Categories: Scrubs

A going to sleep meditation

Image: Indeed/Photodisc/Getty Images

Breathing in: Guide me…
Breathing out: …Guard me

Reflection to Encourage a Peaceful Rest

Light a candle by your bedside.
Cup your hands around the flames
and feel the warmth reach into your palms and fingers.
Imagine the heat spreading over your entire being.
Feel yourself embraced in light and warmth.
Invite deep, calming breaths to flow through your body.
Become aware of a moment of peace and comfort.
Feel yourself separating from the demons of the everyday world.
Welcome the flame of your candle as an angel of protection.
Invite feelings of safety and comfort.
Close your eyes for a moment and invite the light of the candle to
penetrate deep into your soul with calm reassurance.
Imagine angels of goodness and strength watching over you.
Ask for help from the Source of all
for release from the day’s stress, for peace
for the gift of deep rest.

From the Bible

You shelter me under your wings
I shall not fear
The shadows of the night
—Psalm 91

Rabbi Sheryl Lewart

Sheryl Lewart was a beloved spiritual teacher who lectured and led workshops and seminars in mystical Judaism (Kabbalah, Hasidism and Mussar). She served for 12 years as rabbi of Kehillat Israel—the largest Reconstructionist congregation in the world—in Los Angeles, and gave seminars regularly on values-based decision-making. Before passing away of cancer in late 2012, Sheryl offered spiritual direction and guidance in order to help others understand that by developing our own spirituality, we discover a deeper intimacy with God and a genuine compassion for all of creation. God, it has been suggested, is the wind that blows our ship, but it is up to us to turn the rudder and shift the sails in order to more fully catch the wind that freely blows.