I was going through some of my old photos this morning and I found this photo of a blue cattle dog asleep in the back of it’s owner’s ute. I’ve always loved these dogs and they make great subjects to photograph as well. Stumbling across this photo, I realised just how great the quote would go with it.
The quote just about sums up my week for me – the sleep part anyway. It was only a four day working week this week due to the Labor Day holiday last Monday but it still wore me out. Suffice to say, that I have been falling into my bed each night. Have I told you how much I love my bed? Well I do. I love having a shower right before bed and getting into bed with my skin still tingling from the hot water and feeling the sheets against my legs. I love to lay my head on my pillow and feel it sink beneath the weight as it cushions my cheek. My bed is always there to welcome me no matter how I feel. So, apart from informing all and sundry of my love affair with my bed, what was the point of this post? Ah yes! That’s right. Sleep.
When a person is suffering depression, sleep is such a wonderful escape. When the constantly tumbling thoughts take a break and sleep steals in, bliss arrives. This week has been difficult for me. I wish I could pinpoint the reasons my mood has been so low and the tears have been threatening to break through but I’m not really sure of the cause. I know I have the tools and strategies to put my life back on course and I have been utilising them however this week’s little foray into habits of old was definitely a blast from the past. My body and mind has longed for sleep so much.
When I sleep, I relax and my breathing becomes slower and deeper and my mind rests. I know that dreams come and go and they may or may not bother me, but while I am sleeping, my body is restoring and repairing itself. The Dalai Lama is entirely correct that sleep is the best form of meditation because the benefits of meditation are the same as that of sleep. When I can tame my ‘restless monkey mind’ my meditations are deeply fulfilling and relaxing.
My meditation time each morning this week has been lovely. I have come away refreshed and at peace within myself and I am waking each morning feeling exactly the same way (except tired and wanting to continue sleeping. I know that’s the effects of my depression however and ignore it). Actually I think I might just go and do some more meditation right now. (Oh be quiet conscience – a Nanny nap is exactly what I need) 🙂
Have a beautiful day.
suzjones.wordpress.com 
ain’t that the truth! 😉
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Heck yeh lol
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Welcome to WordPress and thanks for checking out my blog! I had to chuckle at your “informing all and sundry of my love affair with my bed” comment. You write beautifully about a very challenging medical condition (as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, I see it quite often). You will find such a community of soulmates and friends on WP. Enjoy and keep writing!
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Thank you so much for your lovely words. Unfortunately depression is more common than people know isn’t it?
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You are lucky you have an escape. I’m still trying to master meditating,but that monkey is busy in my mind. I created an entire anxiety issue out of sleep about 5 years ago. My mom and I were the ones who found my brother. An image I am still feel shock when it passes through my mind. Anyway, for so many months after, I would dream about him dying in one way or another, and I couldn’t do anything to help. When I woke up the next morning, I had to relive his death over and over.
Needless to say, with a lack of medication, I will only cat nap–until utter exhaustion hits after many days of lack of sleep.Also, I believe I was the Princess that was referred to in the children’s story the Princess and the Pea. We have tried every bed on the market. They all cause me some sort of pain in various joints. One day, I will work this out, and I can’t wait!
However, last night, I had a dream and my dad was in it! I LOVE those dreams because I get to spend time with him!
p.s. I love the way you write as well 🙂
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Awww April. I’m sorry to hear that sleep is still an issue for you. If it makes you feel any better I have recurring dreams about work. Lol. Glad you had a lovely dream last night.
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meditation really gives me a boost… sometimes I think that I don’t need it — WRONG — I notice later in the day.
Keep well.
~ Eric
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Eric, I love my meditation and certainly miss it on the days that I don’t do it. It really helps me keep myself centred.
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