This is the time that you have chosen to settle down to relax and to sleep.
Take the time to ensure you are really comfortable.
You might be in a bed,
Sitting back on a chair,
Or laying comfortably on the floor.
Settle your body into a position that is restful and supportive.
Adjust your clothing in blankets or pillows,
Knowing you can move to a different position at any time you like.
Turn off your lights,
And as you begin to relax,
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
On each breath,
Feel the air entering your body and filling you up,
And then let the air flow easily out.
Allow your breathing to find its natural rhythm,
In and out.
After each gentle exhalation,
Simply allow the breath to come in again.
Over and over,
Letting the wave of breath begin to soothe you.
Rest in calm awareness that your body knows how to find healing and restorative rest,
Whether you sleep now or simply spend some time in deep relaxation.
As your body and mind begin to relax,
Let a picture arise in your mind of a quiet,
Cozy room.
Inside the room,
You know it is late in the evening and the lights are dimmed,
Even though your eyes remain closed.
The air feels cool and comfortable on your skin,
Allowing you to relax and let go.
It is a summer evening and the breeze is entering through a nearby window.
It feels heavenly and you sigh contentedly,
Letting go of the day and allowing sleepiness to make your body feel heavy and safe.
Outside,
The warmth of the sunny day has transformed,
And you can feel the gentle stirrings of a summer rain.
As you lie here,
Half asleep and so cozy and content,
You hear the first drops of rain land softly against the windowpane.
You are so sleepy and the rain is comforting and soothing.
You doze peacefully while you listen to the rain intensifying.
The angle shifts so that it no longer hits the glass on the window,
Yet it is heavy enough that you continue to hear the steady sounds of raindrops outside,
In the trees and on the pavement.
It is a wonderfully relaxing sound,
And your whole body lets go just a little bit more.
It is sure to be a quiet downfall that continues all night long.
You internally lean into the comfort of the sound.
You rest easily,
Knowing there is nothing more you need to do today.
You can let yourself rest and relax and sleep with the soft sound of rain holding you safely.
There is nothing you need to do right now.
You can simply soften and let go.
Your body is ready for deep relaxation and sleep.
Comfortably soft breathing,
Safe,
Warm and resting.
Time to relax,
Time to sleep.
