Sunday Reset: Mindfulness & Sleep
Mindfulness & Sleep
CMP recently completed our new program, Goodnight Meditations, a 4-session program that met weekly on zoom. I'm reflecting on participant feedback and how mindfulness contributes to healthy habits and experiences at bedtime.
First, the feedback:
Participants shared that since participating in the program, if they struggle to sleep, they are still able to stay relaxed and at ease.
People responded that they appreciated meditating with a group of others who were also curious about rest and sleep
Folks reported that they created better habits for self-care and wellness
“Sara was a wonderful leader. Her calm demeanor set the tone for the evening. I truly enjoyed the connection I felt to others in the group and the feeling that we truly cared for each other. I felt a true sense of connection with the people who I have never met in person. It was a beautiful experience.” - participant
Thank you to all who joined this program!
So how does mindfulness contribute to helpful habits and experiences at bedtime?
Don't ruminate, meditate! :) Through mindfulness, we are reminded of the power of choice in the present moment. When struggling to sleep, we can ruminate and feel anxious, or choose to practice a body scan meditation, awareness of breath, or open up to sounds in the present moment.
Specific meditations help us feel safe in the present moment. The 54321 Awareness of the Senses practice, allows our nervous system to shift from fight/flight/freeze to rest and digest, making it a great middle-of-the-night meditation. Through connection of our senses in the present moment, we can recognize if we feel safe. When we feel safe, it's easier to rest.
When our minds wander at night, we tend to focus on what we’re worried about, and connection is often one of these things. Engaging with others through Loving Kindness meditation can provide a sense of connection that we all need right now.
Gratitude helps us feel connected with others, improves mood, boosts emotional resilience, and supports our mental health. Through a nighttime gratitude practice we can counteract our natural tendency to dwell on fears and concerns (threats) by deliberately taking notice of the goodness in our lives and appreciating where our needs are met. Through this practice we feel satisfied and are better able to rest.
How's your sleep been lately? What are you noticing at bedtime and in the middle of the night? Where and when can your mindfulness meditation practice support you this week?
What's on your mind? Send me anemail.
Warmly,
Julia