A Golden Light ✨ Sleep Meditation

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[00:01:01] The End

[00:01:18] Hi, I'm Karissa Vacker and welcome back to Sleep Wave, a podcast where we let waves of relaxation

[00:01:24] wash over you through original sleep meditations created to help you fall asleep tonight.

[00:01:29] And don't worry if you don't hear the end of an episode. I encourage you to drift off whenever you're ready.

[00:01:36] Before we get started on tonight's episode, I'd like to say thanks again for all of the great ratings and reviews

[00:01:42] you guys have left us on Apple Podcasts and some of the other networks too.

[00:01:46] Big thanks tonight goes out to Faith Hickory who calls Sleep Wave truly the best

[00:01:51] and says it helps her fall asleep easily within 10 to 15 minutes.

[00:01:55] Sleep dreams, Faith.

[00:01:58] If you've been listening recently, then you may know that I have been going through treatment for breast cancer.

[00:02:03] While I am now a good way through the cancer journey, it continues to give me a lot to reflect on.

[00:02:09] One of the most useful things I've practiced during this time is the power of visualization.

[00:02:15] I am usually a person who can balance myself no matter what,

[00:02:19] but the weeks before I was set to start chemotherapy were some of the most challenging of my life thus far.

[00:02:26] Chemo is a thing that is widely feared.

[00:02:29] No one I was close to had ever been through it, so my biggest reference of a chemo patient was what you see on TV,

[00:02:36] bald, thin, sickly looking people.

[00:02:39] That was not who I felt like I was and it was not who I wanted to become.

[00:02:44] To look at me, you'd never know I'd had cancer.

[00:02:47] I just had a major surgery to remove the tumor so I was technically cancer free.

[00:02:52] Wasn't chemo overkill?

[00:02:55] These are some of the thoughts that swirled in my brain pre-chemo.

[00:02:59] But like with most things within this experience, I didn't feel like I had much choice in the matter,

[00:03:04] so my only real choice was to find a way to reframe what was about to happen in my own mind.

[00:03:10] My sister was a great help to me in that regard.

[00:03:13] We meditated together the night before my first treatment on the chemo being what she called

[00:03:18] a golden elixir that would knock out any remaining cancer cells

[00:03:22] and leave the healthy ones as intact as possible.

[00:03:26] As I sat with the image of a golden elixir circulating through my body, helping to heal me,

[00:03:32] I felt the tiniest bit calmer.

[00:03:35] As the weeks wore on and the chemo rounds continued,

[00:03:39] I stuck with that image, but now it was not the chemo itself that I envisioned as the elixir,

[00:03:45] but it was just an energy that was with me.

[00:03:48] I envisioned a golden light at the top of my head, swirling throughout my body,

[00:03:53] keeping me safe, restoring me to health.

[00:03:57] Visualization during meditation can be both soothing and powerful,

[00:04:02] helping us to reframe negative thoughts and release negative emotions all while focusing our minds.

[00:04:09] Right now, as you are lying in your bed,

[00:04:12] focus your imagination on a golden light surrounding your body,

[00:04:16] helping you to feel warm, relaxed and safe.

[00:04:22] Stay with that image for a few breaths.

[00:04:32] When we focus on imagery like this, we stop the loop of thoughts and become present.

[00:04:40] Tonight, we are going to go much deeper into visualization meditation,

[00:04:45] gently guiding both your breath and imagination to release anxiety, stress and discomfort.

[00:04:52] This will help to soothe you into a deep rest that will not only leave you feeling refreshed in the morning,

[00:04:59] it will also help you to surrender all your worries tonight.

[00:05:03] This is a Golden Light by Billy Gill.

[00:05:10] The people of the Vedic civilization relied on an ancient text called the Vedas

[00:05:22] as a guide for religious ceremonies and rituals to maintain cosmic order

[00:05:27] and ensure prosperity and well-being.

[00:05:30] One interesting ceremony that is well-attested in Vedic ritual is the consuming of soma.

[00:05:37] Drinking this elixir was a sacred ritual to commune with the divine and yield spiritual insight.

[00:05:44] It is closely associated with the symbolic nectar known as emrita, the nectar of immortality.

