Sleepless in Minneapolis

I like to watch Sophie our two year old dog sleep. I often watch her hoping somehow I will unlock the secret to deep and restful sleep. As I go through stressful projects at work, I notice how my sleep suffers. My mind is busy thinking of all sorts of things I need to do the next day. And, just getting older, the foods and spices I have always loved now keep me up at night.

Ah, but don't fret, I am told. There's a drug for that. Whatever malady I can name, there's a fix.

Maybe my cholesterol is too high - don't worry. I can take a pill and go back to eating what I want. Can't fall asleep, pop a pill before my head hits the pillow. Can't wake up, espresso will pick me right up. Too much acid in my stomach - a multitude of options will come to my aid. But each one of these potions often presents other problems that only leads to popping more pills. And some of these lead to even more sleeplessness.

No such problems for Sophie. Sophie requires no assistance. She circles several times to pick her spot and then flops down, always happy with her position. She rests her chin on my lap. I rub her soft furry head and can feel how every muscle in her body is relaxed and pliable. And then after a big inhale, she exhales like a deflating balloon.

Just watching her relaxes me. I settle and feel my muscles relax. I breathe deeper and exhale fully. And, if I give myself permission, I myself give in to sleep.

If I could only bottle up Sophie's method, I would be a millionaire.

How wonderful it is to sleep.