It is so interesting how our busy minds can show up when our heads hit the pillow. Sometimes, it’s about nothing important, or even stressful, just an interesting thought or idea that keeps us awake.
I’m most creative in the evening so bedtime can often still be rich with ideas. Usually, I can take a few deep breaths, close my eyes, and quickly fall asleep. Other times it’s not so easy.
I’ve learned a process (very much by accident) that has helped me fall asleep and would like to share it with you.
Below is what I do.
I was lying in bed ready for sleep and drew my attention to a workplace I knew in my teens and early 20s. I had a part-time job in a school as a cleaner which through high school and college paid a lot of bills. I enjoyed this job and got to know this school as well as anyone could.
At this moment in bed, my mind intuitively opened the front door and I started walking through the main hallway exploring all the features, looking at trophy cabinets, walls, doors, floors, etc. The next thing I know it’s morning and I’m getting up after a great night’s sleep!
In the days that followed, I explored this idea more and realized that I was falling asleep quickly and not getting very far into my journey through the school. One night I must have been more stimulated because my tour was very long and detailed, and yet I still fell asleep through this process.
I decided to test this further looked into other places I knew well and found I was getting the same result. My mind was relaxing in the soft detail work provided by these quiet adventures.
Over time I realized that a few things contributed to how this worked for me.
First, I needed to be familiar with whatever I was focusing on. A certain amount of detail was needed to create the transition to sleep. I was trying to avoid gaps or holes in the experience that my mind would become overstimulated trying to resolve.
It might seem obvious, but the places I visited or recalled also needed to be happy, fun, and inspiring memories. Places where I would be relaxed.
Another idea that has helped in these sleep transitions is to walk into a room with a bed and lie down. I find this helpful, and often the moment when sleep may come.
It’s also important to keep stimulation to a minimum. For example, if you were imagining a favorite mall, it should be during a quiet time. You might even dim the lighting.
I also limit the number of people in my scenes.
I hope these ideas help you find sleep easier or inspire you to find your method!
Being grounded is essential for sleep. Bring your energy inward and back to your body and use the breath, especially the exhale to slow yourself down.
I should also mention, that bedtime is an opportunity to honor yourself and create a loving and safe sleep space.
Good luck and May good sleep fall upon you!
TK
Energetic strategies for perfect sleep
