I believe in dreams. For me it has proven a most awesome way to get perspective on my life. Anything, from what I am running from, angry about, scared off and all things that are really important to acknowledge seem to pop-up seamlessly when I am not trying to fight it. I have had dreams on people needing me (which they did); things I had to sort out (which I wouldn't have otherwise) and family members passing (which they did).
Most friends tell me they cannot remember their dreams, and if they do, they have no clue what it means.
Here are a few (eccentric!) things I do to access my dreams:
1. I state that I believe in dreams - very important as this shows that you are ready to listen
2. I always ask to remember my dreams before I go to sleep, and for the highest possible good to come from it: be it lessons, warnings or any growth that I need to move forward
3. When I wake up, I do not open my eyes until I have "accessed" where I was in my sleep
4. I write down my "symbols" for everything e.g. water means emotion (floating means not acknowledging, drowning means taking on other people's stuff, weddings means funerals etc. etc.). This is different for most people, but you learn by trial and error
5. Ask a trusted friend what they think when you tell them about a dream, it is amazing how clear things are for someone objective who is not locked in to certain beliefs about something
Truly one of the greatest gifts is to be honest and truthful with yourself and to find a connection to your sub-conscious.