One of the reasons why it can be so hard to fall asleep at night is because we often have these feelings of agitation or worry or planning.
Have you ever noticed this?
Sometimes we're laying in bed ready to go to sleep and we just can't stop thinking.
Thinking thoughts that just keep coming in and out of the mind incessantly.
Sometimes we can have the same thought over and over and it stops us from going to sleep.
Often there's this feeling of agitation that keeps increasing.
One of the practices that we'd like to explore today is a practice of gratitude.
A mindfulness practice of appreciating the things in our life or the things in our world that brings a sense of joy and happiness.
This can help us to calm the body and the mind by focusing on that which is good or pleasurable.
They can help to tell the body to relax,
To soften.
That for now,
For this evening,
Everything will be okay.
So,
To start this practice,
I would like to invite you to be in any position you like.
A position that brings forth a thought of something that you're grateful for.
Something that you really,
Truly appreciate.
Perhaps it's a person,
Maybe it was the weather today,
Or a pet,
Or an animal that you love.
Maybe it's the fact that you're simply here right now.
Bringing our awareness to those things that we're grateful for.
The little things that we appreciate.
Perhaps you have soft sheets in your bed.
Maybe you appreciate how quiet the room is.
Maybe you appreciate that you have the time for yourself to relax,
To wind down.
To be able to find comfort in this moment with feelings of appreciation,
Warmth,
Safety,
And feelings of ease in the body.
Appreciating each breath,
Each inhale and exhale.
This breath that keeps us alive.
Relaxing the belly with each breath,
Each beautiful breath.
Feeling thankful for this moment of ease and comfort and safety.
As we breathe and relax the body,
Feeling comfortable in our body.
Feeling appreciation for this moment of ease and well-being.
Letting go of any tightness and just inviting a sense of warm appreciation,
Of kind awareness of our breath and our body.
I want you to just listen to the sound of my voice.
Listen to the sound of the frequencies in the background and relax.
Focus now in on your breath.
Focus in on the cool air flow through your nostrils into your body on your inhale.
And the warm,
Cool air flow out of your mouth as you exhale.
And listen to these affirmations as you gently drift into sleep.
I am safe and secure in this moment.
I am safe and secure in this moment.
I release all tension and embrace relaxation.
I embrace all tension and embrace relaxation.
I trust in the process of life and let go of worries.
I trust in the process of life and let go of all worries.
I am surrounded by peace and serenity.
I am surrounded by peace and serenity.
My mind and body are ready for a restful sleep.
I allow my thoughts to gently fade away as I drift into slumber.
I am deserving of a peaceful and restorative sleep.
I release any concerns of the day and surrender to tranquility.
I am grateful for this opportunity to rest and recharge.
Tomorrow is a new day and I will face it with a calm and peaceful mindset.
