As we near the solstice, the yang qi of the environment is rising to its peak. In Seattle, a relatively cool and damp place, this is a great thing, however, depending on your constitution, it can be problematic. In particular, getting to sleep at a reasonable hour can be quite challenging, what with there being light in the sky passed 10pm. Part of the solution is to actually go to bed at your typical bed time even though there's still a significant amount of light: start your pre-sleep ritual at least 20-30 minutes before the time you want to get to sleep. Reading a bit before bed is a great way to stabilize the spirit so that it naturally settles in its abode of the Heart when you're finally ready to shut your eyes.
If you're performing your regular ritual at your usual bed time and still having difficulty sleeping, try a hot foot bath right before bed. The water is yin and the warmth is yang. This is an image of sleep: yang resting within yin; the warmth of the water helps guide the restless and excited yang qi down and into the yin, promoting the energetic qualities of natural sleep. Just remember to dry your feet before getting into bed!
Authored by: David Derdiger
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