Dream Safety and Restful Sleep
Many people tell me they have trouble sleeping, or staying asleep, or they have upsetting dreams. In an earlier post I presented ways to work with feeling more grounded and more sense of purpose. This is very important to do in the morning. Yet it is also really important at night, as we get ready to go to sleep. Here I will share some strategies for helping us get a better and safer night’s sleep.
SAFETY IN DREAMS EXERCISE: In preparing ahead of time for dealing with upsetting dreams, sit down either alone or with a supportive friend or loved one, and practice the following chant: “I’m a dream body and I cannot be hurt.” Say it many many times so you memorize it. It really helps to practice it with a friend or loved one or just someone willing to help. Our objective is to commit it so deeply to memory that when we find ourselves having an upsetting dream, we can say it right in the middle of the dream while we are still asleep. It will help us turn the dream in a better direction toward safety. When you’ve practiced it for a while, stop and notice what you are feeling in your body. You can share that with you friend or loved one, and if they practice it, they can share with you as well.