Adults: Bedtime Story For Sleep & Self-Growth

On day one, we're introduced to Martin and his sleep issues. You'll learn how his anxiety has plagued him during his nights. Martin's fear is fueled by the thought that there's something wrong with him. After taking sleep aid pills and listening to meditations that don't work, Martin has his first insight: he's not alone. He thinks about all the people in the world who are suffering from lack of sleep. He tries the Buddhist practice of Tonglen, Taking and Sending, as a way to offer peace to those struggling with insomnia.

On day two, Martin finds energy even amid sleepless nights. During the daytime, he connects with his body's life force and reflects on what it wants for him. He finds wisdom from a biblical verse and the story of the great sage, Paramahansa Yogananda. His insight is not to resist what we are feeling. Instead, we must welcome and make space for all emotions. Today's lesson will help you trust what your body wants for you and find energetic reserves in connecting to a higher power.

Using The Buddha's first Noble Truth, Martin Reflects on the wisdom often found in darkness and suffering. Drawing on a verse from Dante Alighieri, he contemplates the paradox of sleep and wakefulness. By doing so, he realizes that we can use our suffering as a tool for self-growth. Today will help you find the silver lining with whatever challenge you meet and use it to enrich your journey. Using the Prayer of Saint Francis, you will learn how to bring light into the darkness and make yourself an instrument of peace.

Today, we start moving away from traditional sleep meditations and instead use our newfound insights to manifest "dreams". Martin connects his story to the Hero's Journey. In his restless nights, he finds wisdom from mentors and other people on his path. Martin uses his nights awake to create more alignment in his thoughts, words, and actions. In doing so, he plants the seeds that will allow him to share his creative gifts with the world. Today's meditation will help you plant the seed for your dreams to grow.

On the final day of Martin's story, he realizes two essential practices to use during sleep and in all areas of life: trust and surrender. Martin's insights will help you embody these qualities. Through Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry and the wisdom of Lao Tzu, you'll grow more comfortable with uncertainty, and stay patient throughout your journey. You will not only find peaceful sleep, but learn how to allow the unfolding of your life to take its course and trust your unique process. The last meditation will offer rest to your body and mind and peace to your heart and soul.