You might be curious about why I chose “MindCatcher” as the name for my blog. If you’ve seen my photo with the dreamcatcher, you can probably guess that this beautiful piece of cultural heritage played a big role in the inspiration behind the name. Dreamcatchers are traditionally made by Native American cultures and are often hung above beds to protect sleepers from bad dreams, letting only good dreams through.
I have such fond memories of Denver, Colorado, where I spent an essential part of my childhood and teenage years. Did you know that Colorado is home to several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho among others? These tribes have rich traditions and histories that are deeply intertwined with the land. Many of these tribes continue to practice their traditions, including crafts like dreamcatchers, and share their culture through museums, cultural centers, and events.
Traditionally, dreamcatchers are made from a wooden hoop, usually willow, over which a net or web is woven with natural fibers. They often include feathers and beads as decorations. The hoop represents the circle of life, while the web symbolizes protection and the woven net is said to catch bad dreams. I have created countless dreamcatchers experimenting with different colors, shapes, and sizes; I still have a dreamcatcher hanging over my bed.
Just as dreamcatchers are designed to catch and filter dreams, my blog, “MindCatcher,” aims to catch and filter thoughts, ideas, and inspirations about psychology from a teenager’s perspective. I am absolutely fascinated how powerful our mind is and how it shapes every aspect of our lives, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
