Trusting Your Decisions ✨ Sleep Meditation

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

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[00:01:20] Welcome to the Life Writing Podcast where married authors and screenwriters Stephen Barnes

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[00:01:59] We are all faced with many decisions on a given day, but those choices can sometimes

[00:02:04] be difficult or exhausting to make.

[00:02:07] It can be easy to get twisted up trying to decide what to have for lunch or how to reply

[00:02:12] to a certain email.

[00:02:14] So when it comes to the really big choices in life, overwhelm and indecision can kick

[00:02:19] in fast.

[00:02:21] Analysis paralysis is when we overthink in an attempt to make the wisest choice, but

[00:02:26] in the process get so in our heads that no choice is made and we feel paralyzed by the

[00:02:32] indecision.

[00:02:33] For literal years I perseverated over whether to stay or leave a particular agent I had

[00:02:39] when I was an on-camera actress in Los Angeles.

[00:02:42] Our relationship was strained and I felt near constant anxiety about it.

[00:02:47] A big part of me wanted to leave, but I felt like I needed to stay in it because she offered

[00:02:53] me opportunities that I feared I wouldn't get elsewhere.

[00:02:57] I went back and forth about it for way too long and was paralyzed by indecision.

[00:03:03] Now from the glorious perspective that hindsight offers, I can easily see that I was run by

[00:03:10] fear and that if I had left sooner I would have figured it out and also probably been

[00:03:15] in a healthier place mentally.

[00:03:18] I'm not quite sure who said it first, but the quote, make a decision and make it right,

[00:03:24] is something I've been trying to live by.

[00:03:27] Every choice we make has downsides and upsides, but to make a choice and make it right means

[00:03:33] we are actively looking for the good instead of the bad in that choice.

[00:03:38] It also takes some of the pressure off of ourselves to make the right choice.

[00:03:43] Whether I am choosing to eat eggs instead of oatmeal for breakfast or whether to stay

[00:03:47] or leave a particular relationship, the premise is the same.

[00:03:51] Also, I find that in the moment we make a choice, new roads appear to us.

[00:03:56] New thoughts and opportunities quickly arise.

[00:04:00] If you've made a decision that doesn't benefit you, that will become clear more quickly too

[00:04:05] and then you can simply choose again.

[00:04:09] Meditation is such a wonderful tool to have in your pocket when learning to trust your

[00:04:13] decisions.

[00:04:14] It allows you to get quiet and still and really feel in your gut which direction most aligns

[00:04:20] with your inner being.

[00:04:22] Tonight, we are going to bring peace to our hearts by trusting our decisions and thereby

[00:04:28] trusting ourselves.

[00:04:30] Take a deep breath and feel all your cares, worries, and uncertainties drift away as we

[00:04:36] prepare to connect with our inner voices and meditate together to

[00:04:41] Trusting Your Decisions by Billy Gill

[00:04:54] The idea of making a definite choice and committing to that course of action is reflected in Lao-Tzu's

[00:05:00] Tao Te Ching, which is the principal text of Taoism.

[00:05:04] He says that you should follow your path to the end.

[00:05:08] Whenever you commit to a path, you will inevitably encounter some difficulties.

[00:05:13] See the difficulties as opportunities.

[00:05:16] Following a path entails not following countless other paths.

[00:05:21] It's unknowable whether or not another path might have had more or fewer obstacles.

[00:05:27] As you follow the path you have chosen, you will make even more decisions along the way.

[00:05:34] In effect, whenever you make a decision to go this way instead of that way, you are

[00:05:39] engaging in a process of cutting away possibilities.

[00:05:44] Lao-Tzu would also advise that as you find the path, you may follow the Tao.

[00:05:50] The Tao means the way.

[00:05:52] It's the path that flows with the nature of the universe.

[00:05:57] Like water flows into the empty spaces, the Tao flows along the natural lines of the universe

[00:06:03] according to the principle of wu-wei, non-interference.

[00:06:08] Wu-wei means doing nothing extra.

[00:06:12] Our minds often overcomplicate matters as we fret and consider all the choices we might

[00:06:18] have made, adding worry and anxiety when really all that is necessary is to follow the path

[00:06:25] that reveals itself in every small step.

[00:06:30] This brings our attention to the here and now.

[00:06:33] When decisions are tricky, we can slow down and take care not to make mistakes.

[00:06:39] But in any case, we must eventually cut away alternatives in order to follow any path at

[00:06:45] all.

