The Art of Slumber
Hello Dearest Ones!
Recently I was walking with a beloved friend, and I shared that I just didn't feel very radiant that day. She stopped me and said, "Dearest One, the sun doesn't shine every day. Everyone and everything experiences weather. This is normal." I just love this, and it buoys me on the days when I really just feel tired. Or defeated. The days of feeling deeply human.
Today I write from such a place. I'll just say that straight out. We all have these days and seasons, don't we? I absolutely do. And. I know that the act of writing is a huge part of finding my ground and purpose again. So here I go, writing my way through this moment in my life.
My thoughts these days are circling and swirling around sleep. I might even go so far as to reclassify it in a more luxurious way: Slumber. That word has more of a body feeling for me. Just the word lulls me and seems to prepare my body for the sweet timelessness and surrender of deep rest. Slumber is the sweetest form restoration. And honestly, it is one of the most foundational aspects of a life well-loved, a life worth living, and radiant wellbeing.
So. I need to step back for a moment. I am a woman who, to date, has rarely experienced good sleep. For real. I can not think of a time in which I have slept for plenty of hours, and also slept deeply. I began attending births in 2006. Let me tell you that phase of my life marked my first foray into frank sleep deprivation. I'd already been a shallow sleeper, awakening tired in the morning.... but this was next level exhaustion. I attended births until 2012, "retiring" from this because the sleep deprivation caused chronic fatigue syndrome. In 2012 I decided that healing my body was my highest priority. For me, attending births ran counter to my own wellbeing, and so I chose myself over everything and everyone else. It was a revolutionary moment in my life, and I'll never forget the exact second in which I made this choice.
The birth of my gorgeous son has been circling in my mind for the last few days. This marked the start of phase two in complete sleep deprivation in my life. I can laughingly say that I rarely do anything in a small way. Big energy, big movement, big events. That is what I do well. Giving birth in 2017 is a prime example of this. I barely slept for three days during his epic birth. Then, I was suddenly a solo mother of a preemie baby with special needs. My sweet darling baby then proceeded to only sleep 45 minutes at a time (but often only 3 minutes at a time) for the first 18 months of his life. To say that I was tired is such an understatement.
These days, at age six, he is sleeping. Mostly. Now, as I take stock of my sleep history, I am committing myself to the pursuit of slumber. This is becoming my highest priority again.
I wonder: How is your sleep? How can you treasure and invest in your own slumber on a deeper level?
Winter is drawing near. This is the time for going inward and resting. I wrote at length about this last year. You can read it HERE. Winter is an invitation into the art of slumber, and I offer a teensy reminder to you about this. This is our season to rest, restore ourselves, and take stock. How can you set yourself up for this? Winter is ahead of us; now is the time to create a framework in your life that truly supports your restoration. This is serious business.
Here are some ideas* (Meaning: this is what I am doing to invest in slumber, maybe this will appeal to you too):
Get Direct Sunlight into your eyes in the morning; better yet, exercise outside every morning. This helps set your circadian rhythm around times of bright clear energy, and times for slumber.
Create an evening sleep routine that involves soothing tea, bathing and then into bed early. For me that means into bed at 8 PM. Perhaps read a gentle story, or words that ground or orient you toward your purpose.
Create a gratitude practice. I fall asleep saying Thank You for everything I can think of in my life, and all that is coming. This is the loveliest way I know to drift into slumber. If I wake up in the night, I go back to saying Thank You, and tend to fall back to sleep more easily.
Create coziness and warmth. Sleep in merino/silk clothing. These breathe well and help you to stay at a comfortable temperature all night. Engel is a brand I love, and I often order from MamaOwl in the UK. But there are lots of other places too. (p.s. I have no affiliation with this company, just sharing what I love). Think about cotton flannel sheets (preferably organic) and natural fibers in your blankets. No synthetics! And of course keep the heat low-ish in the room. It's the wool/silk clothing and the natural fiber bedding, and your inner wellbeing that should warm you; it’s less about the temperature of the air.
Reduce exposures to technology.and light. This is controversial, some agree and others don't. Follow your body, and see if it makes a difference to turn off wifi at night, or at least get phones and other devices out of your room. Dim the lights as you prepare for sleep. Maybe even read with a light that has no blue in it.
Stay hydrated.
And- What else can you think of that supports drifting into sweet slumber?
I'll ask again: How are you sleeping? How can you invest in yourself this winter, by treasuring your slumber? I am all ears, so please reply and fill me in!
In deep gratitude for everything in this sweet life,
Rebecca
P.S. I am renaming this newsletter/Blog. It's a working name, but for now it is The Art of Radiant Living. I am trying this, and might change it later. All part of me practicing being transparent about my wonderfully imperfect and human process.
* Disclaimer: This likely goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: Everything I write is for educational purposes only. Nothing I write or share can be deemed diagnostic or medical advice. Nothing I write or share can replace your own healthcare providers. Period. Please seek tailored medical care and advice via your skilled healthcare team whenever you need it.
