The Art of Waking Sleep

 

Deep sleep, an essential part of human existence, is a great mystery.

Here everything disappears-  the world, the body, the mind, the senses, the person – but some secret power remains, a power that grants happiness, rest and restoration to the weary spirit.

Every night you gladly lose yourself to taste infinity, to recharge your batteries for the effort of living your life. In that state of deep sleep, all attributes are lost..only a spark of pure being remains alive. This is what experiences the rejuvenation that you appreciate, so that you awaken feeling rested and refreshed.

Sleep conceals your greatest treasure: this divine spark  that is the very core of your being.

The process of falling asleep involves dropping all attributes, stilling mind and body, losing oneself in unconsciousness.

Learning how to achieve this same level of stillness, while maintaining an alert awareness of one’s own core, is meditation, the art of waking sleep.

Love, devotion, surrender – these are the keys to this art.

Grace is the blessing that shows you the way.

Turning all one’s attention inwards with loving devotion is the method…this is the warm sunlight that makes the heart-lotus blossom, revealing the perfection shining within.

This is how you touch God.

Once you have discovered this inner treasure, you need to practice paying all your attention to it.

Love is the motive and grace is the light that helps you be still enough to  touch the Self who dwells so radiant in your heart.

Throughout your day, whether walking or sitting, working or resting, speaking or silent, eating or sleeping, learn to hold onto  the divine within.

Every time you are distracted by some outer thought or feeling, observe your distraction and just return to the center.

Even in the midst of everyday activity, learn to return to deep stillness within.

Develop the habit of clinging to God – all the time, with every breath, with every beat of your heart. Not because you have to, but because you want to.

Become addicted to God.

This is the easiest and the greatest practice, to achieve the miracle of waking sleep.

This is the way.

Once you find that Light within, you will see it everywhere.