[00:06:46] Tonight's sleep meditation will help you trust the path that you are on, however difficult

[00:06:52] it may be.

[00:06:53] In those moments of difficulty, you will find opportunities to be more present and to find

[00:06:59] your way through the path you have chosen.

[00:07:03] Sometimes it may not feel that we have chosen our path at all.

[00:07:06] We may feel that we are thrust into a set of circumstances that we wouldn't have picked

[00:07:11] for ourselves had we been given anything like a choice.

[00:07:15] On a certain level, this is the basic situation that every human being finds themselves in

[00:07:20] at any given moment.

[00:07:23] The events and circumstances in our lives that form much of our identity and experience

[00:07:28] have a seemingly random quality to them.

[00:07:31] The human condition finds us already existing in a world that we did not create and can't

[00:07:37] fully control.

[00:07:39] We inherit cultural, historical, and social contexts already in place.

[00:07:46] It's as though we've been thrown into an existence not of our own choosing.

[00:07:51] This thrownness shapes who we are and the possibilities available to us.

[00:07:57] By acknowledging these constraints, we become aware of the focus that shape our actions

[00:08:03] and decisions.

[00:08:05] When we see how much of what we call normal is actually a function of our own thrownness,

[00:08:11] we can strive for greater authenticity in our decisions, living in accordance with our

[00:08:17] own values and beliefs, rather than simply adopting those of the society we are thrown

[00:08:22] into.

[00:08:24] To be truly authentic, one must live in a way that is true to ourselves and one's own

[00:08:29] possibilities.

[00:08:31] Reflecting on this, you can decide to follow the path that is true to yourself and trust

[00:08:37] that by choosing what is right according to your own values and the constraints, you make

[00:08:42] the most authentic choice.

[00:08:45] Relax into that authenticity and breathe slowly through your nose on an inhalation.

[00:08:52] Exhaling through your mouth, let go of whatever is not authentically you.

[00:09:00] Again, breathe in and accept the situation you find yourself in in the here and now.

[00:09:09] Breathe out through your mouth to release what is not essential to your being.

[00:09:16] Once more, inhale through the nose, accept what is.

[00:09:27] Exhale through the mouth, releasing tension, worry, anxiety about how others may judge

[00:09:34] your decisions, honoring your most authentic self.

[00:09:44] Feel your body surrendering into the comfort of your mattress.

[00:09:49] Allow yourself to become calm and steady.

[00:09:54] Feel free to make any final adjustments to your posture or bedding, but then try to be

[00:10:00] still.

[00:10:01] It's okay if you have to move, but make sure that you are conscious of any movements.

[00:10:08] No unconscious movement.

[00:10:12] Watching your belly rise and fall with each inhale and exhale, breathe in and out through

[00:10:22] the nostrils now as you mentally repeat to yourself.

[00:10:29] Sw considerably out through the nostrils.

[00:10:37] Stay inches away from the inhaler, and then keep breathing and relaxing slowly.

[00:10:47] Continue on.

[00:10:48] In this moment, accept the authenticity that you have in your being.

[00:11:59] Authenticity of the present moment.

[00:12:03] Allow it to be as it is.

[00:12:07] This present moment is how existence is presenting itself to your consciousness in the here and

[00:12:13] now.

[00:12:16] Practice acceptance without judgment.

[00:12:20] Recognize that most of the circumstances of life are the result of conditions outside

[00:12:25] of your control.

[00:12:28] The one thing you will always have the freedom to choose is how you will respond to those

[00:12:34] circumstances.

[00:12:37] This is the power of meditation.

[00:12:41] Allow your mind to observe what is, without pushing or pulling on your experience.

[00:12:49] As you breathe calmly in and out through the nose, simply observe what is arising in your

[00:12:57] own mind.

[00:13:05] Try to notice if you get caught in the tendency to become identified with the thoughts that

[00:13:11] come up.

[00:13:12] As soon as you discover that your awareness has been lured away from the gentle rhythm

[00:13:25] of your breath flowing in and out of your nostrils, simply return to the breath and

[00:13:32] let the thoughts come and go.

[00:13:37] Don't hold on to anything.

[00:13:41] Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.

[00:14:01] Continue on at your own pace.

[00:17:05] Imagine yourself walking through a dense and beautiful forest.

[00:17:10] The foliage is so thick that you are unable to find your way through, except that with

[00:17:16] each step, the light dapples the path beneath your feet.

