I found this exercise to be very helpful to me, as I use it most nights before I go to sleep. I am aware that turning off my mind sometimes is like a chore, and even when I try it just doesn't stop. But with the breathing exercises I can stay focused on my breath and the sound of my own heartbeat and I know it will help me to relax my mind and get to sleep.
This is one exercise I have been doing on my own for many years now, I had a weird insomnia, I cannot go to bed before midnight even if I have to wake up at 6 AM because I found that I would go to sleep, have a dream (REM) and then be wide away about a half hour later. If I wait to sleep at like 1AM I sleep thru the night. With the breathing exercises I find that I can actually go to bed at 11:30 and sleep pretty much thru the night without waking up. It has really helped me.
Hi Maur,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this practice. I really do hope it does help with your insomnia, because that can be very frustrating to fix. I also enjoyed this exercise mainly because I have been working so much overtime at work that I have had no time for myself, it seems like I am always rushing around to get things done, and I am left feeling so irritated, but this exercise was very good for me it helped me to relax. Great post!!
Cristine
Hey Maur,
ReplyDeleteFrom one person who has trouble sleeping to another, I feel your pain! Although, I don't have quite the same situation. I too have been using this practice quite a bit, although I have been doing it as of late, and I'm liking it. When I don't do the subtle mind practice before bed, however, I am dealing with the problem of falling asleep during the day. It's almost like I sort of hypnotize myself with the breath. But I'm always more relaxed in the end and time has flown by!
Good luck with everything and I hope that as you progress with your mind/body balance, sleep will come more easily to you!
Victoria
LOL Victoria, I totally get what you're saying. If I were to do the breathing during the day it would totally relax me and I would end up falling asleep...hehe
DeleteMaur,
ReplyDeleteWow, I would not be able to function if I went to bed that late. Does it happen on days that you are physically active as well? If I have not been physically active or had a glass of wine I also have trouble sleeping. I always thought alcohol was a sedative but I guess it turns into a stimulant once your body processes it. Good luck on getting some sleep since we all know it is very important.
Hello Maur,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you enjoyed this practice. I enjoyed it as well. I found it easy to keep my mind clear once I learned how to focus on the breath. It's amazing how easily done this is. I wish I would have tried sooner! That is so great that you can go to sleep earlier now! I am a very light sleeper because my mind races really bad at night. Ever since I started doing this exercise before I went to sleep, I have slept much deeper.