Resting With Your Parts: An IFS-Inspired Bedtime Practice

Hello!

This is a brief guided meditation to support soothing our parts to relax for bedtime.

If you notice a part or parts being active,

Hindering the mind and the body's ability to relax and to sleep,

This meditation may be for you.

We will start with getting settled into the moment.

Find a comfortable position,

Preferably laying down.

You can close your eyes if that feels comfortable.

Bring attention to your breath.

Notice the sensations as you inhale and exhale.

Simply allow for the natural breath,

Just noticing the rise and fall of your chest and your abdomen.

Notice the sensations as you inhale through your nostrils and exhale through your mouth.

Gently take a few deep breaths,

Filling up fully with your breath and allow for a slow and gentle long exhale.

Continue these deep breaths just for a couple.

Now shift your focus to your body.

Notice the support from the bed or cushion.

Explore different points of contact,

Noticing the supports and feeling grounded in your space.

Now we will shift to connecting with your parts.

You can repeat the script after me or simply allow my words to speak directly to the parts.

It's time to rest now.

I know there are parts of me that are still busy,

Thinking,

Planning,

Worrying,

Trying to fix things.

I see you.

I feel how hard you're working even now.

But tonight I want you to know you don't have to solve anything,

Not right now.

Dear worried part,

Dear planning part,

Dear fix it part,

Thank you for caring so deeply.

Thank you for trying to protect me.

But you have done enough for today.

Nothing more needs to be figured out tonight.

I am safe in this moment.

The body can soften now.

The mind can slow down.

Again,

I am safe in this moment.

The body can soften now.

The mind can slow down.

Each part of me is welcome to rest,

Just for now.

You will wake up tomorrow and come back to whatever needs our attention,

Refreshed,

Steady,

And supported.

Give myself permission to let go.

I give my parts permission to sleep.

I am cared for.

I am enough.

Goodnight,

My lovely parts.

It can last now.