All of the things you've done today.
And all of the things that you might do tomorrow.
Are in a different category to sleep.
Sleep is not an item on your to-do list.
Sleep is not your responsibility.
It's often that we feel pushed and pulled by the world.
There seem to be so many shoulds and oughts and musts for us to keep up with.
And though we will always have the choice to place sleep in the category of should.
I recommend something else.
Which is to know.
To understand.
To feel.
That sleep is not your responsibility.
There's nothing you need to do to make it happen.
There's nothing you can do to make it stay.
There's nothing you can do to make it last a certain amount of time.
And though you may arrange your conditions.
To be optimum.
For the accident of sleep to occur.
Sleep itself is still not your responsibility.
Sleep comes as a result of our giving up.
Of surrendering.
Most of us spend so much time trying to control our circumstances.
That we forget how to let go.
How to surrender.
And so when it comes time to sleep.
We attempt to do something.
To bring it about.
Perhaps only on a subtle level.
But usually.
For most of us in modern society.
We think that there is something we must do.
To bring about the conditions we desire.
But there is nothing you must do.
To bring about sleep.
So just relax.
Surrender.
Throw your hands up in the air.
Acknowledging that any effort you make to bring about sleep.
Is futile.
In fact.
The harder you try.
The less likely sleep is to occur.
Relax.
Rest.
Even a night of surrendered rest.
Of chilled indifference.
Is good for us.
And sure enough.
In this restful state.
Sleep may just sneak up on us.
Forget what you did today.
Forget that there even is a tomorrow.
Settle in to this moment.
Just as it is.
Experience the body.
Experience your breathing.
Experience your mind.
Accept all of this.
Your entire experience right now.
Is fine.
No need to change anything.
No need to think anything.
No need to seek anything.
Rest in this equanimity.
Enjoy this surrendered state.
And sleep.
May arrive.
Like an old friend.
