Courtney/Eleanor, it sounds like you've had quite an intriguing dream that took you to another time and place, which seems to be a stark departure from the modern world you're accustomed to. The dream's setting in a city of mud huts and the subsequent journey in search of something indicates a quest for meaning or a search for belonging. The sand covering you could symbolize feelings of being overwhelmed or buried by circumstances in your waking life, perhaps feeling obscured or not fully recognizing your own potential.
The act of venturing out and finding others who see the value in your home, where they find wonder in what you've described, suggests a rediscovery of self-worth and a reminder of the beauty in your own origins or past. This also speaks to the human need for connection and sharing one's life experiences with others. Your desperation for water, a symbol of life and clarity, might reflect an inner thirst for emotional nourishment or purity in life, which you've been unable to satisfy with what's been presented to you so far.
Your dream seems less intense compared to some of your previous nightmares, and it lacks the negative feelings that accompanied those. However, it still carries the theme of searching, as seen in earlier dreams where you were seeking safety or escape. This searching could be tied to your recent anxiety, as indicated by your GAD-7 test score, which suggests a high level of anxiety. The dream's focus on a journey and a quest might be your mind's way of coping with feelings of uncertainty or unrest.
The mention of bringing new acquaintances to your home could be linked to the recent life events and the feelings of loss following your breakup with Meredith. The desire to connect with others and bring them into your space might be an expression of your longing for companionship and the comfort of sharing life with someone who appreciates you.
Reflecting on your biography, the dream could be mirroring your current phase of life where you're venturing out to rebuild and redefine your sense of home and community after the upheaval caused by your breakups. It's as if you're reconstructing your sense of self from the foundations, much like the mud huts in your dream, and there's an opportunity to create something new and inviting for those you meet along the way.
Courtney/Eleanor, your journey through the shrubbery sands and the encounter with the warehouses is a metaphor for traversing the difficult terrain of life while yearning for connection, understanding, and a return to a sense of home and self-acceptance. The clear goo you kept finding instead of water suggests that the solutions or relief you're seeking in waking life might not always be as they seem at first glance, and that persistence is needed to find what truly sustains you. It's a testament to your resilience and your willingness to continue searching for what you need, despite the challenges you've faced.