Have you ever woken up from a dream that left you feeling confused, unsettled, or curious? Dreams can be mysterious and elusive, often leaving us with more questions than answers. However, recurring dreams can be especially perplexing, as they may hint at deeper meanings and unresolved issues in our waking lives. So, how can we make sense of these recurring dreams? In this article, we’ll explore the basics of dream interpretation, the benefits of group analysis, analyze several case studies, and provide techniques and exercises for analyzing your own recurring dreams. Join us on this journey into the fascinating world of dream analysis.
The Basics of Dream Interpretation
Dreams have mystified and intrigued human beings for centuries. From the ancient Egyptians to modern-day psychologists, people have tried to understand the meaning behind these surreal experiences that occur during sleep. While some people believe dreams to be nothing more than random firing of neurons in the brain, many others believe that dreams hold important messages and symbolism that can reveal insights about our lives. In this section, we will explore the fundamental principles of dream interpretation, including the purpose of dreams, techniques for remembering dreams, and the significance of dream symbols.
The Purpose of Dreams
Dreams have fascinated people since ancient times, and there are many theories about their purpose. Some people believe that dreams are simply random firing of neurons in the brain, while others believe that they have a deeper meaning. Here are a few theories about the purpose of dreams:
- Problem-solving: One theory is that dreams help us solve problems. When we dream, our mind is free to explore different solutions to a problem, without the constraints of reality. This could explain why people often have breakthroughs or “aha” moments after dreaming about a problem.
- Processing emotions: Another theory is that dreams help us process and regulate our emotions. During the day, we may push unpleasant emotions aside or try to ignore them, but they can come out in full force during our dreams. By working through these emotions in a safe, controlled environment, we can better understand and manage them in our waking lives.
- Consolidating memories: Sleep is important for memory consolidation, and dreams may play a role in this process. Some researchers believe that dreams help to solidify memories and integrate them into our knowledge base.
- Creative inspiration: Many artists, writers, and musicians have reported getting inspiration from their dreams. Dreams may help us tap into our creative potential and come up with new ideas.
- Communicating with the unconscious: Finally, some people believe that dreams are a form of communication between our conscious and unconscious minds. Dreams may contain symbols and messages that can help us better understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Of course, these are just theories, and there is still much we don’t know about the purpose of dreams. However, by paying attention to our dreams and trying to interpret their meaning, we may be able to gain insights into our own lives and experiences.
Remembering Your Dreams
One of the key aspects of interpreting your dreams is being able to accurately remember them. Your subconscious is constantly at work while you sleep, and it is important to bring those thoughts and feelings to your conscious mind in order to analyze and understand them. However, remembering your dreams can sometimes be a challenge.
Here are some tips for improving dream recall:
1. Keep a dream journal | Writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up can be incredibly helpful. Even if you only remember bits and pieces, jotting them down can help you start to piece together the overall narrative of your dream. Over time, you may notice patterns or themes that emerge, which can be helpful for interpreting their meaning. |
2. Create a bedtime routine | Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help train your brain to remember your dreams. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, and spend a few minutes before bed reflecting on your day, which can make it more likely that you will remember your dreams. |
3. Reduce stress | Stress can interfere with your ability to remember dreams. Try to find ways to relax and reduce stress in the hours leading up to bedtime. Some potential options include taking a warm bath, practicing meditation, or listening to calming music. |
4. Avoid alcohol and drugs | Alcohol and drugs can interfere with both the quality and quantity of your sleep, making it less likely that you will remember your dreams. If you are trying to improve your dream recall, it is best to avoid these substances altogether. |
5. Repeat affirmations | Before going to bed, try repeating a phrase like “I will remember my dreams” to yourself. This can help focus your mind on your intentions and make it more likely that you will remember your dreams in the morning. |
By following these tips and making a conscious effort to remember your dreams, you can start to build a better understanding of your subconscious mind and the messages it is trying to communicate to you.
