Yogic Sleep: The Hypnagogic State

In the hypnogogic state, you flutter freely in the sky of self-forgetfulness. You forget your ego and its problems long enough to open to the flow of inspiration. If you can become conscious of your dream images for brief moments, you glean wisdom from the other side, your higher Self.

Your mental processes slow down (lower hertz/cycles per second/neural impulses—as measured by an EEG machine), so each thought becomes more powerful as energy released by each thought increases (higher microvolts). Thus, if you go to sleep angry or stressed, you may send poisons into your bloodstream all night long.

If you fall asleep in a centered, open-hearted mood, you can heal your body and wake up with a smile.

The key to expanding your self-introspective abilities is to practice being in this state for as long as possible. Notice how relaxed the mind is, how carefree your spirit must be to objectively observe this state.

Before sleep, train yourself to breathe as deeply as you need to remain as conscious as possible. Yet do not breathe so deeply that you feel any physical stress. Every breath should be the most natural, pleasurable, healing experience.

Never be concerned that you will lose consciousness, yet always challenge yourself to remain awake as long as possible. This choice to increase consciousness opens the third eye: heavenly visions will appear; the inner light may blaze brightly; you may find yourself floating or flying; the drama of duality will become the play of awakening. Realize your true, immortal Self beyond the chatter of your restless mind. Rest in the pleasure of each breath. Find the awakened Center of awareness–empty of technique, striving, or gaining. Be in peace. Be wide awake. Be true to your Self.