Our Spiritual Reality: Discovering- Examining- Modifying
something you do but rather, an effect of something that you do. Many of us have even been unaware of the activities we use to generate the effect of sleep. These activities all serve to place us in a state of mental activity called monoideism; a fancy word that means single focus. In fact, most of us do several things that facilitate the sleep state, from relaxing and stretching movements to a favorite seed thought. (i.e. Counting sheep?)
For your first exercise we recommend you begin by doing your favorite relaxation movements (stretching, yawning, etc.) and place your self in a sitting position in a chair that supports every part of your body, particularly your neck. Imagine that you would suddenly become unconscious. Would your body change position if that were to happen? Then change into that position now. We advise against a prone position, as it will promote sleep instead of reverie. When you are comfortable take several slow deep breaths, allowing your body to relax as you exhale each time. Make this a gentle process, not forced or exaggerated. As you feel your body relaxing begin visualizing yourself being in an idyllic place. For some that would be in a wooded glen. For others it may be by a mountain stream; or it may be an isolated beach with gentle surf washing the sand. There is no best way here. If you are not sure try them all. For those with sound and well based religious upbringing, it is sometimes of value to pray for assistance. That is a matter of personal preference and there is no wrong answer in that area.
In this visualization you focus on all of your senses: what you can "see", hear, feel, smell, taste. On the beach, for instance, you could see the ocean going on for miles into the horizon, see the surf and maybe sea gulls floating on air currents overhead, hear the sound of the surf and the cries of the gulls, smell the salt water fresh air, feel the sand under your bare feet and between your toes and the soft breeze and warm sun on your back and shoulders. Some of these senses will be quite strong while others will be barely perceived. We don't all have the same sensual priorities. Some can hear and smell better that they can see. Others can feel and taste better that the others. Just try them all.
Referring to our previous analogy, by relaxing we are able to tune out the louder music and tune in
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