Dream Symbols
When it comes to dream interpretation, understanding dream symbols is crucial. Dreams are filled with symbols and imagery that can reveal hidden meanings and emotions. Here are some common dream symbols and their possible interpretations:
Dream Symbol | Possible Interpretation |
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Water | Represents emotions and the unconscious mind |
Flight | Can symbolize freedom, transcendence, or escape from a problem or situation |
Teeth | Often symbolize power, confidence, or strength, but can also represent worry or perceived flaws |
Nudity | May represent vulnerability or exposure, or can indicate a desire for honesty and authenticity |
Death | Can symbolize new beginnings, transformation, or the end of a particular phase or aspect of life |
Animals | May represent certain qualities, instincts, or emotions depending on the type of animal |
Money | Can indicate emotional or material value, or may represent power or control |
Chasing | May represent a sense of pursuit, ambition, or desire, or can symbolize anxiety or fear |
It’s important to keep in mind that dream symbols can have different meanings for different people, and may also be influenced by personal experiences and cultural or societal factors. That’s why group analysis can be helpful in interpreting dreams, as it allows for diverse perspectives and ideas to be shared and explored.
Group Analysis and Dream Interpretation
As humans, we constantly seek understanding and insight into the world around us. One of the ways we can achieve this is through self-reflection and exploration of our subconscious mind. Dreams often offer a window into our unconscious thoughts and emotions, but interpreting them can be a daunting task. However, analyzing our dreams in a group setting can provide helpful insights that may be hard to uncover alone. In this section, we will explore the power of group analysis in deciphering the meaning behind our recurring dreams.
How Group Analysis Works
One of the core principles of group analysis is the idea that individuals are not separate from their environment, but rather are influenced by it. Group analysis involves a group of individuals who come together to explore their dreams and gain insight from each other’s interpretations. Here are the key components of how group analysis works:
- Building Trust: In order for the group to function effectively, it’s important for participants to feel comfortable and safe to express themselves. Creating a trusting and supportive environment is a crucial aspect of group analysis.
- Sharing Dreams: Each session typically begins with individuals sharing their dreams with the group. It’s important for the dreamer to provide as much detail as possible, including emotions felt during the dream and any significant symbols or images that stood out.
- Group Interpretation: Once a dream is shared, the group engages in a discussion to decipher its meaning. Group members may ask the dreamer clarifying questions or offer their own interpretations of the symbols and emotions presented in the dream.
- Collective Unconscious: One of the unique aspects of group analysis is the emphasis on the collective unconscious. This refers to the idea that symbols and images depicted in dreams are universal and shared across cultures and history, rather than solely personal. By exploring the collective unconscious, group members can gain deeper insight into the meaning behind their dreams.
- Feedback and Reflection: Group analysis encourages individuals to consider how the interpretations of their dreams may relate to their waking life. Participants are also given an opportunity to reflect on any insights gained during the session and how they may apply this information moving forward.
The process of group analysis creates a collaborative and supportive space for individuals to explore their recurring dreams and gain insight into their unconscious mind. Through this process, participants are able to gain a deeper understanding of their dreams and how they may relate to their daily life.
The Benefits of Group Analysis
Group analysis is an increasingly popular technique for interpreting dreams. This approach offers several benefits that can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their recurring dreams. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of group analysis:
Benefit | Description |
Multiple Perspectives | One of the main benefits of group analysis is that it offers multiple perspectives on a given dream. This can help individuals see their dreams from different angles and gain insights that they may not have considered on their own. |
Emotional Support | Group analysis can be a source of emotional support for participants. Sharing dreams and exploring their meanings with others can help individuals feel less isolated and more connected to a community of people who are going through similar experiences. |
New Ideas | Working with a group can bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to dream analysis. Participants may offer insights on dream symbols or themes that the dreamer had not previously considered. |
Accountability | In a group setting, participants are held accountable for their actions and reflections. This can help individuals stay committed to the dream analysis process and work toward meaningful insights and outcomes. |
Increased Self-Awareness | By exploring dreams through group analysis, participants can gain a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can lead to personal growth and positive life changes beyond dream analysis itself. |
Group analysis is an effective and rewarding technique for making sense of recurring dreams. By working with others to explore dream symbols, themes, and meanings, participants can deepen their understanding of themselves and the unconscious forces that shape their lives.
