Shhhh.... sleeping!

Ages ago I read a survey that showed people would much rather sleep next to someone than alone, even tho they knew it meant they would not sleep as well. I'm v lucky to not sleep alone much even if mainly it's with a farty dog. Much as I find being a dog owner hard, it's at night time that I appreciate his company most. There's something wonderful about that warmth and heartbeat. I spend a lot of my working time talking with parents-to-be about the importance of skin-to-skin after the birth of their baby, how being placed onto mum or dad's chest helps the baby's temperature and breathing regulate, as well as course it being great for bonding. I'm not really a baby person (fortunately or can you imagine how clucky I'd be, the number of babies I meet!). But there's lots I love about babies. The way they initially sleep scrunched up and the joy on a person's face to have a baby sleep in their arms. And then later on, their starfish sleep, arms and legs akimbo, chest exposed to the world, so trusting that they can leave their most vulnerable parts unprotected.

I also feel very privileged to have slept alongside strangers as well as loved ones. Going to conferences or retreats where I've had to share a room with someone I don't know very well, or even have just met, has been a delight. Sleeping is a time when I really don't have the control I'd like – who knows what I might say. Who knows what could happen. It feels like the ultimate act of trust, to let go and fall asleep. I LOVE being that courageous, that trusting, and it's how I want to live my life, waking and sleeping. So if you see me today, I may have my head protected by a bike helmet, or my feet encased to keep out the rough stones, but hopefully my heart will be out there welcoming all in :D