To begin, lie still. The trick is not speed. The trick is stopping the chase.
Whatever that looks like for you tonight.
When you are ready, softly close your eyes.
With your eyes closed, drop the project of falling asleep.
First, simply noticing the bed holding you. That is the only project.
Heavy head. Heavy hands. Heavy legs. Let gravity win.
What else do you notice when you stop hunting sleep?
What is it like to rest without a guarantee?
You cannot fail this. Rest counts even if sleep is shy.
Sleep is a side effect of feeling safe enough to stop.
Long exhale. Let the out-breath be a little longer, if that is easy.
And letting go of the clock.
Continue now with your breath, as well as this heaviness.
If you have not already, follow the breath until it is too simple to track.
What do you notice when chasing stops?
Just observe. Accept. The night can work without your supervision.
Allow the dark of the room. Nowhere to get to on time.
Rest is the assignment. Sleep is extra, if it comes.
There is nothing to win. There is no fast prize.
If the mind starts the chase again, return to the weight of the body.
Stay with the bed, the breath, and a night that need not perform.
You let rest count. Including yourself.
Stay. No need to listen for an ending. Drift if you can.
Keep the eyes closed. Stay if you must. Both are rest.