[00:05:52] Although soma and emrita come from the Hindu tradition,

[00:05:56] they fit into a motif that is so pervasive throughout history and in various cultures,

[00:06:02] it hints at something universal about its meaning.

[00:06:05] It's a metaphor for a substance that can transform our everyday consciousness.

[00:06:10] While it may conjure ideas of mind-altering substances,

[00:06:14] it really refers to the transformative power of living in the moment.

[00:06:19] The real elixir of life is seeing the beauty that is right in front of you

[00:06:24] and the sacredness of the everyday.

[00:06:27] Awakening to that insight is the sweetest nectar of all.

[00:06:34] Tonight's sleep meditation will guide you through a visualization to soothe your heart and mind

[00:06:41] with the golden elixir of peace and presence imbibed through the subtle senses.

[00:06:48] Recognize that this elixir is a metaphor.

[00:06:52] Many traditional meditation techniques use metaphor as a teacher

[00:06:56] because it bypasses the overly analytical mind

[00:06:59] and produces an image in the mind which speaks instantly to your subconscious.

[00:07:05] The elixir you are drinking in this meditation could be a cup of your favorite tea

[00:07:10] or whatever your own palate enjoys.

[00:07:14] Once you have settled into a cozy and relaxed position in your bed,

[00:07:20] close your eyes and let your breath become slow and steady

[00:07:27] like the gentle rhythm of the ocean waves.

[00:07:33] With each inhale, imagine drawing in the pure essence of life,

[00:07:40] filling your being with revitalizing energy.

[00:07:46] With each exhale, release any tension or worries that may be lingering in your mind or body,

[00:07:54] allowing yourself to surrender fully to the present moment.

[00:08:00] Breathe in through your nostrils and breathe out through your mouth.

[00:08:11] Breathing in this way, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth,

[00:08:18] feel the relief as unnecessary tension melts away from your face, neck, jaw and shoulders.

[00:08:30] Now try to breathe in and out through the nostrils.

[00:08:35] Both the inhale and exhale are through the nose if possible.

[00:08:41] Of course, feel free at any time to breathe through the mouth if that feels more comfortable.

[00:08:49] Your breath is very personal. Allow it to guide you and reveal how it wants to move.

[00:08:57] Be gentle as you make suggestions to the breath about how long each inhale, exhale

[00:09:05] and the pauses between each breath should last.

[00:09:09] Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.

[00:09:34] Continue gently breathing at your own pace for a few moments.

[00:10:04] Breathe in, breathe out, breathe out.

[00:10:35] In drinking Soma, the ancient seers, rishis would imbibe the essence of the plant by drinking the juice.

[00:10:50] Symbolically though, drinking Soma is assimilating the essence of life itself.

[00:10:57] Too often in our daily lives, we become numb to the mystery of being that surrounds us.

[00:11:04] We can lose the sense of wonder that we once felt. It's as though our senses have been doled.

[00:11:13] Soma is the elixir of life, but not because it bestows immortality, at least not in the sense of a physical body enduring forever,

[00:11:23] but because the real elixir is the present moment in the sweet juice of living in the now.

[00:11:31] When you see your child get married or graduate from college, or even spending a simple Sunday evening with loved ones,

[00:11:39] your capacity to drink in the essence of that moment is your capacity to live life to the fullest.

[00:11:47] As you drift off to sleep tonight, enjoy practicing the art of pure appreciation and savoring the essence of what is here and now.

[00:11:59] Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.

[00:12:17] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:12:47] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:13:17] As you continue to breathe deeply, let your awareness turn inward to the sacred space within you where the elixir of life resides.

[00:13:37] This elixir holds the power to grant profound spiritual insight.

[00:13:43] As you drink this golden elixir, you feel its healing light showering down through your entire body as a sweet nectar.

[00:13:56] Savor the delicious sweetness of this moment in the here and now free from attachment.

[00:14:14] The physical world is in a constant state of flow and change and transformation.

[00:14:28] The more we cling to these forms, the more they slip through our grasp.

[00:14:34] The gift of mindfulness is to drink in the essence of this moment.

[00:14:41] You need not drink the juice of the Soma plant.

[00:14:44] It could be the delicious liquid extracted from your favorite tea leaves instead.

[00:14:50] The deep concentration and awareness are the awakening that the elixir bestows.

[00:14:57] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:15:05] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:15:13] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:15:22] Continue on.

