Sleep

October 23, 2023

Yes, we have a much better chance of sleeping when we shut down our overactive ego. One of the most influential and non-chemical ways is through systematic relaxation followed by prayer. This is not a light matter because prayer is the reconnection of our mind, body and heart to the One True Source of All Being. That oneness is so peaceful and so comfort-full that we immediately enter sleep. We feel safe, joyful and secure when with the Divine.

Systematic muscle relaxation has been scientifically shown to prepare us for therapeutic imagery, ideas and behavioral change. This is why it is used in behavioral science to treat phobias, PTSD, anxiety disorders and many other mental health issues.

Relaxing the body readies us for sleep. But the mind and heart must follow for us to get proper restorative REM sleep. This is where prayer comes in. Prayer asserts our connection with the Divine, calms the mind and comforts the heart. Prayer is a method of relinquishing our concerns and the tense mind, heart and body to the ultimate power.

We can sleep when all three intelligence centers are calm, relaxed and connected to the Divine. And to relax each of them, we systematically focus on our head, then our heart, then our entire body. In the focus, we scan them to relax every part of them. We cannot believe how tense they are until we experience all three in deep relaxation.

Inquiry: Name why you would not need a relaxed heart at bedtime.

Dear God,

In those golden moments before sleep, I relinquish to you all I am. Amen.

Make peace with your ego and discover your true path today. We will share Dr. Howell's full daily reflection and prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To receive the full week, please complete the form below to begin your journey into who God has made you to be. The path to wholeness starts now!