Hi,
It's Lumi.
I'm here with my friends Dog Brioche and Cat Moshi.
We're so happy you're joining us for a relaxing story tonight.
Have you ever felt like your thoughts were swirling around,
Like little waves on the water?
Sometimes,
When the day has been busy,
Or our feelings feel big,
It helps to take a moment to sit still and breathe.
Tonight,
We're going to imagine a calm lake inside us,
Just like the one we'll visit in our story.
Let's get comfortable and begin.
The evening was quiet.
The sun dipped low,
Painting the lake with soft shades of orange and pink.
Lumi walked slowly along the shore,
Feeling the cool sand under her toes.
Beside her,
Brioche,
Her cheerful pouchon,
Trotted along,
His fluffy tail wagging.
Behind them,
Moshi,
Her blue cat,
Padded quietly,
Her tail swishing like a slow-moving ribbon.
Lumi sighed and stopped near a smooth,
Flat rock.
The lake's surface was still,
Reflecting the sky like a giant mirror.
She sat down and rested her hands on her knees.
Brioche settled next to her,
His warm fur brushing against her leg.
Brioche tilted his head.
What's wrong,
Lumi?
Lumi gazed at the water.
I feel mixed up inside,
She said,
Like I'm carrying too much.
Brioche's ears perked up.
I know something that can help.
It's called the calm lake breath.
Want to try?
Lumi looked curious.
How does it work?
Brioche smiled.
It's easy.
First sit still,
Just like the lake when there's no wind.
Then place your hands on your belly.
Take a slow,
Deep breath in through your nose.
Feel your belly fill up like a balloon.
Then,
Let the air out slowly through your nose.
Feel your belly soften again.
Lumi placed her hands on her belly and took a slow breath in.
The air felt cool as it filled her up.
As she breathed out,
Her belly softened and she felt a little lighter.
This feels nice,
She said.
Now let's do it together,
Brioche said,
Glancing at Moshi.
You too.
Moshi flicked her tail.
Fine,
She said,
Sitting down on the grass.
I'll try.
Brioche looked up as if speaking to someone unseen.
You can try with us too.
Find a cozy spot.
Place your hands on your belly and take a deep breath in.
Feel your belly rise like a balloon.
Now,
Breathe out gently,
Letting it go soft again.
Lumi smiled.
Are they really breathing with us?
Brioche nodded.
Of course,
The more the better.
Lumi closed her eyes and kept breathing.
What now?
She whispered.
Imagine the lake inside you,
Brioche said gently.
With each breath,
The water becomes still and peaceful.
If your thoughts feel big,
Picture them as tiny leaves.
Watch them float on the water,
Drifting further away with each breath.
Lumi pictured the calm lake inside her.
With every breath,
The ripples on the water grew softer.
Her shoulders relaxed.
I feel calmer,
She said.
The stars began to twinkle in the sky.
Lumi opened her eyes.
The lake sparkled in the fading light.
Just as she had imagined.
Moshi flicked her tail.
It wasn't bad,
She admitted softly.
But don't expect me to do this every time.
Brioche grinned.
You can do this any time.
The calm lake breath is always here.
Lumi stood up,
Feeling lighter.
Thank you,
She said,
Looking at her friends.
I'll remember this.
Now,
Let's sit quietly like Lumi by the lake.
Feel your body getting still,
Just like the water.
Take a deep breath in,
And let it out slowly.
Imagine the lake inside you.
With every breath,
The water becomes still,
Peaceful,
Quiet.
If a thought pops into your mind,
Picture it as a little leaf.
Watch it float gently across the water,
Moving further and further away.
Now,
Let's take one last slow breath together.
Breathe in,
And breathe out.
You are calm.
You are safe.
You are ready for rest.
Thank you for joining us tonight.
Sleep well,
And we'll see you next time for another adventure.
