Panelist interview: Tzivia Gover

Tzivia Gover will be leading this year’s workshop Dreaming on the Page. She was interviewed by fellow workshop presenter Joan Axelrod-Contrada.

How long have you been writing? When did the writing bug first bite you?

As a little girl of 10 years old I compiled my writing into a red loose-leaf binder. I titled it “Poams” [sic], written in black Magic Marker. So, I’ve been a writer who is seriously challenged by spelling for a very long time!

What got you interested in dreams?

I’ve been waking up talking about my dreams since I was a kid of 4 or 5 years old. But they weren’t all sweet dreams, I had a lot of nightmares, too. Over time I’ve learned that when I turn to face my scary dreams I gain courage and confidence to face the difficult emotional terrain I face awake, too. I’ve always wanted to help other people connect with the healing potential of their dreams, too. I’m so happy that at this point in my life I’m able to share these deeply nourishing gifts with others.

How has tapping into your dreams enhanced your writing and your life?

Dreams have become like a BFF, a guru, and a life coach rolled into one. They’ve given me nutritional advice, have helped me find the perfect place to live — and even true love. And, of course, they provide inspiration for my poetry, prompts for my prose, and guidance and encouragement in my professional life.

As a dreamer and a writer, I am dedicated to process as much as product. I’m deeply interested in and engaged with the work and play of self-growth and deepening consciousness – awake and asleep. I commit to the process, and try to let the products take care of themselves.

You’ll be leading this year’s workshop on Dreaming on the Page. Can you tell us a little about what you’re planning?

I want to help writers – whether they recall their dreams or not – tap into the creative potential of their dreams. We’ll spend our time together writing, first and foremost, using prompts and directions from the subconscious to guide us. I’ll also give some instruction for how to ask our dreaming minds to inspire our writing, and habits for capitalizing on the creative chemistry of the dreaming mind . . . again, whether participants remember their dreams or not.

How can even people who don’t remember their dreams benefit from this workshop?

Everybody dreams, even people who don’t remember them. I’ll offer tips and techniques for accessing the unique neurochemistry of the dreaming mind with or without remembered dreams. Of course, I’ll also offer tips for improved dream recall. It’s a skill just about anyone can develop.

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