Listen, Then Practice
Guilt Does Not Restore the Lost Hour
Waking can trigger a trial about the night so far: I should have gone to bed earlier. I broke my promise. This is my punishment. Perhaps you did choose television, work, food, play, or connection over the bedtime you intended. That choice may deserve learning, but punishment adds more activation now.
Human needs conflict. Taking responsibility includes accepting that you made a choice and deciding what would care for you next.
Tapping: I Do Not Have to Be Punished Awake
Side of the Hand: Even though I feel guilty because I promised myself I
would go to bed earlier and did not, I may have been caring for another need.
I cut it close, and now I am awake. It feels as though this is biting me in the
butt. If I could rest now, tomorrow would be easier.
Even though part of me thinks I am being punished, I can acknowledge the choice
without attacking myself all night.
Top of the Head: I did not go to sleep when I said I would.
Eyebrow: I knew I needed an earlier bedtime.
Side of the Eye: And that may have been my only downtime.
Under the Eye: I felt that other need too.
Under the Nose: Maybe I needed to finish one more thing.
Chin: I made choices.
Collarbone: And I can learn from them.
Under the Arm: It still does not feel okay.
Top of the Head: Sometimes genuine needs conflict.
Eyebrow: I accept that I get to make imperfect choices.
Side of the Eye: I chose one kind of care earlier.
Under the Eye: I can choose rest now.
Under the Nose: Letting myself off the hook does not erase responsibility.
Chin: It gives me a chance to feel better in the morning.
Collarbone: I invite good rest even though I missed my intended bedtime.
Under the Arm: Humanity is messier than the perfection model.
Top of the Head: I do not have to be punished for being imperfect.
Take a breath. Let tomorrow’s learning remain tomorrow’s task.