The Connection Between the Infant’s Development of Dimensionality and the Adult’s Capacity to Dream
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This study explores the origins of what is an underlying issue in the world today of the feeling of being constrained rather than vital, that is of being creative rather than conformist. The exploration is of how infants develop emotionality in perception and experience and the development of perception of self and object (Meltzer 1975b) and how this links to the adult capacity to dream and think (Bion, 1962a, 1962b). The method is a hermeneutic literature review. I examine the development of dimensionality and the role of truth and the enjoyment of the pursuit of knowledge seen as Bion’s “K” (Fisher, 2006) and consider the connection between truth and the ability to dream. I propose that a connection between dimensionality and dreaming is the ability to experience emotional and psychic truth and discuss the consequences of what happens when full dimensionality is not achieved, considering Meltzer’s claustrum (2008) and Stern’s psychic retreats (1993) which can develop when the mind experiences fragmentation (Bion, 1957). The work of repairing from a fragmentation or holding back from crisis, current or historical, is significant and challenging. We strive to travel alongside our patients who want to rediscover themselves and find the words to describe their state of mind, memories and feelings. If we can help patients locate and symbolize the liminal they may start to feel their own truth and take a place again in the world.