A Good Night’s Sleep

Posted by Contributor _Featured_, Sleep Wednesday, August 1st, 2012

by Tracye Eppler

A Good Night’s Sleep

We use our sleep and dream state to process our day, work through issues, problem solve, and even do soul work. Our bodies rejuvenate and heal. It is important that we get a good night’s sleep, but many complain to me they don’t. Good habits and spiritual practices conducive to sleep can help.

Take a moment to think about what interferes with our ability to wind down at the end of the day. The obvious would be disturbing television shows, confrontational conversations, and caffeine or sugar too late in the day. Lack of exercise can lead to physical and emotional energy building up in the body. Electricity and technology stimulate our environment long after dark. Our sleep would be more restful if we prepared for it properly. What can we do to create a natural progression into a more peaceful sleep and dream time?

Some of our ancient ancestors sat by warm hypnotic fires, held each other, and talked through their day together. They shared stories of love, courage, and virtue. They fell asleep on the ground, as the moon rose, listening to the sounds of crickets and the occasional owl. Having walked everywhere, their bodies were ready to let go. They slept next to their mates and their children. Touching and cuddling released even more tension from the body. They ate light, lean, and natural. Think about it; restful environment, nurturing relationships, healthy food, and exercise. These are habits conducive to a restful sleep.

I know we aren’t our ancestors, and we live industrious lives, but we can be gentle with ourselves and do our best. We can learn from their way of life. They were close to the earth and naturally allowed their bodies to sync with its rhythms. We can mentally help ourselves when other areas are lacking – which brings us to a spiritual practice. Our Master Teachers bring us this mental exercise…a meditative moment…to prepare us for a good night’s sleep:

“Breath into your heart center. Hear its beating. Now breath into the center of the earth. Feel your Earth Mother. Feel her heart beating. Pull her close to you as you prepare for sleep. Let your heartbeats become one. Feel her ebb and flow. Release all your day into her hands. She takes it gladly and without reservation. Keep what was helpful. Release what no longer serves. Your peace is her peace. Search your heart. Any pain? Any disharmony? Let her mind become your mind and release these things. As your hearts beat together, know you are one with the Universe and all is in perfect order. Imagine the stars you lie under. Watch them rotate in perfect order. As you release your day, know that you are held in Mother’s arms and watched after by Father Sun as he is reflected in the stars. You are safe and protected by Divine order. Be at peace.”

Tracye Eppler provides wisdom, guidance, healing energy, and spiritual gifts from her connection with Spirit empowering others to live their best life. She offers private spiritual healing/intuitive guidance sessions and spiritual hypnosis. She can be contacted through her website at www.tracyeeppler.com.

Photo: Orin Zebest