The Study of Dreams Dreams are said to be the window to the mind．Through the study of dreams, we can catch glimpses into what our subconscious minds(潜意识)are thinking, or what is troubling us at our deepest levels． Not all dreams are the same, however, either in content or in meaning. __ (1) Indeed, nightmares appear to have been the subject of far more studies than more pleasant dreams, if for no other reason, that while pleasant dreams are easily forgotten upon awakening, andnightmares tend to linger in our minds is sufficient to demand attention. The sources of our dreams are most commonly attributed to (归因于)factors in our waking lives．Whether it be emotional challenges, stress in the workplace, relationship problems or a great number of other possible factors, the thoughts and feelings created in our waking environments are believed to directly influence the content of our dreams. __ (2) Just as important as actual events in the determination of the content of our dreams are the pre-existing(先存在的)beliefs that we hold．__ (3) For example, if someone dreams of being abducted (绑架) by aliens (外星人), it 's very likely that, before the dream, he already believed in the existence of aliens．To the extent that dreams are direct reflections of our minds, they will reflect accurately what we believe and hold to be true. The way that we act in dreams bears consideration as well．__ (4) Someone who dreams of revenge(复仇)may actually desire revenge in real life, and likewise someone who dreams of adventure night after night may be experiencing his mind playing out(宣泄，排解) a desire for more excitement in his everyday life. ~ While the items encountered in our dreams are of great importance in the analysis of dreams, it must be recognized and understood that the same item in two different dreams can easily have entirely different meanings for the two dreamers. __ (5)