Night-Time Compassion For Tired Mothers (Guided Into Sleep)

If you're listening to this,

The day has probably already been long.

You don't need to be comfortable.

You don't need to relax.

You don't need to do this in any particular way.

Just being here,

Letting your body rest,

Exactly as it is right now,

Is already enough.

You can listen with one ear,

Or not really listen at all.

Nothing is required.

For these minutes,

You don't need to hold everything together.

There's nothing to fix,

Nothing to prepare,

Nothing to stay alert for.

The part of you that has been caring,

Watching,

Listening,

Responding all day can soften now.

You are allowed to stop,

Even if your mind is busy,

Even if your body feels wired or heavy,

Even if rest doesn't come easily.

You're not doing anything wrong.

You might notice where your body meets the bed,

The places where you are supported,

The weight of your legs,

The quiet contact of your back.

There's nothing you need to change.

The bed is already doing the work of holding you.

If it feels right,

You might let yourself be a little heavier,

As if the night can carry you for a while.

You've given a lot today,

More than people can see.

You don't need to give anything anymore.

You might gently offer yourself a few words of kindness.

Even in your tiredness,

You are still worthy of care.

You don't need to be perfect.

To be lost is not something you have to earn.

You're on.

There's nothing you need to follow.

If sleep comes,

You can let my voice fade into the background.

You don't need to listen anymore.

Let your body sleep in its own way.

You're safe.