Spiritual Solutions

 “Dear Sleepless” is the beginning of a letter I wrote in response to someone who was experiencing insomnia due to stress and other factors. This was my response. I hope it may be helpful to you too, for whenever you find yourself sleepless.

Dear Sleepless,

Know that we are holding you close to our hearts in love and prayer. Yes, unwelcome kinds of stress can indeed bring on insomnia and other unhappy consequences that then result.

As we pray with you let me also share some thoughts with you that may help.

One man responding to concerns of his friends that they had difficulty sleeping ventured to tell them that he never had trouble sleeping because, he said, he took a mountain for his pillow. What he meant by that was that upon retiring for the night, he always turned his thoughts away from his tense and burdensome life and took a mental walk up into the mountains where he stretched out beside a rippling stream beneath whispering pine trees and the overarching canopy of twinkling stars.

That gave me pause for thought; you might reflect upon that too. What are you using for a pillow? In other words, what are you thinking about – worries, the complications of your life, your concern about what is going on in the world, the national economy or shortages, your job, your business? Or, are you resting your head on feelings of peace and quiet calm?

Another friend, a seamstress, said, “You can keep your clothes in good condition by emptying your pockets at night.” That’s pretty good advice both figuratively and literally. While preparing for sleep, always remember to empty your mind of fear and worry, bitterness and resentment, just like you clean out your pockets.

Make a practice of discarding mentally all the little things that are no longer of any use, even those matters that may require further attention on the morrow. With a little practice and a lot of imagination anyone can develop real skill in this technique.

As we pray with you, know that with the power, the guidance and strength of the infinite process, you can do all things. Without that spiritual resource, we can do little or nothing. Empty your pockets of concern while getting ready for bed at night. Relax and let go! Know that as you approach sleep you get into the flow and rhythm of life, for as we are told, “Underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Know that God is with you and part of every aspect of your life, and that there is a flow of guidance and direction. When we are not working, God continues to work. When we stop stewing about a particular problem, the divine process, “the Father in us” as Jesus refers to it, moves to resolve the problem, filling the need. Then during the day, take a few moments to “take a mountain for a pillow,” to give thanks, to find peace and a renewal of spirit.

I hope that these thoughts have been helpful for you, and know that as we pray with you we see you enfolded in God’s loving, comforting, peace-filled presence, and you find that your sleep and rest come easily.

In Christ Love,

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham 

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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-seven years, invites you to subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, “Spiritual Solutions,” at Spiritual Solutions.

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