Sleep and Surrender

Sleep is a mysterious and wondrous state of being that we all (should) experience each day. It's a time when our bodies and minds relax, our consciousness fades, and we surrender ourselves to the power of nature. In many ways, sleep is an act of surrender and trust. We let go of our fears, worries, and anxieties, and trust that we will awaken to a new day, refreshed and revitalized. From atheists to religious fanatics, from scientists and philosophers to thieves, the rich and the poor, everyone NEEDS sleep.

During the waking hours, we are constantly engaged in various activities and our minds are often preoccupied with thoughts and worries. We human beings have found ways to keep ourselves busy for an entire lifetime and more- maybe that's what makes us human. But there has to be something that keeps us connected to nature- connected to every living being on the planet- to every natural phenomenon happening within and without. The simplest thing that achieves that state of interconnectedness is sleep. Some animals may sleep lesser than we do, some might sleep more. But surely enough, everybody sleeps.

Natural sleep cycles of different animals: check out which of them go to sleep with us human beings!

According to a study that examined 30 different types of primates (do see an orangutan's sleep cycle in the picture provided above), humans sleep less than any other primate species over a 24-hour period. The hypothesis put forth to explain this phenomenon is that humans have faced greater survival pressures in the past, including higher risks of being preyed upon and the need for social interaction, which may have impacted the evolution of our sleep patterns. Today, human sleep is characterized by shorter, deeper periods of sleep, with more REM cycles than other primates. This has been described as a more "efficient" sleep pattern.

In a way, during daytime or "active hours", we are constantly in a state of control and exertion. However, when we sleep, we let go of this control and surrender ourselves to the natural process of rejuvenation and rest. We relinquish our conscious awareness and allow our bodies and minds to enter a state of unconsciousness. This surrendering of control can be seen as a form of submission to the natural order of things, acknowledging that there are certain forces beyond our control.

As human beings, we often strive to control every aspect of our lives. We meticulously plan and execute our actions, hoping for a desired outcome. However, despite our best efforts, there are things that remain beyond our control. It is crucial for us to acknowledge and accept this reality. By surrendering to the fact that there are certain things that we cannot control, we free ourselves from the burden of unrealistic expectations. When we let go of this desire for control, we become more adaptable and open to new experiences. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment in our lives- because then we are not tied down to anything- not even our own expectations.

It may seem paradoxical, but the more we try to control everything, the more we set ourselves up for disappointment. Our desire for control creates an expectation of a specific outcome, and when reality does not match up, we become frustrated or even disillusioned. By accepting the things that are beyond our control, we can release ourselves from this cycle of expectation and disappointment.

Attributing all negative outcomes to external factors outside of our control is not only an unhealthy behaviour but also a disempowering one. It denies us the opportunity to take ownership and responsibility for our lives, and instead promotes an unhealthy victim mentality. While it is true that there are external factors that can influence our lives, it is important to recognize that we also have agency and the ability to make choices.

In a previous blog, we discussed about Tatwamasi, a concept, that talks about unity (a port of it). Sleep is a phenomenon that is not limited to human beings alone. In fact, it is an activity that unites all living beings on this planet, be it animals or plants.

The act of surrendering oneself to sleep is seen as a form of surrender to a higher power, a reminder that there are certain things beyond our control. This surrender is not a sign of weakness, but rather an acceptance of our limitations as human beings. Just acknowledging the fact that there could be things that are beyond our control is nothing short of bravery.