coachcasey at 2008-04-21

says: If it's your thoughts that keep you up (thinking about your day, or the day to come), than I have just the thing. Lucid Dreaming. I've read a handful of books - titles elude me right now, but all I can say is I look forward to sleep now. It turns sleep into something to activate/stimulate your mind, rather than thinking you're "shutting off" for 8 hours. Simple action: When it's time to go to bed (9pm-11pm), prepare your bed, plenty of pillows in the right places, etc. Then, Focus on a question/opportunity/goal/fantasy - whatever intrigues you at that moment. Then, Ask your subconscious the question - ask for it to show/tell you the answer as you sleep. Then, Engage your mind, not at the surface level, but deep into your conscious and hand it over to your subconscious. You may be fixated on this question/thought process for an hour the first few nights... but eventually, through your own suggestion, your subconscious will lead you into dreamland, and over time, lucid dreaming - dreaming in which you recognize that you are dreaming and using a trigger of your choosing, you become an active participant in your dream. It is during this time that you are your own guest in your mind of infinite possibilities... It takes time to recognize that you are dreaming, but the reward after you do is a night full of restful sleep for your body, and an invigorating adventure for your mind! Pick up a book on lucid dreaming - follow it - do it - and your insomnia (staying up and letting your mind wonder aimlessly) will end and will transform itself into positive sleep where your mind is encouraged to wander! Good Luck! Enjoy the best rest you've ever had! ~ Coach Casey