Sleep

Almost everyone I know is having sleep difficulties at present. All the changes and uncertainty in the world today, cost of living increases, electronic devices, the energetic quickening; all are adding to our stress levels. It makes it harder to relax and switch off at night.

Chinese medicine views the morning as a time for more active, yang work, and the afternoon/evening for slowing down, being more yin and preparing for sleep. Our daily life cycle asks us to be more inward and peaceful as we approach the night.

Sleep is when our soul leaves the physical body (temporarily!) and returns home to the spiritual worlds, for rest, recharge, guidance and peace. Without deep sleep, we end up overdosing on the physical world and all its painful, separating illusions. We feel ourselves drowning in the dream world of matter; in sleep we get a break by paradoxically ‘dreaming’ ourselves back Home.

Suggestions

How does that view of sleep change your perspective? If sleep is really waking up to your real Self, can you welcome it in a fresh way?

By understanding sleep as a way we automatically restore our connection with our soul and Source, do you value it more? Desire to cultivate it more carefully?

Common sense sleep hygiene reminds us to avoid certain things later in the day, such as:

• Coffee, other stimulants
• Excessive work, demanding thinking, pushing too hard
• Screens - computer, television, smartphones

Instead, we need more activities like:

• Grounding, walking, gentle gardening, quiet time with nature
• Music, art, dance, creative ways that align us with our heart
• Stories, imagination, reminders of our higher mind
• Reading, contemplating spiritual writings, prayer, devotion

Sweet dreams, my friend. May your soul fly home peacefully tonight, and every night.

From TCM practitioner and author Jost Sauer:

“Sleep is the foundation of health and happiness. Western medicine has found that seven to eight hours sleep a night significantly reduces the risk of both stroke and depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine has found that it increases a sense of purpose and meaning.

It is also understood that your organs can perform healing feats beyond normal comprehension. Spontaneous healing and unexpected improvements in conditions that usually progress and worsen can happen while you are asleep”

Source: Chi Health Cycle: The 24-Hour Plan to Restore Health Through Energy Flow.