A body of water such as an ocean, lake, etc. can represent: The context of your life—meaning the setting and situations within which the your life takes place—”your world” The unknown or a huge, deep area that you feel holds secrets You swimming or floating in a body of water can represent freedom from your usual limitations or stresses. A body of water rising over your head , or you being pulled under water, can represent a feeling of overwhelm in real life. A calm body of water can represent peace or relaxation. Water that is flowing or changing shape can represent change in the dreamer’s life—possibly out of the dreamer’s control.