Case Studies
As we delve deeper into the world of dream analysis, it can be helpful to examine specific recurring dreams that people commonly experience. By studying these patterns and exploring the underlying emotions and symbolism, we can gain a deeper understanding of our subconscious minds. To help illustrate this process, let’s take a closer look at some real-life examples through three distinct case studies. These cases will explore the common dream themes of flying, falling, and teeth falling out, and demonstrate how group analysis can be applied to interpret these dreams.
Case Study 1: Flying Dreams
Flying dreams are a common recurring dream that many people experience. In this case study, we will explore the recurring flying dreams of a woman named Sarah.
Sarah’s Flying Dreams:
- Sarah dreams that she is flying above the clouds.
- The sensation of flight is exhilarating and Sarah feels free.
- Despite the exhilaration, Sarah also feels scared that she might fall.
- The dream always ends with Sarah descending back down to earth.
Interpretation:
Flying dreams are often associated with feelings of freedom and liberation. When Sarah is flying in her dreams, she experiences a sense of freedom and being in control. However, the fear of falling suggests that she may have some underlying anxiety that is holding her back from fully embracing this sense of freedom in her waking life. The fact that the dream always ends with her descending back to earth could signify a fear of losing control or being brought back down to reality.
Possible Techniques:
Here are some techniques that Sarah could use to further explore and analyze her flying dreams:
- Dream journaling: Sarah can keep a dream journal to record the details of her flying dreams. This can help her identify any patterns or themes that may be recurring in her dreams.
- Lucid dreaming: Sarah can learn to control her dreams and lucidly explore her flying dreams to gain a better understanding of her subconscious mind.
- Free association: Sarah can try free association by taking a key symbol from her dream (e.g. clouds or falling) and writing down any thoughts or emotions that come to mind.
Sarah’s recurring flying dreams suggest a desire for freedom and control, but also reveal underlying fears and anxieties. By analyzing her dreams and using various techniques, Sarah can gain a deeper understanding of herself and her subconscious mind.
Case Study 2: Falling Dreams
One common recurring dream pattern is the sensation of falling. Falling dreams are often associated with a feeling of loss of control or an overwhelming sense of anxiety. In order to better understand the symbolism behind falling dreams, let’s take a look at a case study and analyze the dreamer’s experience.
Dreamer: | Amy, 34-year-old marketing executive |
---|---|
Recurring Dream: | Amy dreams that she is falling from a great height. She experiences a feeling of weightlessness, and her stomach drops as she plummets towards the ground. Just before she hits the ground, she wakes up in a panic. |
Analysis: | When interpreting Amy’s falling dream, it’s important to examine her current life circumstances. As a marketing executive, her job requires her to constantly take risks and make high-pressure decisions. Her falling dream may be a manifestation of her underlying anxiety and fear of failure in her work. Additionally, the feeling of weightlessness during the fall may represent a desire for freedom from the pressures of work and everyday life. The dream may be prompting her to take a step back and reassess her priorities in order to achieve a greater sense of balance and control in her life. |
Through group analysis, a dreamer like Amy may gain a greater understanding of the hidden meanings and symbolism behind her recurring falling dreams. By exploring the dream in a safe and supportive environment, she may be able to better identify and address the underlying emotions and stressors that are contributing to her anxiety.
Case Study 3: Teeth Falling Out Dreams
A common recurring dream that many people experience is the “teeth falling out” dream. In this dream, the dreamer typically feels their teeth become loose and begin to fall out. This can be a very distressing dream, and many people wonder what it means.
One possible interpretation of this dream is that it represents a feeling of powerlessness or a loss of control. Losing one’s teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly, eat or even smile, which are all important ways we communicate and express ourselves. In this way, the dream may be related to anxieties about self-expression or feeling inadequate in social situations.
Another potential interpretation is that the dream symbolizes a fear of getting older or of losing one’s attractiveness or vitality. Teeth are a symbol of youth and beauty, so losing them may represent a fear of losing these qualities. This interpretation could be particularly relevant for older individuals who are experiencing anxiety about aging.
