Welcome to a night of animal wisdom and rest.
Last time Al showed us how to find safety from within.
Tonight we'll join Hedgehog in his cozy nest.
As you listen to Hedgehog's wisdom I invite your inner guide to consider what does rest look like to you.
As your mind moves towards the deep woods while you snuggle inside your cozy bed you notice the moon light your way.
At the edge of the wood sits Ashby Cat,
A silver tabby with a white face and pink ears.
She sits with her tail wrapped around her paws seeking the answers to her busy mind.
Before we follow Ashby Cat into the wood let's get comfortable.
Take a few moments to settle into the best position for you.
Maybe you want to move your arm a little or bend your leg.
Allow your body to find a restful place.
Allow your mind to settle.
The only thing to do here is rest.
There is nothing else that is needed.
Nowhere else to be.
No expectations.
Nothing for you to attend to.
Everything can be picked up when you wake.
Right now it is your time to rest.
Take a deep breath in and let it slowly out.
Let your breath find its natural rhythm.
If your mind starts to wander just bring your attention back to your breath and the coziness of your bed.
You are completely safe.
You are supported.
Mother Nature is holding you and guiding you.
It was another tranquil night in the forest when Hedgehog found a soft patch of leaves and curled up.
Tiny but completely safe.
Hedgehog had shuffled through the underbush.
His nose twitched as he searched for the perfect spot.
The night air felt cool and carried the scent of fallen leaves and sweet wildflowers.
He paused by the gnarly old oak tree,
The earth soft between his feet.
With a little sigh he nestled down and burrowed gently until the ground cradled him.
Just at that moment Hedgehog spotted Ashby Cat watching him with her green eyes wide.
Hedgehog had heard from the wind that the little cat was seeking answers and he was ready to be able to offer his wisdom.
Hedgehog kept still with his long snout sticking out so that Ashby Cat wouldn't be afraid.
His tiny brown eyes looked deep into Ashby Cat's heart.
Her tail had formed the shape of a question mark.
Hedgehog waited for the question to come in its own time.
What helps you to rest?
Said Ashby Cat's tail.
Hedgehog was curled deep in the mossy nest.
The leaves around him rustled a lullaby.
The moss under him was thick and cool and wrapped around him in a gentle embrace.
Above the branches formed a protective dome.
Their leaves whispered to the breeze.
In this small hollow he felt as if he were at the heart of the forest,
Wrapped and cradled by the ground itself.
Rest whenever you need it,
Hedgehog said.
You are safe.
Hedgehog remembered a time when he felt too small for the world.
Every noise making him curl up tighter in fear.
He found it difficult to rest because he always thought he had to be vigilant and keep his spikes on alert.
Over time he learned that being small meant he could fit into the softest,
Safest patches,
Just like this one.
Now as he nestled into the leaves,
He knew exactly where he needed to be and that rest made him safer than anything else.
As you fall deeper into sleep,
Imagine yourself curling up like Hedgehog,
Wrapped in comfort.
Let the world around grow softer,
More soothing.
Let go of any need to be anything other than at peace.
Rest whenever you need it.
You are safe.
As you drift deeper into sleep,
Allow your mind to rest.
Know that you are safe and secure.
That the stillness and safety you seek is within you now and always has been.
It is yours to revisit whenever you want.
In our next lesson,
We'll scurry through the underbrush with Mouse and learn to find peace in the smallest steps.
Until then,
Rest my friend and carry the wisdom of the animals with you for a deep restorative sleep.
