Do you ever find that when it comes to the end of your day that your are exhausted and ready for bed, yet once you climb into bed, it’s like a switch on your thoughts is flicked on and despite your exhaustion you can’t sleep? Or you fall straight to sleep, but then spend half the night awake?

Very often when we become quiet, we become aware of what was already present in our being, the thoughts about what could have been done differently today, how you’ll deal with situations tomorrow, or how your dreading the exhaustion tomorrow, but you just can’t sleep?

These are situations that I hear about A LOT from my holistic coaching clients. Sleep is essential for the wellness of our being, and developing a supportive bedtime routine that will work for you is essential, especially if you are experiencing challenges with sleep.

When my life gets full I notice that my thoughts begin to spin, usually I fall straight asleep at night, but then an hour or two into my sleep I’m awake, the thoughts swirling, the anxiety rising and frustration building. It’s almost like my being is processing all there was not space for in my day.

On my busy days I make sure I take some reflection time before sleep, and then practice candle gazing. This simple practice of candle gazing or tratak helps to quieten the mind, calm your being, and is great to incorporate into your bedtime routine, especially if you have broken sleep at night. What I know from having practiced this technique for many years is that it works.

At the beginning I notice that the distractions can easily separate me from the candle flame, my mind wants to tell me every possible story, like a toddler vowing for my attention, yet with awareness I choose to come back to the flame, soon the distractions begin to fade and a deep sense of calmness washes over me. My body softens itself, the thoughts stop and I experience a deep sense of blissful connection.

So if you’re challenged with sleep, I hope tis practice will be supportive for you.

And remember- practices only work if we practice!!

With Love,

Laura x