Welcome to a night of animal wisdom and rest.
Last time,
Hedgehog helped us find rest whenever we need it.
Tonight,
Mouse will show you how to find peace in every step.
As you listen to Mouse's wisdom,
I invite your inner guide to consider.
Could you be enough,
Just for tonight?
It was another tranquil night in the forest,
When Mouse crept through the underbrush.
Every tiny movement,
Soft and steady.
As your mind moves towards the deep woods,
While you snuggle inside your cosy 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 cosiness of your bed.
You are completely safe.
You are supported.
Mother Nature is holding you and guiding you.
Mouse moved with care through the fallen leaves,
Her small grey paws making almost no sound.
She loved to explore the night,
As she weaved between roots and shrubs.
Paused to sniff every scent.
Though she was tiny,
She knew the forest like no other,
Every path and hollow familiar to her.
As she came to the base of her favourite tree,
Mouse spotted Ashby Cat.
Mouse spotted Ashby Cat.
Her head tilted to one side,
Her green eyes wide.
Mouse had heard from the wind that the little cat was seeking answers,
And she was excited to be able to offer her wisdom.
Mouse sat on her hind legs,
Her pink ears pointed up,
So that Ashby Cat wouldn't be afraid.
Her tiny green eyes looked deep into Ashby Cat's heart.
Her tail had formed the shape of a question mark.
Mouse waited for the question to come in its own time.
How do you know you're enough?
Said Ashby Cat's tail.
Mouse could feel the soft green moss under her paws,
The branches spread a vast canopy above them.
The gentle breeze stirred the leaves.
Mouse leaned forward,
Whiskers brushed on the ground,
Every sense awake to the smells of the earth and the wood,
The tiny sounds of insects and the far-off call of an owl.
In that small space,
With every leaf and root around her,
Mouse felt part of the forest's breath.
A tiny creature at peace in the heart of the woods.
Each small step is enough,
Mouse said.
You are enough.
Mouse remembered a time when she felt too small,
Lost in the vastness of the forest.
But now,
As she took each step,
She understood that peace didn't come from being big or bold.
It came from moving gently,
And moving slowly.
As she took each step,
She understood that peace didn't come from being big or bold.
It came from moving gently,
And paying attention to every detail around her.
Every step mattered.
Each movement mattered.
Presence and peace were all she needed.
As you fall deeper into sleep,
Imagine yourself as Mouse,
Taking each step with care.
Taking each step with care.
Let the small details around you,
Feel of your blanket,
The softness of your pillow,
Guide you into deeper rest.
Each small step is enough.
You are enough.
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 hop with Rabbit finding the true meaning of home.
Until then,
Rest my friend,
And carry the wisdom of the animals with you for a deep restorative sleep.
