on the market, though I have speculated on a couple over time. I'd love to hear your thoughts on any that you have used.

The most comprehensive site I've found online for an overview of Windows, DOS and Macintosh

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