Sleep To Dream
Hello there, I took a nap yesterday. It was more like and event. I scheduled it and was absolutely looking forward to it. I made sure all of my ducks (dogs & cats) were in a row, errands run, playlists complete, clients squared away, and I put on bed time clothes, turned on the noise machine (to cancel out the world), put my darkening curtain down and passed the f#ck out. It was glorious.
I was down for about 90 minutes when I woke up. I looked at the time and knew that I still had another 3 or 4 hours to myself. I planned it that way. I hadn't been getting a lot of sleep this past week and it was wearing on me. We all need sleep. Our bodies get a chance to rebuild and reboot. Because my work is so physical I risk not being able to do my work if I don't schedule 're-up' sleep sessions. However, after waking I began to grow concerned. That annoying, nagging voice began asking me if I really had the time to sleep more. I am so used to going, going, going, that I was freaking out about literally stopping. I told that voice to shut up and I fell asleep again.
After another 45 minutes or so I woke up and decided that I had things to do, which at this point was fine. I felt stronger, rested and ready to go for my evening classes. Taking time out for me, making the space I need for a nap, a book, time alone or with others, is oftentimes more beneficial than the work I think about finishing. Though I am working on behalf of my dreams, I sometimes just want to dream and leave the work for later. It is nice to do just shut off and sometimes your actual sleep dreams show you if the work you are doing is actually getting you closer to them.
Have you given yourself permission to do 'nothing' recently? Ever? How do you feel about naps? Do you ever have trouble 'shutting your mind off' or are you able to flip a switch and go to the black hole in your mind? I recommend passing out, reading, writing, listening to music, etc. with the only goal being to do that thing you have chosen to do. Enjoy living in that place… tell the nagging bossy abusive voice to back off, and enjoy your life.
Sweet Dreams,
xo
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