[00:15:35] Breathe out, breathe out.

[00:15:45] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:16:25] visualize the moon situated at the base of your skull.

[00:16:31] This is known as the Amrita Bindu or Nectar Droplet.

[00:16:36] In the written script of the Sanskrit language, there is also a marking known as the Amrita

[00:16:42] Bindu as well.

[00:16:44] It is pronounced by producing a slightly nasal sound that vibrates in a particular part

[00:16:50] of the palate.

[00:16:52] The vibration stimulates the brain in a particular way that can bring about focus and relaxation.

[00:17:02] If you've ever seen the symbol for OM, you will have seen the Bindu at the top of that

[00:17:08] symbol.

[00:17:11] Visualizing the moon at the base of your skull, you bring awareness to the area that

[00:17:16] is meant to be stimulated by that sound.

[00:17:22] Experience this point in the subtle body.

[00:17:27] See a crescent moon at the base of your skull in this subtle version of your physical body.

[00:17:37] Imagine the subtle body as being the same size and shape as your physical body, but

[00:17:44] it is composed of light.

[00:17:49] Imagine this radiant lunar energy at the base of the skull.

[00:17:55] Imagine that a droplet of nectar begins to form and drip from the moon.

[00:18:02] It's as though the nectar droplet releases onto your palate, and you are able to drink

[00:18:12] this elixir inwardly.

[00:18:17] It will become an anchor for you to awaken in the present moment as you experience life.

[00:18:29] It will enliven and enhance your ability to savor the essence of life, instead of checking

[00:18:36] out or muddling through the precious moments of your existence.

[00:18:43] The moon at the base of the skull.

[00:18:49] The moon at the base of the skull.

[00:18:56] Nectar droplet forming on the moon.

[00:19:03] Nectar droplet forming on the moon.

[00:19:10] The palate opens and receives the droplet of immortality, and in this moment you are fully

[00:19:18] present and alive.

[00:19:23] Immortality is not meant to be viewed as the body enduring forever.

[00:19:28] It is accessing the eternal dimension in the here and now.

[00:19:35] It is outside of time.

[00:19:39] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:19:48] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:19:57] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:20:05] Continue.

[00:20:09] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:20:19] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:20:29] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:20:39] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:20:49] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:21:09] The refinement of the human experience through these rigorous practices sublimates the physical

[00:21:25] energies of the body to a subtle substance.

[00:21:32] Practitioners seem to have a radiant glow as they advance in these practices.

[00:21:39] According to adept yogis, the practice can yield a sweet aroma or even a sweet taste in

[00:21:45] the mouth.

[00:21:48] This experience is ascribed to the radiance of the body which has transformed into an elixir.

[00:21:57] It is the elixir of radiant health and serenity.

[00:22:04] These yoga practitioners become very sensitive to the subtle changes of their body and mind.

[00:22:12] In this moment, see yourself as an adept of yoga, imagining that through your dedication

[00:22:18] to practice you have realized the ability to sense this subtle substance, this nectar,

[00:22:26] this golden elixir of life.

[00:22:31] Notice that this experience is a refined and subtle process that usually comes only with

[00:22:37] long practice.

[00:22:40] For now, allow your imagination to capture your fascination.

[00:22:47] Stay with the image of yourself as an advanced yogic sage with direct knowledge of this

[00:22:53] inner experience, having tasted the elixir of life for yourself.

[00:23:01] Just describing the taste of honey can never substitute for tasting it yourself.

[00:23:07] This elixir, this essence of insight must be experienced directly in order to know its

[00:23:14] sweetness.

[00:23:17] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:23:24] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:23:33] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:23:46] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:23:56] Breathe out.

[00:24:06] Breathe out.

[00:24:16] Breathe out.

[00:24:26] Breathe out.

[00:24:40] Alchemists who sought to transform base metal into gold, sought a substance they called the

[00:24:48] philosopher's stone.

[00:24:50] In addition to its magical ability to turn base metal into noble metals like gold and silver,

[00:24:58] the philosopher's stone also called the elixir of life confers enlightenment and immortality

[00:25:05] upon one who possesses it.

[00:25:08] In alchemical symbolism, the philosopher's stone represents the ultimate goal of the

[00:25:14] alchemical quest.

