Allow your body to settle into a position that feels comfortable and supported.
Take a slow breath in,
Letting your chest and stomach softly rise.
And then gently release the breath.
Feeling your whole body soften and relax.
There is nowhere you need to be right now and nothing you need to do.
Take another slow breath in.
And gently release.
And if you haven't done so already.
Let your eyes softly close.
In your mind's eye,
Begin to picture a quiet woodland path.
The ground beneath you is covered in fallen leaves.
The air around you is cool and fresh.
And as you breathe in,
You smell the earthy scent of the moss and the leaves.
The forest is full of life.
And as you continue breathing,
Imagine the forest breathing with you.
Steady and calm.
Begin walking slowly along this woodland path.
Hear the leaves rustling under your feet.
With each step,
Feel yourself becoming more settled into this peaceful place.
As you look around you notice the way the light filters through the branches above.
Creating warm patches of sunlight that dance across the ground.
After a few moments you come to a set of old log steps.
Leading downward.
They look inviting.
Safe.
And when you're ready.
Begin to walk down these steps at a slow and hurried pace.
With each step you feel yourself becoming calmer.
Your breathing softens.
Your thoughts quieten.
Your whole being is settling into a place of deep peace.
Countdown as you go.
Nine.
8,
Seven.
Six,
Bye.
Ooh.
3.
Too.
One.
When you get to the bottom of the steps,
You see ancient trees towering over you.
Their roots are reaching deep into the earth,
Grounding them and filling them with life.
As you move forward you notice the plant life that is all around you.
Small shrubs growing under the protection of the tall trees.
Their leaves all different shades of green.
Wildflowers are scattered all around you.
Offering up their sweet calming fragrance.
Be aware of the sounds that are around you.
The rustle of the leaves under your feet.
The distant birdsong as they call to one another.
The wind whispering through the leaves in the trees.
Every sound is grounding.
Calming.
Reassuring.
Take a deep breath in as you absorb all that is around you.
And a slow breath out as you let your whole body surrender to this calming sanctuary.
As you continue your slow,
Peaceful walk.
You are aware of how safe and protective this place is.
With each step you feel more at ease.
You know that you are completely safe here.
Nothing in this forest can harm you.
And no one can be here without your permission.
This is your sanctuary,
Created by your own intention.
Your place for healing.
This forest is your refuge.
As you walk a little further,
The trees begin to open.
Revealing a beautiful clearing bathed in soft golden light.
The ground is covered in thick soft moss.
All around you flowers bloom.
Their colours,
Pinks,
Blues,
Purples,
Glow around you.
You move to the centre of the clearing and lay down.
Lowering yourself gently onto the lush moss.
It cushions you,
It supports your whole body.
Allowing each muscle to release any tension it has been holding on to.
Above you the sun shines down with a warm,
Soothing glow,
As it gently melts away any tightness you have been carrying.
Across your shoulders,
Down your spine,
Through your arms and your legs.
The warmth softens every part of you.
You feel yourself sinking into a state of pure relaxation.
Safe,
Supported.
Peaceful.
As you lay here,
Turn your attention to your breathing.
The rise and fall of your stomach as you breathe in and out.
The cool air coming into your nostrils.
The warm air leave in your mouth.
Breathe in the energy and the wisdom of the forest.
You feel light and unburdened.
Your worries carried away on the wind.
Take a long,
Slow,
Deep breath in through your nostrils.
Then take a big sigh out of your mouth,
Letting go of everything that does not serve you well.
You take one last slow steady breath as you rest in the warmth of the clearing.
And you know that it is time for you to leave the forest for now.
You remind yourself that this sanctuary is yours.
You can return whenever you wish.
Any moment,
Any day.
Simply by closing your eyes and stepping back into this peaceful place.
It will always welcome you.
It will always remain safe.
It will always be there.
Feeling renewed,
You slowly rise from the soft bed of moss.
The ground supports you easily.
And as you stand,
You notice how light your body feels.
Out open your chest is.
How calm your mind has become.
The sunlight lingers on your skin for a moment longer.
Before you begin to make your way back toward the path.
You walk slowly,
Taking in the peacefulness that surrounds you.
Every part of this forest reminds you that you are safe,
Grounded and supported.
You carry that feeling with you as you move forward.
Knowing that this place will always be here whenever you choose to return.
Eventually you reach the steps that will lead you back you place your foot on the first step and begin to climb.
Each number guiding you gently upward.
Helping you return with clarity and calm.
10.
Nine.
8,
7.
Six,
Five.
Cool.
Free.
2.
One.
You return with calm,
With ease,
With awareness.
Notice the sounds that are around you in the room.
Become aware of the surface that you are sitting or lying on.
You are fully here,
Back in the present moment,
Grounded and renewed.
Gently wiggle your toes.
Wiggle your fingers.
And softly open your eyes.
Peace be with you.
