AIR
SLEEP ON IT
in three of us has sought professional Explorations in meditation have attention, and an unknown number brought me to the power of sleep. are self-medicating and shamed by Getting great, balanced deep sleep our struggles with sleep. improves blood pressure, the brain, Everyone tells me they want to skin, immune system, growth hormone meditate, but most are production, creativity, too busy to commit to digestion, memory, a regular meditation mood, concentration, practice. Each indiproductivity, relationvidual, however, has a ships, athletic perfor—DALAI LAMA regular sleep practice. mance and happiness. Here’s how to make it Better sleep can help better: Ritualize your sleep using the slow the aging process and reduce basic rules needed to balance your stress, appetite, inflammation circadian rhythm—the body’s internal and pain. clock. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Not get- • Create a sacred sanctuary in your bedroom; a consistent bedtime, in ting enough sleep is linked with many a quiet, dark, relaxing space with comchronic diseases and conditions, such fortable temperature. as diabetes, heart disease, obesity • No screens at least 30 minutes before and depression.” your sleep time. We are increasingly time-starved, • No alcohol at least 3 hours prior to device-dependent, overworked, sleep. overmedicated, overstimulated and • No caffeine after lunch. sleep-deprived. We are currently in a world sleep crisis. In the U.S., 30 percent • Listen to the “Sleep Beditations” of the population has sleep issues. One playlist while you sleep.
“Sleep is the best meditation.”
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Created with ancient wisdom, modern techniques and powerful healing frequencies, the Sleep Beditations list combines sleep and meditation, and is designed to be played all night. It has been programmed to help you get to sleep faster, stay asleep, and access the deepest states of rest beyond the REM cycle. On my journey into consciousness and music, it has been my joy to collaborate with Australian aboriginals, spirit-walkers, rishis, shamans and dog-whisperers. As a music lover, record label owner, DJ/artist and consciousness activist, I share “DIP INTO BLISS” meditations globally. The “Sleep Beditations” are free and easy to use (donnadcruz.com/ sleepbeditation). I invite you to take the 21 Night challenge: commit to 21 consecutive evenings of making your sleep a priority, and watch what changes in your life. Sleep well. “Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. The next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.” —Mahatma Gandi.
Sumner Mahaffey
The rewards of deep rest can be enhanced with finely tuned meditation. BY DONNA D’CRUZ