BEING PUT TO SLEEP IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN AWAKENING

Have you ever wondered just how many ways there are to make a conscious person unconscious? You might be thinking, "Oh, here we go—just another Saturday night in a Walmart Parking lot in Florida," but I promise, this is a bit more profound. Or at least, it tries to be. I have heard so many people wishing that the world has an awakening, or no matter what your point of view is, you may want  people to "wake up!" I hear this around environmental and political issues, from parents wanting their children to be better and children wanting their elders to wake up and see their struggles. Either way, in order to wake up, you must be asleep first. So perhaps before we have this mass global awakening, it won't happen until we are all asleep first. 

In a world constantly trying to knock you out—literally and figuratively—it's essential to stay aware. Consider this a survival guide to keeping your eyes open and your mind sharp, even when the universe seems determined to put you to sleep. Remember, you can be asleep while still walking around and living a productive life. 

The Many Ways to Catch Some (Unwanted) Z's

1. **Cut Off the Vitals**
Now, this one's pretty obvious. Cut off someone's air, blood supply, or nervous system, and they're out like a light. Fast or slow, it's effective. You may be starving, dehydrated, or mineral deficient and slowly drifting off into an unconscious state. But are you metaphorically choking right now? Feeling like you're drowning (and not in a poetic way)?

2. **Trauma:**
Who hasn't been there? One minute, you're on your feet, and the next, BAM—life hits you so hard your brain wacks the side of your skull, or your ribs crack, and your knees wobble like a baby deer on ice, only to wind up asleep on whatever turf is lucky to receive you. Maybe it's not a literal punch to the face; perhaps it's that unexpected, gut-wrenching news or seeing a side of yourself or someone else you didn't know could exist—and wish you didn't. Are you in a fight right now, or are you just trying to keep standing? Are you trying to tune out the new information that life keeps teaching you? Knowing the difference between social constructs and nature is a good rule of thumb. (Hit me up for a free call if you want to find out more about that)

3. **Boredom:**
Here's a fun fact: The English Patient Movie is a surefire cure for insomnia. I'd rather shop for manila envelopes at the DMV. Boredom doesn't just put you to sleep; it lulls you into the kind of mind-numbing trance that has you considering starting that drinking habit you've been putting off. But boredom isn't just a snooze fest—it can lead to dangerous habits, like addiction or seeking overstimulation. The antidote? Stay present, pick up a hobby, and change your internal state with breathing, meditation, exercise, or journaling. Trust me, your mind and your body will thank you.

4. **Drugs:**
Okay, I promise I won't bring up Bill Cosby, but let's be honest—drugs are a quick ticket to lights-out-land. Sometimes, you take them on purpose; other times, they're slipped into your drink (so always order that unopened bottle). Sure, substances can show you other states of consciousness, but they won't do the hard work for you. That's your job. Are you tuning out, or are you ready to wake up, smell the discipline, and listen to the voices and other things you may be trying to sleep through?

5. **Too Much Information:**
Have you ever tried to stay awake during a lecture on quantum physics or the minutia of tax code? No? Just me? Well, overwhelm—whether it's from emotions, news feeds, or endless options—can turn your brain to mashed potatoes faster than you can say, "Scroll." Simplify, focus, and stay disciplined, or risk being buried under an avalanche of TMI. Remember, there's liberation in limitation, and humans do not multi-task well, so stop defending the reasons why you're overwhelmed.

My Sleepwalking Days

I was asleep until about 35, and now I feel grateful to have moments of awakened consciousness from time to time. From age 10-35, I was running on pure adrenaline and the idealistic delusion that chaos could be controlled. Spoiler alert: it can't. After a few too many near-misses—falling off stages, dreaming while awake, hallucinations, waking up in random places that I dropped, such as the median of an interstate, a couple of bathroom floors, and the back of a random car in a random parking lot—I realized I needed to change. My stories changed, my sleep improved, and suddenly, I wasn't just surviving—I was thriving.

The Takeaway

Sometimes, the best way to avoid a problem is to acknowledge it could happen to you. Build simple tools, stay aware, and keep the chaos at bay. There's a sickness in the wellness world—too much spectacle, not enough substance. So, ask yourself: Are you looking for validation or true awakening? Spectacle or subtle sustainable passion?

Remember, another word for awakening is "Apocalypse," so your moment of awakening might shatter the world you have built, revealing your true self. So, I invite you to welcome your own personal apocalypse when the zombies become a thriving, simple community. 

We all know what others should do to be better, but do you know what *you* should do? If you're ready to focus on changing yourself and waking up to your true potential, let's work together.

---Book a one-on-one coaching session with me, and let's get you out of autopilot and into a life of conscious, intentional living.

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Stay Awake, Stay Aware