Hey, Carissa here, and welcome to Sleep Wave.

This is a mini meditation, just a few quiet minutes to help you slow down and prepare for rest.

You can listen to this on its own or let it gently lead you into one of my longer sleep meditations afterwards.

At the end of the day, the world slowly becomes quieter. The activity of the day fades. The light's dim and the night begins to settle in.

But sometimes the mind is still moving a little faster than the evening around us.

If that's how tonight feels for you, you're not alone.

Stillness isn't something we force. It's something we gently allow. So for the next few moments, let's slow everything down together. Bring your attention to your breath.

Inhale slowly through your nose.

Exhale gently through your mouth.

Again, breathe in calm and breathe out the movement of the day.

Let your breath return to a natural rhythm now.

Slow, steady, easy.

Now begin to notice your body resting in the bed, your head supported by the pillow, your shoulders soft, your arms resting comfortably beside you, your back supported, your legs growing heavier against the mattress.

There is nowhere else you need to be.

Now imagine a quiet lake at night.

The water is perfectly still.

Above it, the night sky stretches wide and calm.

And the surface of the lake

reflects the sky like a mirror.

Nothing disturbing the water.

Just quiet and stillness.

As you breathe in, imagine the call. and stillness.

...