I believe that dreams transport us through the underside of our days, and that if we wish to become acquainted with the dark side of what we are, the signposts are there, waiting for us to translate them.
The best antidote I have found is to yearn for something. As long as you yearn, you can't congeal: there is a forward motion to yearning.
One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are.
Good teaching is l/4th preparation and 3/4ths theatre.