5 Minute Meditation to Quiet Overthinking at Night
A 5 minute meditation to quiet overthinking at night. The mind is rehearsing. You are going to stop attending the rehearsal. Each thought seen, not followed — headlights on a far road. You will think tomorrow. That is what mornings are for.
Before you begin
Lie down. Thank the inner guard, and tell it the gate is closed.
Read the transcript22 spoken passages
To begin this meditation to quiet overthinking at night, lie down, fully supported.
Whatever that looks like — the mind may already be rehearsing. You do not have to attend.
When your body feels ready, you may softly close your eyes.
With your eyes closed, take a moment to stop following the next thought.
First, thank the loyal guard of overthinking, and tell it the gate is closed.
Each thought: seen, not followed. Like headlights passing on a far road.
What else is still asking you to solve it after dark?
What is it like to let the inner talk lose its microphone?
You will think tomorrow. That is what mornings are for.
Quiet is not empty. It is unhooked.
Return to the dark of the closed eyes, and the drum of the breath.
Let the forehead cool. The rehearsal can go on without an audience.
What do you notice when you do not get in the car?
Just observe. Accept. And allow. No argument with the mind.
Keeping your eyes closed, allow your awareness to include the dark of the room.
As if thinking is happening somewhere down the road, and you are already home.
There is nothing to solve. There is nowhere else to be.
If your mind wanders, that is okay. See the headlights. Stay on the shoulder.
Being connected to the bed, the breath, and this unhooked stretch of night.
You let the thoughts pass. Including yourself.
Stay unhooked. If you drift before the music ends, that is welcome.
Keep the eyes closed. Let the night take it from here. Rest well.