To better understand the meaning of this dream, we can look at a case study. One woman, let’s call her Emma, experienced recurring dreams of her teeth falling out. After discussing the dreams in a group analysis session, it became clear that they were related to her feelings of inadequacy in her job as a public speaker. Emma felt that her teeth falling out represented her fear of being unable to communicate effectively, which was something she struggled with in her profession. By exploring this fear in a group setting, Emma was able to gain valuable insight into her anxieties and develop strategies for managing her anxiety while public speaking.
Table with interpretation possibilities:
| Possible Interpretations |
|————————|
| Feeling of powerlessness or a loss of control |
| Fear of getting older or losing one’s attractiveness |
| Anxiety about self-expression or feeling inadequate in social situations |
Techniques for Analyzing Recurring Dreams
Analyzing recurring dreams can be a perplexing task, especially when you have no idea what they mean. Luckily, there are several techniques that can help shed light on the hidden messages behind them. These techniques can include dream journaling, lucid dreaming, and free association. By utilizing these methods, you can gain a better understanding of your recurring dreams and uncover any underlying issues or emotions that may be causing them. Let’s take a closer look at these techniques and how they can be used to interpret your dreams.
Dream Journaling
One effective technique for analyzing recurring dreams is dream journaling. This involves recording your dreams in a journal immediately upon waking up. The purpose of dream journaling is to help you remember your dreams and identify patterns or recurring themes.
How to Start Dream Journaling:
Step 1: | Choose a journal or notebook that will be dedicated solely to recording your dreams. |
Step 2: | Keep the journal and a pen or pencil by your bed, so you can quickly write down your dream as soon as you wake up. |
Step 3: | As soon as you wake up, try to hold onto the dream and any images or feelings associated with it in your mind. |
Step 4: | Write down everything you remember about the dream, no matter how insignificant it might seem. |
Step 5: | Include details such as the setting, characters, emotions, and any significant objects or events. |
Step 6: | Try to write in the present tense, as if you are describing what is happening in the dream as it unfolds. |
Step 7: | Review your dream journal periodically to identify any patterns or recurring themes in your dreams. |
By keeping a dream journal, you can gain insight into your subconscious mind and better understand the meaning behind your recurring dreams. It can also help you identify any stressors or unresolved issues in your life that may be causing these dreams to occur. Additionally, reviewing your dream journal can help you track your progress in working through these issues and resolving your recurring dreams.
Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming is a powerful technique that can help you gain control over your dreams and access your subconscious mind more easily. Unlike regular dreaming, lucid dreaming allows you to become aware that you’re dreaming while you’re still in the dream state. This can give you the ability to change the outcome of your dream or explore your inner landscape more deeply.
To practice lucid dreaming, try the following techniques:
- Reality checks: This involves regularly asking yourself whether you’re dreaming or awake throughout the day. Eventually, this questioning will become a habit and you’ll be more likely to do it while you’re dreaming. If you do a reality check while you’re dreaming and realize that you’re in a dream, you’ll become lucid.
- Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation during the day can help you become more aware of your thoughts and increase your self-awareness. This can also carry over into your dream state and make it easier to recognize when you’re dreaming.
- Visualization: Before you go to sleep, try visualizing a dream that you want to have. This can increase the chances of having a lucid dream about that topic or scenario.
- Wake-back-to-bed: Set an alarm to wake up 4-6 hours after you go to bed. Get up and stay awake for 15-30 minutes, then go back to sleep with the intention of having a lucid dream.
- Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD): This technique involves waking up after 4-6 hours of sleep and repeating a phrase to yourself while falling back asleep, such as “I will recognize that I’m dreaming.” This can increase the chances of having a lucid dream.
Practicing lucid dreaming can be a powerful tool for analyzing your recurring dreams. If you’re able to become aware that you’re dreaming while you’re still in the dream state, you can take control of the outcome and gain valuable insight into your subconscious mind.
Free Association
Another powerful technique for analyzing recurring dreams is known as free association. This method involves allowing your mind to freely flow and make associations with the various symbols and themes in your dream. The goal is to explore any thoughts or emotions that may be connected to the dream and its symbolism.
