Self-Guided Wind Down Ritual

As part of Blackberry Mountain’s Focus on Wellness: Mind Week, guests immersed in the wellness experience practiced a daily, evening wind down ritual to reflect on the day and prepare their minds and bodies for restorative and peaceful sleep. Using the guidance from the Focus Week, see how you can incorporate a wind-down ritual into your own nightly routine.

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Sleep is one of the most deeply nourishing gifts we give ourselves, and each evening is an invitation to receive this gift. Approaching it with a calming ritual and intentionally settling sets us up for exponential ease.

The sun does not drop in a millisecond, nor the moon flip on with a switch. There is a slow setting and an imminent rising to mark the shift of day and night. Just like the natural world, our needs encompass more than light and darkness. We are more than a physical body; we are a whole. Our mind, emotions and spirit need a rhythm to settle by too.

I invite you to discover what an evening ritual might look like for you. This ritual is merely a suggestion and starting point. It begins with the simple action of lighting a candle and softening your breath as a way to settle into the moment and begin to welcome rest.

Reflecting

Light your candle.

Notice your breath.

Welcome a relaxed, easy breath.

The light of a candle is a soft glow, not one to read by or do precise, detailed work under. It’s a light that is soft in presence, free and undirected as it flickers. Approach the end of your day with this softness as you reflect. No need to linger or dig for answers. If one does not surface right away, simply move to the next reflection.

One moment you are deeply grateful for today.

One moment, you are focused on something you want to release before approaching rest.

One moment, you acknowledge one thing you look forward to tomorrow morning.

Offer gratitude for your waking moments, resting moments and sleeping moments today as you blow out your candle. Settle into sleep.