Welcome to this series of Reflection Tracks.
In this series,
I'll talk about sleep in a different way and create space for insight and reflection for you so that you can see something new.
Believe me,
I understand how debilitating lack of sleep can be and I want you to know there is a way through because a quiet mind is your default state.
So make yourself a little more comfortable.
Leave everything behind.
Let go of expectations.
Let go of judgement.
There's nowhere to go.
Nowhere you need to be.
Allow yourself the gift of these few moments.
If you feel comfortable to do so,
Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
Let your breathing fall into a deep rhythmic pattern.
There's nothing to attend to,
Nothing to do,
Nowhere to be.
Your thoughts shape your sleep.
Cultivate positive inner dialogue to drift into peaceful rest.
Take a moment to let this quote sink in.
Your thoughts shape your sleep.
Cultivate positive inner dialogue to drift into peaceful rest.
Let each word echo softly in your mind,
Creating a space for contemplation.
What does this quote mean to you?
How do you interpret the idea that your thoughts shape your sleep?
Reflect on this.
Consider the weight and the significance of the words.
How do they align with your experience and beliefs and expectations about sleep and mental wellbeing?
Now consider how you feel.
As you think about this concept,
What emotions arise?
Are there any particular thoughts or memories that come to mind?
Do you feel a sense of calm,
Curiosity or perhaps some resistance?
Allow yourself to explore these feelings without judgement or interference.
Think about where in your life this quote holds true.
Are there times when you notice your sleep being affected by your thoughts?
How often do you find your mind racing as you try to drift off to sleep?
Perhaps there are specific instances where your worries have kept you awake.
Or where a more positive mindset has helped you rest better.
What resistance do you have to this idea?
Do you feel sceptical or even maybe frustrated by the suggestion that your inner dialogue impacts your rest?
Allow yourself to acknowledge any doubts or resistance without judgement.
Reflect on why you might feel this way and where those feelings originate.
If it pleases you to do so,
Take some time to journal about your thoughts and feelings.
It's also valid just to relax and listen to the music.
Our aim is toward a quieter mind.
I'll give you a little time to write or reflect.
Let me share a personal story with you.
When I first came across this quote,
It reminded me of a time when I struggled to get to sleep.
It seemed to me that the moment my head hit the pillow,
All the thoughts from the day would rush in.
What I haven't done,
What I needed to do,
What was bothering me.
Night after night I would lie in bed,
My mind racing with worries and to-do lists.
The journey to peaceful sleep has been a long one for me.
And one part of this journey was realising that I needed to help my mind to settle down.
So I started with a routine that I might listen to a meditation or a nice piece of music.
I would talk to myself,
I would tell myself about all the things I'm grateful for.
I'd really find that gratitude in my heart.
I then noticed that during the day,
I wanted to be nicer to myself.
Kinder thoughts towards myself.
Slowly my sleep improved.
And I realised the power of my thoughts in shaping my rest.
Reflect on this story and see if it changes your perspective on the quote.
Do you see it differently now?
Does the idea of cultivating positive inner dialogue before sleep seem more feasible or impactful?
Consider how integrating a positive mindset may help you achieve more peaceful rest.
Please don't worry if you can't see anything new right now.
You've already opened your mind to new possibilities and insight will follow in time.
If you feel called to go deeper into this practice,
Consider exploring my course Awakening Intuition for Busy People.
Listening to this can help you tune into your inner guide and recognise when you need to rest.
By cultivating this awareness,
You can achieve the peaceful mind that leads to peaceful sleep.
The course will help you to nurture your inner tranquility even amidst a busy life.
Take these reflections with you as you go about your day and remember the impact of your thoughts on your well-being.
By consciously choosing to notice your inner dialogue,
You can create a more peaceful,
Restful state of mind that supports better sleep and well-being.
Lots of love.