Cleansing

I don't remember the order anymore, but I here are the elements of my dream last night:

It was dark - not sure what time of day it was. I was traveling as the passenger in a car with a co-worker (nursing director), who was the driver. Strangely, it there was some sort of ambient backlight in the car (like they have in movies during night scene shots, where you can see the glow of a person's face). She was worried and upset as she received bad news at work and was telling me how she couldn't believe it. As she was describing her inner turmoil and disbelief, she was holding my hands and digging her long nails into the flesh of my hand.

I was walking along the lakeshore by Northwestern's Chicago Campus. And the tide was high and it was a gloomy day. The lake was turning over and the murky waves were crashing against a periwinkle backdrop. It started to drizzle, so I ran to the hospital parking lot (where I guess I had parked my car). I used to work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for 9 years until recently. I could hear the rain coming down hard now. Not sure why, but I took off my shoes (cream & black snakeskin pumps, which I don't even own in my waking life) and placed them in the trunk. I took the elevator to the floor that connected to the hospital. I found myself walking around barefoot, so in order to prevent getting an infection from walking around a hospital barefoot, I went to a patient care unit and asked for some footies. It took the nurse forever to do bring them to me, so while I was waiting, I knew where the supplies were and I went and got some of my own. As I was in a non-main hallway of that same unit, putting on my footies, and then all of the sudden, I had shopping bags full of various stockings and legwarmers (yes, some even were thigh-highs with feathers - which I have never seen, BTW). I had a hard time choosing which ones I should put on. I think I finally went with the original basic footies.

Analysis of the Key Elements:
According to Dreammoods Dream Dictionary

• Darkness is synonymous with ignorance, the unconscious, evil, death, and fear of the unknown. If the sun breaks through the darkness, then you will overcome your failures. If you feel safe in the dark, then it suggests that you like not knowing about certain things. As some might say, ignorance is bliss....
• Car 
  To dream that you are driving a car, denotes your ambition, your drive and your ability to navigate from one stage of your life to another. Consider how smooth or rough the car ride is. If you are driving the car, then you are taking an active role in the way your life is going. However, if you are the passenger, then you are taking a passive role. If you are in the backseat of the car, then it indicates that you are putting yourself down and are allowing others to take over. This may be a result of low self-esteem or low self-confidence. Overall, this dream symbol is an indication of your dependence and degree of control you have on your life.
  
• Fingernails 
  To notice your fingernails in your dream, indicates that your defenses are up. Consider the length of the nails, the color (if applicable), the condition, and the cleanliness of the nails for additional meaning to your dream. To dream that you broke a fingernail, suggests that you are trying to avoid some situation or trying to get out of a responsibility. Alternatively, the dream may reflect your self image. You are overly concerned with how others perceive you.
  
• Shore 
  To see the shore in your dream, suggests that your emotional needs are satisfied and any inner turmoil has been resolved. It also symbolizes a place where the conscious mind meets the unconscious.
• Parking Lot To dream that you are in parking lot, suggests that you need to slow down and take some time to relax from your daily activities. To dream that you cannot find a parking space, indicates your inability to find your place in life. You may still be on your quest to find your talent or niche where you belong. Alternatively, it may reflect your busy life and the lack of time you have.
• Shoes 
  In general, shoes represent your approach to life. It suggests that you are well-grounded or that you are down to earth.�It also represents your convictions about your beliefs. If you are changing your shoes, then it refers to your changing roles. You are taking a new approach to life. If your forget your shoes, then it suggests that you are leaving restraints behind you. You are refusing to conform to some idea or attitude. To find shoes in your dream, suggests that you have regained your foothold on life. You are back on the right path again.
  
• Trunk To see the trunk of a car in your dream, signifies a pleasant journey.

• Barefoot 
  To dream that you are barefoot, represents your playful attitudes and relaxed, carefree frame of mind. You have a firm grasp and good understanding on a situation. Alternatively, it mean indicate poverty, lack of mobility, or misunderstanding. You have low self-esteem and lack confidence in yourself. Or you may be dealing with issues concerning your self-identity.

That is it for now, until next time...