Why do we sometimes dream the same dream throughout our lives?

The dream is always roughly the same: I am walking through a forest to a cave. But every time the path is different. Sometimes I cross a river, sometimes I navigate through thickets — everything is constantly changing. With each new dream, I seem to remember the path better. I already know where I can take shortcuts, where to go faster, and the next time I walk more confidently, as if I have really been there before.

But there's one odd thing: as soon as I approach the cave, which is near a clearing, the dream always ends.

I'm curious, what do you think such recurring dreams mean? Have you experienced anything similar? Maybe you’ve dreamt of the same person you don’t even know, or a place that continuously appears in your dreams?

Let me know, I’m very interested to read.