Think about where you sleep tonight. Who or what are you inviting into your space when you settle into bed? The answer might be deeper than you realize.
We all sleep. It’s a universal experience, yet how often do we stop to reflect on what we
bring to bed with us? For me, sleep has become a ritual, not just of rest, but of cleansing. A space where the body, mind, and spirit can reset.
Blunt Reflections looking back : The Ritual of Bedtime
It’s funny, isn’t it? You probably don’t think about who you sleep with. But I’m not talking about the people you share your bed with. I’m talking about your thoughts, your energies, and the emotional baggage you carry into bed every night.
I remember as a child, I wasn’t always as conscientious about cleanliness. Growing up in a Jamaican household, my mother instilled in me the idea that cleanliness was next to godliness. It wasn’t just about the physical state of the house—it was about the emotional and spiritual state too.
Every Sunday, before heading to Sunday school, we had to strip our beds, do laundry, and make sure everything was spotless. If we didn’t, we heard the dreaded words: “You’re nasty. You sleep in a dirty bed!” Guilt would settle in as I dragged myself out of bed to clean up, but it wasn’t just about having a clean space; it was about what that cleanliness represented. It was a ritual of care, of setting the tone for how we entered our week.
I didn’t realize it then, but there was something incredibly important about that ritual. Clean sheets, fresh towels, and a clean body weren’t just signs of organization; they were a mental reset. As I grew older and left home, I carried this ritual with me. Even in group homes, I made sure to wash my sheets, as if it were my own private act of rebellion against the chaos around me.
The Power of Mental Cleanliness
Now, as an adult, I’ve learned that it’s not just the physical cleanliness that matters. It’s the mental space we enter when we go to sleep. What do you take to bed with you? Is it the residue of your day’s frustrations, worries, or regrets? Or do you take a moment to cleanse your mind too?
Bedtime has become a sacred moment for me—a time to reset, to release. I love to shower before bed, washing off the physical and emotional weight of the day. Water is not just a cleanser of the body; it’s a cleansing of the soul, washing away the unseen baggage, the stress, the clutter of the mind. I stick to simple, natural soap because I don’t want to add anything else—just pure, simple cleansing.
It’s not just about physically purifying my body—it’s about the mental act of choosing what I bring into that space. If I can, I watch something funny or uplifting before bed, something that lifts my spirits. Laughter, you see, has a way of lightening everything. It releases tension, clears the mind, and helps me sleep peacefully.
Who Do You Sleep With?
Think about it—what are you sleeping with? What emotional energies, unresolved thoughts, or negative feelings are you allowing to simmer overnight? Your body and mind spend hours in a vulnerable state as you sleep. Is it in a state of joy, calm, and peace? Or is it weighed down by anger, sadness, or unprocessed emotions?
When I was younger, my mom didn’t let us sleep at anyone else’s house. She believed that your bed was sacred, your personal space where you could truly relax. You don’t sleep well anywhere else because you’re not in your own space, not surrounded by the energies and rhythms that are familiar to you. That sense of comfort, of being in your own space, is important for good, restful sleep.
As adults, we often forget the importance of our space. We forget that we have control over what we let in. Whether it’s people, thoughts, or energies, we choose what enters our realm as we rest. That’s why bedtime is sacred to me now. It’s not just about sleep; it’s about control. Control over what I carry with me from the day and what I release.
Mantra for a Peaceful Sleep:
Before you go to bed tonight, ask yourself: Who am I sleeping with? What am I taking to bed with me, and what am I leaving behind? Take time to cleanse your body and mind. Release the unnecessary. Invite peace, joy, and lightness into your space. Let laughter, love, and gratitude be the last thoughts you carry with you as you close your eyes.
Because when you rest well, you wake up to a new day, refreshed, and ready to be the best version of yourself.
Remember:
Your bed is not just a place to rest your body—it’s a sanctuary for your mind and soul. So next time you crawl under those clean sheets, take a moment to reflect: Who are you sleeping with? The answer could change everything.
One love and blessings on this journey. ✨
You can choose to listen instead
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