March 7, 2006

By Rebecca Gladden

Rebecca Gladden

In a moment of journalistic inspiration, Chris Meyers of Fox Sports recently asked Tony Stewart about his dreams - not dreams as in goals, but specifically, whether the two-time NASCAR Cup Champion has any recurring dreams when he sleeps.

With complete candor, Stewart responded, "For some reason, I keep having this dream that I'm at high school and I'm late for class. And I'm wearing nothing but my underwear for some reason. I don't know why. It's the weirdest dream I've ever had, but it comes back all the time."

A fascinating response to anyone interested in the meaning of dreams, particularly as regards Stewart, a complex man seemingly full of conflicting personality traits.

The subject of dream interpretation dates back to ancient times. Dreaming is a universal activity, as common to human beings as eating and sleeping. Studies have proven that although not everyone remembers their dreams, everyone does dream. In fact, all totaled, we spend about six years during a typical lifetime dreaming.

Scientists continue to debate the significance of dreams, but many experts believe that dreaming is a tool of the subconscious mind to deal with the emotions and anxieties of daily life. Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were two of the first psychologists to lend scientific credibility to the field of dream analysis. While Freud proposed that dreams were mainly an expression of repressed sexual desires, Jung believed that dreams were a reflection of the fears and concerns of everyday life.

It is this latter theory which explains why, according to dream interpreters, there are a number of common dream themes, particularly in terms of recurring dreams. Most people share certain fears and anxieties as part of daily life - the fear of failure, anxiety about measuring up, concern that we may be judged too harshly or unfairly. If dreams are one of the tools that our minds use to cope with these common fears, it stands to reason that many of us would have similar dreams.

Tony Stewart's recurring dream combines two of the most commonly reported dreams: The school dream and the undressed or naked in public dream.

The school dream has many forms but usually involves some variation of Stewart's "late for class" experience. People often dream that they are late for school, can't find their classes, can't pass a test, or are told at the last moment that they don't have enough credits to graduate. Dream interpreters believe that these dreams correspond with the same anxieties in real life - fear that you are being tested and will not pass or in some way will fail to measure up. School represents a time in our lives when we were literally examined and graded on a daily basis. For some, school is also associated with intense social pressure conform, to fit in, or to live up to the expectations of a peer group.

Interestingly, many of those who report a recurring school dream are actually high achievers who did well in school or have already "passed the test" in other aspects of life, such as in a job or career field. Such is the case with Stewart, described on his own website as an "overachiever" when it comes to his driving accomplishments. While NASCAR fans are familiar with his two Cup titles, Stewart is the first and only driver to win championships in all of the following: stock cars, Indy cars, Midgets, Sprints and Silver Crown cars. Under this school-dream theory, Stewart is apparently motivated more by internal pressure to succeed than he is by trying to live up to the expectations of others.

Similarly, dreams about being undressed or naked in public are among the most commonly reported themes. Most interpreters believe that this dream arises from anxiety about one's weaknesses being exposed and represents the mind's attempt to deal with feelings of vulnerability. In Stewart's case, many observers have noted the two seemingly dichotomous aspects of his personality - one side kind and generous, the other brash and hostile. A common interpretation of Stewart's underwear dream is that while there is a tender, vulnerable side to Stewart, it remains hidden under a tough, cocky public persona. In his dreams, his true fears are realized.

The most interesting aspect of Stewart's dream admission may be the fact that he combines these two common dream types - the school dream and the underwear dream - into one recurring dream -- perhaps an indication that the very aspects of his nature which have allowed him to be such a successful racecar drivers are also a source of ongoing anxiety and conflict.

Whether you agree with theories of dream interpretation or consider it little more than metaphysical hooey, it can be fun to try and figure out what our dreams say about us and to us - and what the current NASCAR champ's recurring dream might be telling him.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN. Although we may not always agree with what is said, we do feel it's our duty to give a voice to those who have something relevant to say about the sport of auto racing.