Here is a breakdown of how to practice free association:
Step 1: | Write down the symbols or themes from your dream that stand out to you. |
Step 2: | With each symbol or theme, write down any word or thought that immediately comes to mind when you think about it. |
Step 3: | Don’t censor yourself or judge your thoughts. Just write down whatever pops into your head without worrying about it making sense or being logical. |
Step 4: | Look for patterns or connections between your thoughts and the dream symbols. This can help you uncover deeper meanings and emotions associated with the dream. |
Free association can be a challenging technique to master, but it can also be very rewarding. By allowing your mind to freely associate, you may discover insights and connections you may have otherwise missed. Additionally, this exercise can help build a stronger connection to your subconscious and provide greater clarity on recurring dreams.
Group Analysis Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the basics of dream interpretation and the benefits of group analysis, it’s time to put these ideas into practice. There are several techniques and exercises that can help us analyze our recurring dreams in a group setting. These exercises involve sharing our dreams, exploring our emotions and associations, and even creating visual representations of our dreams through collages. Let’s take a closer look at these group analysis exercises and how they can aid us in making sense of our recurring dreams.
Sharing Dreams in a Group Setting
One technique for analyzing recurring dreams is sharing them in a group setting. This can be a powerful method for gaining new insights and perspectives on your dreams. Here are some steps for effectively sharing your dreams in a group:
- Find a trustworthy group: Look for a group of individuals who are open-minded, supportive, and willing to listen without judgment. It’s important to feel safe and comfortable in sharing vulnerable aspects of yourself.
- Set some ground rules: Establish some guidelines for the discussion, such as confidentiality, active listening, and respectful communication. This can help create a safe and supportive space for sharing.
- Start with the basics: Begin by giving some context for your dream, such as the setting, characters, and any emotions or sensations you experienced. This can help others get a better understanding of your dream.
- Explore the symbols: Ask the group for their thoughts and interpretations on any significant symbols or themes in your dream. This can help uncover deeper meanings and personal associations.
- Reflect on the feelings: Consider the emotions you experienced during the dream and in sharing it with the group. This can provide insights into underlying conflicts or desires.
- Take notes: Jot down key insights, questions, or reactions from the group. This can help clarify your own thoughts and identify patterns across different dreams.
- Express gratitude: Take a moment to thank the group for their feedback and insights. Gratitude can help cultivate a positive and supportive atmosphere for future dream sharing.
Sharing your dreams in a group setting can be a powerful way to gain new perspectives and insights. By following these steps and finding a trustworthy group, you can open up to deeper understanding and personal growth through your recurring dreams.
Roleplaying Dreams
One technique for analyzing recurring dreams involves roleplaying the dream’s characters and events. This technique allows individuals to physically and emotionally connect with the dream, gaining a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a small group of individuals to participate in the roleplay exercise. It’s important to choose people who are open-minded and comfortable with the idea of acting out a dream.
- Have the dreamer describe their recurring dream in detail. Encourage them to share their emotions, sensations, and any symbols that they remember.
- Assign roles in the dream to each participant. For example, if the dream involves a confrontation with a boss, one participant could play the role of the boss while another plays the dreamer.
- Begin acting out the dream. Allow the participants to improvise dialogue and actions based on their interpretation of the dream.
- Once the roleplay is complete, discuss the experience. Ask the dreamer how it felt to see their dream played out in front of them. Ask the other participants what insights they gained through the exercise.
This technique may seem silly or uncomfortable at first, but it can be a powerful tool for gaining insight into the subconscious mind. Roleplaying allows individuals to physically feel the emotions and sensations of the dream, giving them a deeper understanding of its meaning. Additionally, seeing others’ interpretations of the dream can offer new perspectives on its potential symbolism.
Dream Collages
One technique for analyzing recurring dreams is through the use of dream collages. Dream collages involve creating a visual representation of various elements or themes from your recurring dreams. This technique can be helpful in identifying patterns and symbols that may be recurring in your dreams.
How to Create a Dream Collage
Creating a dream collage is a simple and enjoyable process. To create your own dream collage, follow these steps:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Look through magazines, newspapers, or other printed materials and cut out images that relate to your recurring dreams. |
2 | Arrange the images on a piece of paper or poster board, using glue or tape to affix them to the surface. |
3 | Step back and examine the collage as a whole, observing any patterns or symbols that emerge. |
What Dream Collages Can Reveal
Dream collages can reveal subconscious thoughts and feelings that may be influencing your recurring dreams. By creating a visual representation of recurring elements or themes in your dreams, you may be able to recognize patterns and symbols that have been previously hidden from your conscious mind. These patterns or symbols may provide insight into your own psyche and help you identify underlying issues or conflicts that may be contributing to your recurring dreams.
