stripping me to my core

This dream is one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had, and can still remember it as vividly as the night it occurred. I awoke to find myself in a sweat and tears rolling down my cheeks.

In the dream I was standing, or rather floating in an upright position, naked. Every person I have ever known (friends, foes and family) was crowded around me. One by one they began peeling my skin off and ripping at my flesh, until it became an all in frenzy. They were all laughing and yelling like a crazed mob. At first I was scared, but then I just let it be. Eventually they had stripped me of my skin and flesh and taken my bones. All that remained was my true self, a being of light and energy. I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and love towards all of them and understood why they had done this, to reveal to me what I truly am.

At this point I woke up, in a sweat and tears rolling out my eyes. I was not upset, though, but felt incredibly calm and at peace. I immediately rang my partner to share this with her. This dream changed me in a profound way. I had never experienced anything like it before from psychedelics or deep meditation, but understand that this is the ultimate goal. Since then I have had one similar experience whilst meditating, but it was fleeting compared to the dream.