Embracing The Night

At night we should be able to break free from our daytime stresses. After all, we aren’t really expecting someone to send us an email or receive a phone call when we are asleep – theoretically at least.

Nevertheless, far too many of us toss and turn during the night, worrying about the day ahead and possibly making mountains out of molehills along the way. I know I have done this far too many times myself and you, dear reader, probably have done so also? However, you could gain the maximum calming effects of the late hours by considering the following:

Take A Walk

Go for a walk with your friend, just after the sun has set. You do not need to engage in any conversation and do make sure to set your phone to silent mode. Stroll, breathe deeply and take in all the sounds of the night along the way.

Doing this can induce relaxation, even in particularly stressed individuals. What do you hear? Is it frogs, crickets, some nocturnal bird, or even the noise of traffic in the distance? All of this reflects that life is still going on, and making a mental note of these sounds can be very relaxing indeed.

You could also take the opportunity to really explore the natural world at night, as the light of the silvery moon really does show us Mother Nature’s remarkable beauty at this particular time.

Do pay attention to all the smells and sounds the night time brings, take note of the lovely nocturnal animals you see. It will remind you that even on the darkest night, life has not stopped and still has so much beauty and wonder to show you.

I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night ~ Sarah Williams

Night time is also when you can really take the chance of exploring the Universe itself and all the other galaxies that are out there! How does this make your problems feel? Relative, or what?

Gaze At The Moon And Stars

The Moon exerts a force upon Mother Earth, which is why there are ocean tides. Furthermore, researchers have also found that animals tend to exhibit different behavior depending upon how intense the moonlight is. Indeed, from the very dawn of time, individuals have believed the Moon has spiritual powers. In fact, many ancients even orchestrated their lives around its cycle, as they thought it to be their earthly guide.

Take a meditative walk on an evening when the Moon is particularly bright, and allow yourself to become empowered by the energy it exudes. If you are into stargazing, which has become more trendy lately, you can also learn to recognize the stars and constellations.

The Constellation of Orion, for example, is to be found in the Northern Hemisphere and can be likened to the shape of an hourglass. Sirius, often referred to as the sky’s brightest star (some compare it to a disco ball) can be found in the Greater Dog Constellation, otherwise known as Canis Major. Take your time to notice how differently the stars twinkle – and how they make you feel inside!

Unleash Your Creativity

Some of the world’s most excellent musicians, writers, artists and poets in history found their inspiration during the night. Why not become inspired at night time too, by allowing your creative juices to flow. Who knows, it could result in your first novel! Also, writing down your thoughts and feelings at night can be very good for your emotional well-being.

As you observe the sky’s darkness, you will come to find that it evolves into the most stunning blue colors, once your eyes become used to the scarcity of light. In fact, these colors are believed to be so very magical they inspired the phenomenon of what has come to be known as ‘night paintings.’ The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh is a prime example.

Also, trees, particularly in the winter, can provide the most fascinating of silhouettes to play with at night time. So, gaze up to the heavens, and the nature around you, and create a night painting all of your own. Purely for the fun of it… it need not be a masterpiece.

I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Slumber Like A Tree

Would you believe that trees actually ‘sleep’ at night? Well, according to research, the branches of trees relax at night time, which is believed to be a sign of them sleeping. Take a stroll out in the evening and while doing so, notice the trees. Do their branches looked more relaxed to you? Are they showing signs of sagging?

Close your eyes and visualize yourself as being a sleeping tree. Imagine strong roots growing from the soles of your feet into the ground, stabilizing you as they go deeper. Make sure that your head is held high and proud, like a mighty, old oak tree and then relax all your muscles by dropping your body a little. This exercise alone can help you to let go of any stress or tension you may have accumulated during the day.

Keep A Night Journal

Do you ever find yourself waking at night and raring to go? If so, this is not necessarily a sign of stress or anxiety, but more a need to release your ambitions. Instead of fighting it, providing you can allocate yourself some time to sleep later, write down how you are feeling and any ideas or thoughts that come to mind, as this is more than likely the Universe pointing you in the right direction to go in life.

I truly hope that these suggestions will help you to embrace the darkness, rather than dread it, as by doing so, there are so many benefits to be had.