Benefits of Dream Collages
One benefit of creating a dream collage is that it allows you to tap into your creativity and express your subconscious thoughts and feelings in a visual way. Additionally, the act of physically cutting and pasting images can be a meditative and relaxing process, helping you to focus on your dreams and gain clarity about their meaning.
Dream collages are an effective technique for analyzing recurring dreams. By creating a visual representation of recurring elements or themes from your dreams, you may be able to identify patterns and symbols that can reveal underlying issues or conflicts. The act of creating a dream collage can also be a meditative and enjoyable way to explore your dreams and gain insight into your subconscious mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring the meanings behind recurring dreams through group analysis can be a useful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. By understanding the symbols and themes within our dreams, we can uncover hidden emotions and fears that may be affecting our waking lives.
Remembering and interpreting our dreams is a complex process, with various techniques available to aid in understanding. Dream journaling, lucid dreaming, and free association are just a few methods that can be utilized for personal interpretation.
However, group analysis of dreams can add a new dimension to the interpretation process. Through sharing and roleplaying dreams with others, we can gain new perspectives and insights into the symbols and themes present in our individual dreams.
In addition, the benefits of group analysis extend beyond just dream interpretation. Group analysis can also promote empathy, trust, and communication among group members, leading to improved relationships and personal growth.
By examining case studies of common recurring dreams, such as flying, falling, and teeth falling out, we can see how group analysis can shed light on deeper emotional and psychological issues. The techniques for analyzing recurring dreams include dream journaling, lucid dreaming, and free association.
Finally, group analysis exercises offer various ways to explore and interpret dreams in a group setting. Sharing dreams, roleplaying, and creating dream collages are just a few examples of the exercises available.
Overall, making sense of recurring dreams through group analysis is a valuable tool for self-reflection and personal growth. By examining our dreams and sharing them with others, we can gain new insights, understanding, and empathy for ourselves and those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are recurring dreams and why do they happen?
Recurring dreams are dreams that repeat themselves over a period of time. They happen for a number of reasons, including unresolved issues, repressed emotions, or trauma.
Can recurring dreams be interpreted in a group setting?
Yes, group analysis can be an effective way to interpret recurring dreams. The process of sharing and analyzing dreams in a group can lead to greater insight and understanding.
How does group analysis work for dream interpretation?
Group analysis involves sharing dreams in a group setting and using techniques such as roleplaying and dream collages to gain insight and understanding. Through discussion and exploration, the group can help each other make sense of their recurring dreams.
What are some benefits of group analysis for dream interpretation?
Benefits include gaining emotional insight, reducing feelings of isolation, and receiving support and feedback from others who may have experienced similar dreams or issues.
What is dream journaling and how does it help analyze recurring dreams?
Dream journaling involves writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up. It can help you identify recurring themes, symbols, and emotions in your dreams that may provide insight into your subconscious thoughts and feelings.
What is lucid dreaming and how can it be used to analyze recurring dreams?
Lucid dreaming is when you become aware that you are dreaming and can control the outcome of your dream. It can be used to confront and work through issues that may be causing recurring dreams.
What is free association and how can it be used to analyze recurring dreams?
Free association is a technique where you say whatever comes to mind without filtering your thoughts. It can be used to explore the symbolism and hidden meanings in your recurring dreams.
How can roleplaying be used in group analysis for dream interpretation?
Roleplaying involves acting out the scenes or characters from your dreams. It can provide a deeper understanding of the emotions and motivations behind the recurring dream.
What are dream collages and how can they be used for analyzing recurring dreams?
Dream collages involve creating a visual representation of your dream using cut-out images or drawings. It helps to identify recurring symbols and themes in your dreams.
Are there any risks to analyzing recurring dreams in a group setting?
While group analysis can be beneficial, it’s important to feel comfortable with the group members and the facilitator. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s best not to participate or to find a different group setting.