[00:17:25] Each step illuminates the path.

[00:17:29] It's as though the path is appearing as you walk.

[00:17:36] We must choose a path in life.

[00:17:39] Even not choosing is a choice.

[00:17:44] Those choices are decisions that cut away the alternatives.

[00:17:50] Trust that each decision is the right decision.

[00:17:59] The path appears as you walk it.

[00:18:03] Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.

[00:20:23] Trust that the choices you make will lead you to your destination, even if the path

[00:20:30] may seem uncertain at times.

[00:20:40] Embrace the journey, knowing that every twist and turn is an opportunity for growth and

[00:20:48] discovery.

[00:20:54] With every step you take, feel a sense of trust and surrender enveloping you.

[00:21:05] Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.

[00:23:25] Trust in the path that lies before you, knowing that it will lead you exactly where you need

[00:23:32] to be.

[00:23:38] Trust in the empty spaces, the moments of uncertainty and unknown.

[00:23:45] For it is in these spaces that growth and transformation occur.

[00:23:55] Reassure yourself with every calm and steady breath that you are walking your own authentic

[00:24:03] path.

[00:24:04] It's normal to want the certainty of a prescribed path.

[00:24:16] It's comforting to know that you are on a well-trodden way.

[00:24:22] While there are many who have gone before, your own authentic path belongs to you alone.

[00:24:33] As you walk along your own unique path in life, the more you trust the deep truth within

[00:24:41] you, the more you will find helpers appear to offer you guidance and support.

[00:24:55] Return to your gentle, easy breathing.

[00:25:01] The mind is calm and steady as you allow images, thoughts, feelings, and emotions to rise and

[00:25:11] fall as you tread this pathless path of your authentic self.

[00:25:21] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:25:28] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:25:36] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:27:45] Intuition is your inner compass, guiding you towards what feels right and true for you.

[00:27:54] By trusting in your intuition, you acknowledge the wisdom that resides within you and honor

[00:28:02] your innate ability to navigate life's complexities with clarity and confidence.

[00:28:09] Silently, in your mind, repeat this affirmation to yourself with feeling and conviction.

[00:28:20] I trust my intuition and follow its guidance with confidence and clarity.

[00:28:33] I trust my intuition and follow its guidance with confidence and clarity.

[00:28:44] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:28:51] Breathe in, breathe out.

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

[00:31:05] Your journey is uniquely yours, shaped by your experiences, values, and aspirations.

[00:31:16] Embracing your authentic self means accepting and celebrating all aspects of who you are,

[00:31:24] including your strengths, flaws, and quirks.

[00:31:29] It's about recognizing that authenticity is your greatest asset and embracing it wholeheartedly.

[00:31:37] Silently, in your mind, repeat this affirmation to yourself with feeling and conviction.

[00:31:48] I honor my unique journey and embrace my authentic self.

[00:31:58] I honor my unique journey and embrace my authentic self.

[00:32:07] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:32:14] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:32:18] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:34:30] Trusting your path means having faith in the journey, even when the road ahead seems unclear

[00:34:37] or challenging.

[00:34:41] It's about cultivating a sense of inner knowing that you are exactly where you need to be,

[00:34:48] and that every twist and turn serves a purpose in shaping your growth and evolution.

[00:34:55] Silently, in your mind, repeat this affirmation to yourself with feeling and conviction.

[00:35:04] I trust that I am on the right path, even when it feels uncertain.

[00:35:15] I trust that I am on the right path, even when it feels uncertain.

[00:35:25] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:35:32] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:35:36] Breathe in, breathe out.

[00:37:46] Step in awareness from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

[00:37:52] Feel your whole body as one unified field of awareness.

[00:37:59] Acknowledge the deep truth of your being.

[00:38:03] Feel the whole of the physical body.

[00:38:27] Imagine this whole field of awareness filled with light.

[00:40:53] The unique light of your own being, radiant in its own unique form, is worthy of this

[00:41:01] authentic path you are choosing with each step.

[00:41:08] Trust that as you make decisions and follow the flow of life, you are courageously honing

[00:41:15] a life that is the life you were meant for, and that was meant for you.

[00:41:24] Relax into the feeling of support of your mattress, and remember that the universe will

[00:41:30] always support you as well.

[00:41:35] You are an expression of the universe itself, expanding into every moment.

[00:44:44] Sleep, sleep, sleep.