Let the Day Go: A Calming Night Meditation

Find your way to a comfortable position now. Settling into the quiet of this space. Allowing the day to finally come to a close. Last time, we began the practice of letting the day go. Tonight, we continue that gentle release. Bring your awareness to your breath. This quiet, steady rhythm. Noticing the gentle rise of your inhale… and the soft release of your exhale.

Feel the air as it enters… and as it leaves. An effortless, natural cycle. There is nothing you need to do… but be here with this breath. Now, allow your attention to drift down into your body. Feel the weight of you… held and supported completely. Notice the points of contact between your body and the surface beneath you.

Let your forehead soften. Allow the tiny muscles around your eyes to release. Let your shoulders drop away from your ears… releasing any weight they have carried. Feel your hands resting, open and soft. Your whole body, growing heavier… and more still. As you rest here, thoughts from the day may arise. That is perfectly alright.

There is no need to push them away. Instead… when a thought appears… simply acknowledge its presence. And then, imagine a gentle stream flowing through a quiet, moonlit forest. Picture placing that thought onto a single, dry leaf… and letting it go… into the water. Watch as the current carries it softly away… downstream… until it drifts peacefully out of sight.

And then you return your awareness… back to your quiet breath. Another thought may come. Another leaf on the stream. Each one floating gently by. There is no rush here. When you feel ready… you can allow this stream to fade. Bringing your awareness back to the feeling of your body resting. Back to the quiet sound of your own breathing in the stillness of the room.

There is nothing left to do. Simply rest. May you sleep deeply… and peacefully.