[00:25:16] Alchemists believed that through the process of creating or discovering the philosopher's

[00:25:22] stone, they could unlock the secrets of nature, transcend the limitations of the material

[00:25:28] world and achieve a state of spiritual illumination.

[00:25:34] It's clear that Soma and the philosopher's stone are expressions of the same phenomenon.

[00:25:40] In addition to their pursuits in metallurgy and experimental chemistry, many alchemists also

[00:25:48] engaged in inner spiritual practices aimed at personal transformation and enlightenment.

[00:25:56] Inner alchemy recognizes the elixir of life as a symbol of transcendence, having the

[00:26:03] ability to move beyond the limits of the material world.

[00:26:08] See yourself relaxing with the elixir of your choice, a soothing cup of tea or some other

[00:26:17] special drink.

[00:26:19] Visualize this as a sacred elixir.

[00:26:25] As you savor the liquid essence, sense a shimmering golden light that flows through

[00:26:33] every cell of your being, illuminating the darkest corners of your consciousness with

[00:26:40] its radiant glow.

[00:26:46] With each breath, feel the presence of your inner being growing stronger within you,

[00:26:53] awakening wisdom and intuition.

[00:26:59] And as you journey deeper into relaxation, imagine yourself surrounded by the pure healing

[00:27:08] energy of this golden elixir, like a cocoon of light that envelops you in its embrace.

[00:27:17] Allow this radiant substance to penetrate every layer of your being, purifying and

[00:27:25] revitalizing your body.

[00:27:28] Mind and spirit.

[00:27:33] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:27:39] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:27:47] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:27:58] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:28:08] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:28:18] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:28:27] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:28:55] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:29:02] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:29:15] Breathe out.

[00:29:24] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:29:34] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:29:44] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:29:51] Breathe out, anything holding you back.

[00:29:58] Continue on.

[00:30:21] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:30:31] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:30:41] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:30:50] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:31:00] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:31:10] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:31:20] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:31:30] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:31:39] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:32:02] As you continue to bathe in the soothing light of this elixir, feel yourself drifting into a profound state of relaxation and tranquility.

[00:32:21] Let go of any thoughts or concerns that may be weighing on your mind.

[00:32:30] Knowing that you are held and supported by the divine source of this nectar, the source of life itself.

[00:33:00] Let go of any thoughts or concerns that may be weighing on your mind.

[00:33:10] Let go of any thoughts or concerns that may be weighing on your mind.

[00:33:20] Let go of any thoughts or concerns that may be weighing on your mind.

[00:33:42] This metaphor of Soma is a potent symbol of human potential in the eternal quest for wisdom, transformation and enlightenment.

[00:33:55] In this sacred space of deep relaxation and inner stillness, allow yourself to drift off into a peaceful and restorative sleep.

[00:34:12] Know that as you sleep, the healing energy of this golden elixir will continue to work its magic within you, purifying, rejuvenating and guiding you on your journey towards greater spiritual insight and awakening.

[00:34:35] In these moments of realization, enjoy the sweet nectar of immortal wisdom.

[00:35:35] Sleep.

[00:35:45] Sleep.

[00:35:55] Sleep.

[00:36:05] Sleep.

[00:36:15] Sleep.

[00:36:25] Sleep.

[00:36:35] Sleep.

[00:36:45] Sleep.

[00:36:55] Sleep.

[00:37:05] Sleep.

[00:37:15] Sleep.

[00:37:25] Sleep.

[00:37:35] Sleep.

[00:37:45] Sleep.

[00:37:55] Sleep.

[00:38:05] Sleep.

[00:38:15] Sleep.

[00:38:25] Sleep.

[00:38:35] Sleep.

[00:38:45] Sleep.

[00:38:55] Sleep.

[00:39:05] Sleep.

[00:39:15] Sleep.

[00:39:25] Sleep.

[00:39:35] Sleep.

[00:39:45] Sleep.

[00:39:55] Sleep.

[00:40:05] Sleep.

[00:40:15] Sleep.

[00:40:25] Sleep.

[00:40:35] Sleep.

[00:40:45] Sleep.

[00:40:55] Sleep.

[00:41:05] Sleep.

[00:41:15] Sleep.

[00:41:25] Sleep.

[00:41:35] Sleep.