Welcome to this guided sleep meditation for better REM sleep.
REM sleep is a stage of sleep where your eyes move rapidly and your brain is very active.
It is the time when we dream and is also important for memory and learning,
It is a state where the brain processes the information of the day and can bring vivid dreams.
These REM dreams may be useful in exploring your creativity and imagination,
Especially for people who feel they may not be creative.
During this meditation we will relax your body and mind and prepare you for a restful night of sleep in a cosy cottage setting,
With the wind and rain outside.
The cottage is set in a place called The Haven,
An imaginary small village set on the edge of reality.
It is a place of complete comfort and safety.
The Haven is featured in many of our other meditations and visualisations.
To begin your journey,
We recommend you prepare yourself for sleep,
Make yourself as comfortable as you can on your bed and close your eyes.
You will now enter The Haven,
The protected,
Safe and guarded place where all is well.
You are in the bedroom of your cottage,
Your bed is made and ready.
The soft lamplight illuminates the quiet and cosy room and you feel the peace and reassurance of being in The Haven and in your cosy cottage home.
You go to the window to draw the curtains and across the field you can see a light gleaming softly in the window of the old lady's cottage.
You get into bed,
Letting your body sink into the perfect comfort of the mattress,
Smelling the fresh,
Clean sheets and duvet as they settle around you.
Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat this a few times,
Feeling your chest rise and fall with each breath.
Now,
Bring your attention to your feet and toes.
Imagine a warm and soothing light filling them with relaxation.
Feel any tension or tightness melt away as the light moves up to your ankles and calves.
Breathe deeply and let go of any stress or worries.
Continue to follow the light as it travels up to your knees and thighs.
Feel them relax and soften as the light fills them with warmth and calmness.
Breathe deeply and let go of any thoughts or distractions.
Now the light moves up to your hips and lower back.
Feel them release any tension or stiffness as the light soothes them with comfort and ease.
Breathe deeply and let go of any emotions or feelings that are not serving you.
The light now reaches your abdomen and chest.
Feel them relax and expand as the light fills them with peace and harmony.
Breathe deeply and let go of any expectations or judgements.
The light now moves up to your shoulders and arms.
Feel them relax and drop as the light fills them with relaxation and serenity.
Breathe deeply and let go of any responsibilities or worries.
The light now reaches your neck and head.
Feel them relax and soften as the light fills them with calmness and clarity.
Breathe deeply and let go of any thoughts or images that are not helpful.
The light now covers your whole body,
From head to toe.
Feel it surround you with warmth and love.
Breathe deeply and let go of anything that is holding you back from sleeping well.
Now simply lay and listen to the wind and the rain that falls beyond the windows of the cottage that is your home in this quiet,
Safe and peaceful little village.
Inside the trees sway in the wind and a gust brings the patter of rain against your windows.
In their own houses,
Others in the village will be settling to sleep,
Secure and relaxed while the wind blows the dark clouds across the night.
You allow yourself to sink even more towards sleep.
Everything is safe here.
You can sleep peacefully in the knowledge that you are protected and looked after.
You smile drowsily as you relish your comfort,
Laying warm and cosy in this peaceful place.
Thank yourself for taking this time to relax and recharge and remember to feel grateful for everything you have in your life.
You will feel refreshed,
Energised and ready for a new day,
But for now,
You listen to the song of the wind,
The scatter of the rain,
As you drift down and down ever more
