‘I see.’ It sounds similar to what Saranya Ji said in India, I thought as he continued his explanation. She’d said the reason I had not found love was because I had it programmed into my mind that love was painful and so kept repeating the pattern. I wondered if Simon could help with that. I decided that – if he managed to help cure my insomnia – I might ask him.

‘I can work on programming, that is adding a new belief, or reprogramming, that is taking something away like a fear or trait that isn’t helpful.’

‘In my case, not being able to sleep. When I lie down, I feel wired and can’t unwind at all.’

‘I understand and the more you don’t sleep, the more it can become a vicious circle because your mind is saying, “I can’t sleep” or, “I’m wired”. That is the message your subconscious is receiving and so it makes it a reality. Thought is very powerful. What I’d work on is removing that belief and suggesting to your subconscious mind that you can sleep. Any questions so far?’

‘I don’t think so. Sounds good. I think I would like to go ahead if you have time today.’ So far, I liked Simon. He had an easy way about him and his explanation made sense.

‘I do. I always allow time for a bit of a chat beforehand and then the actual session.’

He told me to get comfortable and close my eyes. ‘I want you to breathe deeply, into your diaphragm. Hold your breath there as long as possible, then let it out through parted lips. Good, you are beginning to feel calm. Again, breathe in …’ As he continued talking, I felt myself beginning to relax. He had a very calming voice and it felt wonderful to stop for a short while and just be there listening, ‘… safe, you are calm, going deeper, five …’ I was beginning to feel drowsy. ‘And now you’re going to, four, mentally relax one body part at a time, three … You feel a relaxing power in the toes of both feet, moving into arches, heels and up to ankles, completely relaxed now …’

For the rest of the session, I was vaguely aware of his voice, soothing, taking me deeper, I heard him count down from ten to one, then count down again. He repeated words about being able to sleep, to rest deeply, waking refreshed. His voice droned on and on …

‘And three two one, wide awake now and back in the room.’

I opened my eyes to see Simon smiling opposite me. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Fine. Good. I … Is that it? Did I fall asleep?’

‘Not exactly,’ said Simon.