Inadequate Instructions for just about anything, Ch. 1

Insomnia

Step 1:  The mind is more than just about chemistry.   What the "more" is remains a great mystery--especially when you wake up at 3:00 am.   Then whatever chemicals going through the brain are markedly different than what is experienced earlier in the day.

Step 2:  Insomnia is more than emotions.  However, when you wake up at 3:00 you can be certain that you are experiencing some emotions that are keeping you up.

Step 3:  Be the emotions.   I'm not talking about the idea about the emotions.   The actual physical sensations.   For me, the physical sensations will usually be located in the gut.  And they are uncomfortable.   The mind will try to avoid them.  But instead of avoiding them, hang out with them.  Befriend them.  Feel the pain.   Feel how you are hurting.  There is nothing wrong with it.    

Step 4:  Instead of counting sheep, count breaths.  That's all you have to do.  At 3:00 am, the mind will be a wild bucking bronco.   Something like Tim Tebow only without the saintly demeanor.  Or whatever.  All you have to do is breathe.   Nothing else matters.  Start with the number 1 when you exhale, then when you reach the tenth exhale (that is, when you reach the number 10) start again at one.  

Step 5:  Repeat step 1.  Rest assured that whatever chemical state you are in, it too will pass.  Everything you think is an illusion.  When whatever chemicals are inhabiting your brain circulate and are replaced by new chemicals, your entire outlook on life will be different.

Step 6:  Repeat step 3.   As Jim Morrison would say, break on though to the other side.  Find out what is on the other side of your emotions and pain.   By the time you start doing this, you will be fast asleep.  And dreaming funky dreams.  Like you are boating or sailing or swimming on a large body of water.  With sharks.  Every body of water has a few sharks, right?

Step 7:   If for some reason you are not asleep, relax and feel your heart beat.  Feel the blood coursing though you carotid artery to your brain.   After all, you are more than the rhythm of blood and chemicals.  What the more is is unclear.   Especially at 3:00 am.

Step 8:  Read.  Preferably a book of science fiction.

Step 9:  Have Sex.

Step 10:  Use your imagination if 9 is not an option :-).

Step 11:  Eat some carbs.

Step 12:   Sometimes the body just doesn't need sleep.  There is a good reason for the adrenalin, right?

Step 13:  Repeat steps 1-12.