Tomorrow, I am starting a new challenge. This one will be focusing on creating a sacred environment surrounding my sleep time. I plan on doing this by having a few simple and easy rituals that I commit to follow religiously, both immediately prior to retiring for the day and immediately upon waking.

Without further ado, here are the steps I will follow.
Before Bed (start between 9:45 and 10pm):

1. Call on Yahuwah – Even though I don’t subscribe to Christianity or Hebrew Roots anymore, I still use the name I learned to associate with the divine: Yahuwah. Relationship spirituality is something I value. I want connecting with the Source to begin my nighttime ritual.
2. Light 2 candles – There is something magical about fire. For me, candles symbolize compassionate presence, which is exactly the mood I want to cultivate as I get into bed. I would like to have one on each side of the bed to surround myself with this atmosphere.
3. Dedicate my sleep – When I meditate each day, I like to dedicate my practice to a person, entity, or cause. I am going to do the same thing for my sleep: view it as a practice and dedicate it to something. I could also choose a concept: like peace, love, or joy.

Upon waking (do at first alarm even if not rising at that time):

1. Turn on meditative music – I don’t want a formal guided meditation but just some atmospheric music. Allow myself to enter the new day with compassion and non-judgment. Take a moment to breathe.
2. Light 2 candles – Same routine as before. I want to pull that same energy I cultivated when going to sleep into the new day. I don’t need to get up yet; I want to give myself a few minutes to welcome my mind into a wholesome place so I can start the day with grace.
3. Set an intention for the day – This can be anything, but doing this creates focus. It is not just another day. By setting a unique intention each day I can foster a little novelty and creativity that can encourage me to stay mindful despite any frustrations.

I have been dealing with more depression the last couple weeks. Some of this I think is related to some poorer sleep habits from the past reemerging. I am hopeful this challenge will foster an ongoing wholesomeness into this part of my life.

Namaste.