I make it a priority to cultivate a quiet mind. As an HSP (highly sensitive person), I really need the downtime that a quiet mind gives me. I find it very hard to fall asleep if my mind is swirling.
Sometimes when I go to bed, my mind races. I don’t even notice. I get totally caught up in the emotions of it. A train of thought comes by, and I jump right onto to it. The first thing I know, I’ve ridden this train all the way across the continent to New York. I am not even noticing anymore that I am safely and quietly in bed. In my head, I’m entangled in some kind of problem, or situation.
The moment I notice though, the moment I catch it, its time is up.
That’s because I know that a racing mind at bedtime -- analyzing myself, judging myself, other people or situations -- doesn’t have a happy ending. It doesn’t enable my already tired nervous system to calm down. It doesn’t enable me to rest and rejuvenate. I will take measures immediately to calm it down. I’ll repeat the measures again and again until my mind settles, like mud at the bottom of a lake.
This modern world is quite taxing. Our energy and attention are pulled into all kinds of directions and situations. You are not going to find a solution to anything at bedtime, by analyzing something until your mind is completely frazzled by it. You’ve made it through another day. Well done you! Your gift now is that you get to rest.
Here are a few tricks I use when I catch myself in the act of analyzing or fretting or judging at bedtime. I’m teaching them to my 9-year-old daughter. She’ll call out “Mama, I am thinking of school,” and I’ll call back: “You know what to do.” And she does.
The switcheroo: If I catch myself in negative self-talk about anything, I will immediately change my inner words to some that are positive and loving. If I’m going to tell myself stories about anything, it might as well be about things and people that bring me joy and make me feel love.
The metal box: If I catch myself going over a problem, I’ll imagine putting it in a big solid metal box and securing a lid to it. Then this metal box is put into a warehouse that has millions of similar metal boxes lined up on shelves. (Think of how they hid the ark in Raiders of the Lost Ark) The situation can wait for me over there.
Attention in my feet: I’ll put my attention as far away from my head as possible. I’ll bring my awareness to my feet and keep it there. I’ll just feel my feet.
My body is my servant: I tell my body that I am its leader and that it is time for rest. I’ll tell it to get behind me. (meaning don’t start up with an old story that is just going to get me riled up) Amazingly, my body tends to comply when I command it to stop. Remember that your stories live in your brain which is part of your body.
My self-talk:
· I have earned a good night’s sleep.
· I take good care of myself in the evening and help myself relax.
· Body, I am your leader. Now get behind me.
· All can wait. This is my time to rest.
· I now put my attention in my feet.
Wishing you more rest and a peaceful mind,
Love,
Maryse.
PS: If you want to learn more about how to practice the Switcheroo, I have a new FREE Five-Day Self Talk Transformation course where you will be able to do this PLUS learn about my other signature Self-Talk strategies. Learn more.