Popular Dream Symbols

In dreams, water represents the deeper part of ourselves, i.e., the subconscious. It can be associated with the unknown, relating to the depths of our subconscious and concealed emotions. However, because a lake is a smaller body of water in comparison to an ocean, it's possible the feelings the lake symbolizes might not be as overwhelming in comparison to what the ocean may symbolize in a dream. On the upside, water also has many positive associations, such as swimming and spending time with family. So if a child dreams of playing happily in a lake, she's probably feeling good about herself and what's happening in her life.