Usually we live on the surface of our mind. In sleep we dive down deeper but lose sense of self. If we maintain some awareness in these ‘deeps’ of the mind, it is somewhat like snorkelling in deep sea. We realise what immense and unbelievable depths lie beneath us. Dreams often portray this as depth – a hole; deep water; a chasm; space. Also: Our non verbal life in the womb, or early childhood, which is remembered as patterns of feeling reaction rather than verbal utterance. In the depths we may find gems, skeletons, archaeological objects, and these relate to the memory of our evolutionary past, family influences we carry within us unknown. Deep cuts: Suggests a hurt which penetrates us; or emotions which affect us powerfully. Idioms: In deep water; in the deep end; deeply troubled; deeply hurt.
