Example: ‘When I was very small probably even pre-school I often dreamt of flying. I was mostly dressed only in my short vest and usually floating upwards to escape adults who were clawing at my legs to pull me down’ (Miss GC). Looking through dreams in which the words ‘up’, ‘upwards’, ‘upper’ or ‘upstairs’ are used, again and again one sees the same feeling as expressed in the example—getting away from being ‘pulled down’ by difficult feelings, by depression, by everyday duties, by difficulties in relationships, and so on. It expresses the technique we use when worried, such as reading a book, being entertained, having a drink—anything to take our attention away from the difficult feelings. Moving upwards of course also depicts positive change; shifting towards mental activity; gaining a wider view of things; promotion. Idioms: one up on; on the up and up; up a gum tree; up and down; ups and downs; up the pole; up the wall; up the spout; up to the hilt.
[1]This shows that we have the capability of achieving a degree of supremacy. We are capable of getting the ‘upper hand’ in particular situations. We can move away from the mundane, ordinary, everyday world into a more spiritual way of life.
[2]See Also: Position
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