You’re Tired, Not Broken: A Sleep Meditation

Hi darling,

If you're listening to this,

You're probably wide awake while the rest of the world is sleeping.

Maybe your mind's racing,

Maybe your chest feels tight,

Maybe you're stuck replaying something you can't undo.

Whatever brought you here,

You're not alone,

You're not broken,

You're just tired.

And this is your time to rest,

Not fix,

Not figure it all out,

Just rest.

Let's start by finding a soft landing for our bodies,

Maybe you're lying in bed staring at the ceiling,

Or maybe you've moved to the couch trying to find a little peace.

Wherever you are,

Gently close your eyes or soften your gaze and take a slow,

Deep breath in through your nose,

Let it out through your mouth,

Again,

Breathe in,

Continue with your natural breathing rhythm.

There's nothing you need to hold together right now,

The world will keep spinning even if your to-do list doesn't.

Now repeat these in your own rhythm,

In a whisper or just inside your heart.

I don't have to let these thoughts ruin my night,

I am allowed to rest.

I don't have to earn peace,

I can simply receive it.

My thoughts can wait,

My body cannot.

Rest is not weakness,

It's healing.

These worries can wait.

Now imagine that every thought swirling in your head is like a star in the night sky.

One by one you watch them dim,

Not disappearing completely,

Just fading,

The to-do list star dims,

The what did I say earlier star dims,

The I should've star dims.

You don't need to hold on to any of them right now.

Now the sky above you is softer and quieter,

You're laying under a blanket of peace.

No pressure to think,

Fix or figure it all out,

Just be here,

You're slowly allowing your mind and body to reset so you'll be better by morning.

Let your breath be slow now,

You don't have to try anymore.

Your only job is to rest,

Let the quiet wrap around you like a warm hug,

Let your thoughts soften and your soul know it's safe,

And now it's time to rest.

Rest easy as the sky grows darker and the soft sounds begin to carry you off.

I'll leave you here.