A Guide to Dreams and Sleep Experiences

by Tony Crisp
Exuberance; flowing life energy; strong and easy motiva­tion, Running away; avoiding one’s own emotions or sexual­ity; not meeting problems in a way that will resolve them; anxiety about what you are running from; feelings of guilt. Running to: anxiety; responsibility and self-giving; sometimes running towards danger. Running as if made of lead: held back by one’s own hesitations. Example: There followed a nightmare of running along streets, round corners, knowing I was being followed and trying to get away. Then I met a friend who was also running away. She took me down a nar­row street full of down and outs and prostitutes’ (Pauline B).

Idioms: run for one’s money; run of the house; out of the running; on the run; run along; run down; run for it; run out of steam; run out on someone; run up against, run wild.

See second example in emotions, mood; Am / meeting things I fear? in dream processing; nightmares; chased.

See also lu­cidity.

The Dream Books Symbols

by Betty Bethards
To run away from something means you are not yet ready or willing to deal with a situation; running away from aspects of self because of fear.

If running in slow motion, you soon will have to face your fear, and cannot put it off much longer. To get insight: stop, face your pursuer, and ask for understanding. Facing a fear dissolves it, and removes a heavy burden of anxiety from your consciousness.

If running toward something, you are eager to begin new growth and get on with your path.

See Race.

Strangest Dream Explanations

by Dream Explanations - Anonymous
If you dream of running away from someone or something, then you are afraid, procrastinating and/or are dealing with feelings of guilt. You are avoiding an important confrontation because of your insecurity or feelings of inadequacy.

If you are running toward someone or something, then you are motivated, exuberant, passionate, excited and prepared for the challenge/opportunity at hand. Consider the feeling tone.