Healing in the Night - a guide
" The sun loved the moon so much that he died every night to let her shine"
Ideally, for most... the night is when we rest, recharge, and in some instances reconnect with our bodies and mind. However, the National Institutes of Health estimates that roughly 30% of the general population complains of sleep disruption. Of those, approximately 10% have associated symptoms of daytime functional impairment consistent with the diagnosis of insomnia. On top of the systematic oppression, civil unrest, a global pandemic, and the laundry list of shit going on in our lives, it's safe to assume WE'RE TIRED. (Full disclosure) I've suffered from insomnia in various periods of my life. Depending on the stressors, my ability to sleep soundly is tough. Today I wanted to share some of the nightly rituals I've incorporated to help me rest and reconnect below:
1. Wind down- Engage with your body and relax your mind. If you can, take some time to step outside and enjoy the transition from day to night. Bring someone you love
Maya Angelo says it best:
“Every person needs to take one day away.A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
2. Wash off the day - Take off your war paint. Wash away the dirt from your daily grind, and be done with today.
LIFEHACK- Support local florists and buy Eucalyptus! The steam of the shower releases the essential oils of the eucalyptus plant, which can clear nasal congestion and inflammation related to sinus and bronchial infections. ... Once you've got your eucalyptus, simply tie the stems together with a rubber band or natural twine and tie them to the showerhead
3. Find or make your place sacred - Create light in the darkness of night. For this, you can light a candle, smudge the space or simply join the place or space with intention of rest.
4. Get comfy- May it be Cafecito and some pan dulce before bed. Or that feeling of your comfiest pajamas in some fresh sheets, do something that brings you comfort and feelings of safety or nostalgia.
5. Be mindful- And breathe… I know this is and can be inherent hard especially if you’re like me and struggle with anxiety. So for you, I’ve listed a few of my go-to:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX3TRdW1ekdvM?si=83S2IOSmRe6mxX2X9hnJQg
Drake lofi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY1KJinaCng&list=PL23opjNmOpPKQP_wWYHS-Fe7ft0SOkAn1
Guided breathing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXZ5l7G6T2I
6. Go dark-
Turn off your screens, turn down your lights, and if you're feeling safe enough close your eyes.
Sometimes this works other times they don't...
Products and resources to try: Lush shower bombs: https://www.lushusa.com/shower/shower-bombs/
Support Black Businesses:
- https://beneathyourmask.com/