11 Best No-Sleep Shifting Methods

Visualizing your desired reality without falling asleep

Co-authored by Joanna Gerard and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: December 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Trying to shift, but can’t get to sleep? Or maybe you just can’t wait to catch some Zs. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get where you’re going without nodding off. If you’re new here, “shifting” is a form of deep meditation and visualization. Many believe it can transport you to a new reality, but most methods involve falling asleep first. For the insomniac shifters among us, we’ve come through with 12 handy shifting methods to fall into the new you without falling asleep.

Things You Should Know

Use the No Sleep, Raven, or 369 method to shift without much visualization, which is good for beginners.
Shift with the Julia, Alice in Wonderland, or Train method for a more advanced technique with more visualization.
Relax more easily with the Heartbeat or Blanket method.

1

No Sleep/“I Am” Method

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Manifest your target reality by repeating the words “I am.” Lie on your back, or get into a comfortable position, and relax or meditate for 5-10 minutes. Then, close your eyes and repeat the words “I am” over and over until you naturally start to change the statement into more than “I am.” Once you do, slowly count to 100. When you reach “100,” open your eyes.
- For example, you might begin to think, “I am going to my desired reality.” That means it’s time to start counting.
- There’s no need to visualize with this method, just let the “I am” statements do the work.

2

Julia Method

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Listen to music and imagine your desired reality (DR). To do the Julia method, put on some focus music or binaural beats while meditating for 10 minutes. Then, recite positive affirmations or “I am” statements while vividly visualizing your DR. Once you feel a change, slowly open your eyes.
- Use specific statements that target your DR, like, “I am a successful actress.”
- If you like, count slowly to 100 once you feel the change before opening your eyes to strengthen the shift.

3

Estelle Method

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Listen to music to transport you to a new reality. Put on your favorite song, and imagine yourself dancing with someone from your DR. When the song ends, imagine them inviting you to the DR. Follow them off the dance floor and through a door while repeating shifting affirmations like, “I am walking through this door into my desired reality,” then open your eyes.
- If you feel dizzy after dancing, that’s a sign you’re in the right headspace.

4

Raven Method

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Shift without visualization using the Raven method. Beforehand, write a shifting script that includes your desired appearance, age, and other details of your DR. Wait until you’re physically tired, like just before bed. Then, lie on your bed with your arms and legs sprawled. Count to 100 with your eyes closed, and open your eyes when you reach 100.
- If it helps, recite some shifting affirmations before you count, like, “I am going to shift now.”

5

Alice in Wonderland Method

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Visualize yourself sitting against a tree until you shift. Meditate until you’re in a relaxed state. Then, lie on your back and picture yourself sitting against a tree. Wait until you see someone from your DR run past the tree, then imagine yourself chasing after them and falling down a rabbit hole, where you’ll find a key. Use the key to open a door in your mind into your DR.^{[1]
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- If you feel like you’re physically falling, you’re fully immersed.

6

Heartbeat Method

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Listen to the heartbeat of someone from your DR. Load up an ambient video of heartbeat sounds on your phone. Place your phone under your pillow, then lie with your ear down on your pillow. Close your eyes and imagine you’re lying on the chest of someone from your DR, listening to their heartbeat. Imagine that they ask if you want to shift, and accept the invitation!^{[2]
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- Imagine the person counting to 100, then open your eyes once they’re done.

7

Train Method

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Sit upright in bed with your back against a pillow and close your eyes. Imagine you’re sitting in a train car. Look out the window and visualize scenes and landscapes from your DR. Once you feel a change, imagine the train rolling into a station, and exit the train. When you step onto the station platform, open your eyes.^{[3]
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8

369 Method

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Write your way into a reality shift. Sit down in a comfy chair at a desk or table, with a pen and paper in front of you. First, write the word “shift” 3 times. Beneath that, write your goal for your shift 6 times. Then, write the same goal in the past tense 9 times, this time as though you’ve already done it.^{[4]
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- For example, your goal might be, “I am able to shift right now.”
- Your past-tense goal would be, “I was able to successfully shift.”

9

Blanket Method

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Use a blanket to wrap yourself in your DR. Get your coziest blanket and wrap it around your entire body, including your head. Then, repeat some positive shifting affirmations, like “I am wrapped in my new reality.” When you feel a change, count slowly to 100, while imagining positive aspects of your DR. Finally, unwrap the new you.^{[5]
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- Close your eyes and keep your face uncovered, to make sure you have enough air.

10

Dax/Storybook Method

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Lie in a comfy position and close your eyes. Then, visualize flipping through the pages of a storybook, with scenes from your DR written on them. As you get to the end of the book, recite affirmations like, “I am in my desired reality.” Open your eyes once you flip the last page.^{[6]
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11

Cinn Method

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Imagine yourself and the people you know in your DR. Lie on your back while listening to focus music with your eyes closed. Focus on the shapes behind your eyes and start counting slowly to 100. When you reach 10, imagine your own voice saying “My name is… I am X years old… I live in…”^{[7]
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- At 20, imagine what your DR self looks like.
- At 30, describe what the people you know in your DR look like.
- At 40, repeat affirmations like, “I am shifting.”
- At 50, imagine where you live in your DR.
- Count the rest of the way to 100, then open your eyes.

12

Eye Method

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Use the shapes behind your eyes to shift. Lie down on your back and close your eyes. Use your finger to gently rub your eyelids for a few moments, until you start to see shapes. Construct scenes from your DR around those shapes. Once you’re fully immersed, open your eyes.^{[8]
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- Count to 100 before opening your eyes, if it helps you shift.
- Don’t rub your eyes too hard—the slightest amount of pressure will do.

How Should You Approach Reality Shifting While Awake?

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I develop my intuition and psychic abilities?

Joanna Gerard
Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer
Joanna Gerard is a Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer with over 15 years of professional experience in the field. She specializes in psychic readings and has taught astrology and psychic development classes. As an entrepreneur and writer, she has created her own unique set of Astrology Oracle cards, the Praying Mantis Oracle Deck. Joanna conducts psychic readings for people all over the world and has specific experience working with entrepreneurs and business owners. Her media appearances include interviews with KUSI San Diego and FOX 5 AM News. She has degrees in Mass Communications and Education.

Joanna Gerard

Psychic, Astrologer, & Entertainer

Expert Answer

I was born into a family of psychics and taught myself a lot through studying astrology intensely. Using tools like tarot or oracle cards can help you tap into intuition because the physical act of shuffling and selecting cards helps focus the mind. Being creative through activities like writing, art, or acting also opens up intuition. Meditating and being in nature help clarify thoughts and perceive messages. Overall, working on personal growth and believing in your abilities makes them flourish.

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