Some people are stuck in old beliefs and unproductive patterns and can't seem to break free. Others have lost their groove, and are stumbling along, knowing that they are not in harmony with their true selves or the music deep in their hearts. Mingled among them are those, who are asleep. Inevitably, one day, someone or something will shake them awake. Startled, they may feel lost, disoriented and maybe even afraid, as each of them must then face the reality of the life that has passed by, their present-day issues and the dream they have ignored.
On a mental, emotional and physical level, sleep is necessary - helping us to feel rested, nourished, energised and motivated. Restorative sleep sets us up to be efficient and productive. Sometimes, we engage in a psychological sleep to hide from negativity - stress, problems, overwhelm, pain, heartache, bewilderment, disappointment, etc. However, psychological sleep prevents us from exploring our potential, pursuing our dreams and living fulfilled lives.
It's time to wake up because - Sleep blinds us. While we hide in asleep, problems go unsolved because we can't find solutions. We can't be grateful for blessings in adversity because we can't see them. We are oblivious to pleasure in the mundane. We miss the possibilities in unexpected occurrences.
Sleep obscures time. The flow of life does not slow down or stop because we are tired, frustrated, angry, bitter, confused, bruised, broken or falling apart. Sleep lures us with the lie that things will work out if we leave them alone. However, difficulties wreak havoc while we are a sleep. We lose our seat on the bus to career advancement. We must be awake to tend to love or it will not survive the neglect. Additionally, sometimes, dreams fade when we don't pursue them.
Sleep dims passion. When we come face-to-face with the sheer expanse of our vision and magnitude of the work involved on the journey to our dreams, psychological sleep offers calm from the overwhelm and safety from possible disappointment and failure. Sometimes, we think that sleep is an easy way out of the commitment and sacrifice our dreams demand. Unfortunately, sleep also dims the light of our passion.
Sleep numbs. When the monotony of hectic days filled with responsibilities become overwhelming, sleep entices with a false sense of ease and freedom. We think we are getting "away from it all" when in reality, we are growing numb when we should be busy - efficient, productive, honouring our commitments, nurturing ourselves and helping others.
Sleep depletes. Psychological sleep sucks us dry and leaves us empty, listless and unmotivated. That is no state to deal with and forget our past, tackle present-day issues and make significant strides towards our dreams. Sleep derails. The snare of sleep is intoxicating and it easily pulls us off track. In a daze we listen to a different voice, dance to the beat of a different drum and settle into the rhythm of someone else's groove.
Often, the vicissitudes of life cause us to retreat to psychological sleep as an escape. Yet, while we sleep, life goes on and our dreams lay dormant. Eventually, the harsh slap of our reality will come. If we value our lives, our careers, our relationships and our dreams, we have to wake up, get back in sync with the rhythm of our lives and manage our challenges.
Are you asleep - convinced that you are far from and free of negativity? The truth is, your life – the good, the bad and the ugly – is in full play. Arise from your psychological slumber and live your life wide-awake!
