Thread: Meditating into sleep when you first go to bed

Originally Posted by Occipitalred

I often have an awareness boost when I go to bed, and I do like to meditate then, but then, I don't fall asleep so I stop and try to get into the most distracted, less aware mindset with the hopes of falling asleep. I don't know what I should be doing though...

Perhaps if you are trying to be aware of breath, you are at a stage where that means focusing/thinking about breath. It is a subtle shift to experience breath while not thinking about breath. This kind of topic is hard to put into words. Also, breath is a function of the physical body and there fore can keep you focused on the physical body. If instead you use a mantra or a sensation, such a chakra awareness, you will be more likely to shift into sleep while still in a meditative state.

Thank you for those words, Sivason. I did understand your words but I am not sure that the comment was necessarily helpful (it might already be what I do) but it did give me courage.

I think I'll stick with a short mantra and not let myself be scared by insomnia tonight.

Originally Posted by sivason

Also, breath is a function of the physical body and there fore can keep you focused on the physical body. If instead you use a mantra or a sensation, such a chakra awareness, you will be more likely to shift into sleep while still in a meditative state.

Or perhaps attend awareness itself? Not breath, not bodily sensations, not mantra. This is where I generally shift my attention during meditation when I'm sufficiently calm, quiet and relaxed and breathing becomes so subtle it's no longer interesting and barely evident. I don't meditate as I go to sleep, but I can imagine this would be a fine way to fall off into sleep.