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Tamy Faierman M.D.'s avatar

What a wonderful read, Sikieng! Love how you embraced a new perspective to address an existing problem. The ancient teachings are so full of wisdom and Thay's gentle way of teaching them is a gift to us all 🙏✨

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words, Tamy. I truly appreciate your thoughtful reflection. The wisdom in these ancient teachings is such a gift, and I feel grateful to have the opportunity to learn and share. Thay’s gentle approach makes these teachings so accessible and meaningful for all of us. 🙏 🙏 🙏

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Sandra Vu's avatar

Hi, a good tip. I read Thầy's teaching as well. Also, one thing that helps me with insomnia is this historical lesson.

Our ancestors did not sleep through the night. They woke up in the middle of the night to pray, to light work and even visit their neighbors.

This relieves my guilt of not sleeping straight.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you for sharing that insight, Sandra! It’s fascinating to learn how our ancestors approached sleep so differently. That perspective is really freeing—reminding us that waking up in the middle of the night doesn’t have to feel like a failure, but rather a natural rhythm of rest. I appreciate you adding this historical lesson to the conversation!

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Barry J McDonald's avatar

That's great advice. - I used to use a technique where I would go through each body part and focus on it relaxing and falling asleep.

- It worked for me, but I don't know whether it was the technique or just that I bored myself so much that I fell back to sleep. : )

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

That sounds like a great technique! I love how focusing on the body can bring a sense of relaxation. And hey, whether it was the method or just boredom doing its thing, the important part is that it worked! Thanks for sharing, Barry. I might give that a try next time. 😊

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Seema Nayyar Tewari's avatar

Focusing on breath is a good way to quieten the mind.

You can also try Pranayam, which is alternate nostril breathing. Although this is best done in a seated posture, back upright, eyes closed!❤

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you for sharing, Seema! I hadn’t heard of Pranayama before, but it sounds really interesting. I’ll definitely look into it. It’s amazing how different breathing techniques can help calm the mind.

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ER Kumar🇲🇾's avatar

You are most welcome! 🙂

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

🙂

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ER Kumar🇲🇾's avatar

Thanks for sharing Sikieng 🙏

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you for reading! I really appreciate it.

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Simply Esther's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Sikieng! Every now and then I struggle with insomnia. I was just talking about struggle with jet lag in my note today (which is slightly different)

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing your experience! Jet lag can be such a challenge. I hope you're able to find some rest and adjustment soon!"

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@mindset&mythos's avatar

I started doing something similar to this but I discovered it through the Silva Method, which also encourages breathwork and focus on breath or a part of your body.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

That sounds really interesting! I haven’t heard of the Silva Method before, but it’s amazing how breathwork is a common thread in so many practices. Glad you’ve found something that works for you! :)

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Stephanie Clemons's avatar

I know this struggle all too well and I, too, have learney to resort to breath work when it hits.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

I'm glad to hear that breathwork has helped you too, Stephanie. It’s reassuring to know that others have found comfort in it as well. Sleepless nights can be tough, but finding a way to rest, even without sleep, makes such a difference. Wishing you many peaceful nights ahead!

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Stephanie Clemons's avatar

Thank you, likewise!

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Steve Weinzirl's avatar

Thanks for the good reminder. There are a couple of people I need to mention this too.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

I’m so glad you found it helpful, Steve! I hope it brings them some comfort as well. Thanks for taking the time to share—means a lot! 🙏🙏🙏

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Great post Sikieng. Your insights into calm to encourage adequate rest is empowering. Another piece of knowledge that really helped me with sleepless nights was learning about non-sleep deep rest (NSDR).

NSDR is essentially laying still and not concerning yourself with whether or not you’re sleeping because the body and mind can still recover quite a bit even if you don’t enter into sleep. This provided me peace in knowing I don’t need to stew on missed time from not falling asleep as quickly as I want.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate you sharing this. The idea of non-sleep deep rest sounds fascinating—it’s so reassuring to know that our bodies can still recover even without traditional sleep. I’ll definitely look into it more. Thanks again for your insight, Kyle!😊

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

👊🏻

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

👊🏻

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Melissa Sandfort's avatar

Agreed! I listen to Buteyko breathing meditation when I can’t sleep and I often fall back asleep. The Scottish accent of Patrick Mckeown is also an extra treat! “Relax your ties (thighs)” 😊

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

That sounds really interesting! I haven’t tried Buteyko breathing before, but now I’m curious—especially with the added bonus of a soothing Scottish accent! Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to look into it, Melissa.😊

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