This practice can be used to guide you into a deep restful sleep.
Let's begin by coming into a comfortable position lying down.
Noticing any final movements that you might need and gradually settling into stillness.
If you haven't already,
Gently closing down the eyes,
Give yourself full permission to unwind and fall into a deep restful sleep.
Now drawing your attention to your breath,
Taking an inhalation through your nose and a slow long exhalation through your mouth,
Releasing all the tensions and worries that you might be holding on to.
With every exhalation count back from 10 until you reach zero.
Lengthening each exhale and inviting a softness as you let go.
Bringing your awareness to the whole body,
Notice if there are any sensations of warmth or tingling or tightness as we scan across the body.
See if you can loosen up just a little bit more with each out breath,
Bringing your attention to the crown of the head.
Notice if there are any sensations or lack of sensations.
Now to the back of the head,
The neck,
Relaxing the head,
Guiding your awareness to your face.
Notice your forehead and even out the creases between the brows.
Allow the eyes to be heavy,
Releasing any tightness in the jaw and in the mouth.
Feel the tension flowing out of your face and letting your head be soft.
See if you are holding on to any tension in the shoulders.
Allow them to melt into the ground,
Shifting your attention to the upper arms,
The lower arms,
The hands,
The fingers and the spaces in between each finger.
Now to your upper back,
Your middle back,
Your lower back,
Directing your next breath to your heart space.
Perhaps you may become aware of the gentle beats in the backdrop and really sensing and feeling into the belly.
Notice any tightness present.
See if you can let that go.
With every breath,
Feel a sense of surrendering as your body gets heavier and more relaxed.
Allow this deep relaxation to go to your thighs,
Your knees,
Your calves,
Your ankles,
Your heels,
The soles of your feet,
The big toe,
The second toe,
The third toe,
The fourth toe,
The little toe.
Notice the tensions dissolving.
Now scanning your body from the top of your head to your feet.
See if you can relax just a little bit more.
The mind is still,
The body is heavy.
There is an embodied sense of tranquility,
Stillness and serenity permeating your being.
And when you're ready,
Taking these qualities with you,
Gently allow yourself to drift off into a deep,
Nourishing,
Restful sleep.