Bed-In for Inner Peace: 8 Steps to Blanketed Nirvana

In 1969 John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously staged a “bed-in” for world peace. This was actually their very public honeymoon, at the Amsterdam Hotel. It’s unlikely that anyone, ever, will duplicate that eccentric and iconic week which riveted the world during a time of great unrest. But recently I had my own private bed-in (no press invited) in an attempt to enforce some real healing for my dogged case of plantar fasciitis. The podiatrist explained that, had I needed to wear a cast, no one would have questioned my need to stay off my left foot. But, because I could bear weight, I continued to do so, prolonging the agony of this very common ailment of middle age.

My mom possessed a lot of natural wisdom about self-care, and I grew up hearing that “rest is a great healer.” I am always telling that to others, but not very good at following my own advice. Fed up with my foot’s persistent throbbing, I decided to test the theory and truly stay off my foot for the weekend, with the exception of gathering what I needed for the day when I got up each morning, and bathroom breaks of course.

The silver lining of this experience was that my spirit benefited greatly, too. It occurred to me that, while physical ailments are one of the few “legitimate” excuses our society recognizes for rest, our mental and emotional health is so very enriched by down time. Now I am spreading the gospel of the bed-in and hoping to spark an international embrace of the practice. Here are some ingredients for a truly refreshing oasis under the covers:

1. Start with a promise not to apologize for your bed-in. Set the tone by giving yourself permission for a day or weekend of rest. It’s ideal to plan ahead, clearing your calendar and running any necessary errands that might otherwise sabotage your break.

2. If you don’t live alone, let your family or other co-inhabitants know about your plan. Can you coax them to be sure to leave you alone, maybe offering to fund some activities or provide a favor in exchange for their help?

3. Plan ahead to include treats and soothing moments in your day. Consider good reads and good music, easy-to-eat foods that don’t require complex preparation, maybe some pleasurable scents in the form of candles or incense. How about some meditation podcasts? Ideal supplies will vary from person to person, but keep in mind that a day of binge-watching series, eating Doritos, and clicking around on Instagram might not have as helpful an effect as extended periods of quiet and opportunities to engage all senses.

4. Gather your day. Finalize a list of what you will need so you will not leave your bed-in later and find excuses to jump into a household task (or six). Fill a large bowl or box with what you need and keep it on or near the bed.

5. The “to do” list is not verboten. If it helps to clear your mental decks and won’t be too difficult to put aside later, go ahead and write it all down. Knowing you have a plan to come back to can alleviate anxiety about losing time.

6. Embrace the art of musing. It is a luxury to putter, flitting from one activity or idea to the next for a while, then perhaps reading or meditating if you need to come down or regroup.

7. Avoid documenting yourself with selfies or announcements to the wider world about the bed-in. This is truly about “me” time. Keep it quiet and private.

8. Seize the rare treat of extra sleep. If sleep won’t come, simply closing your eyes and listening to soft music might have a similar helpful effect (and who knows, maybe you’ll fall asleep by accident!). Need convincing? Check out this piece in Forbes on “America the Sleep Deprived.”