You've stepped into a hidden stone room,
Carved into the rock behind a roaring waterfall.
All around you can hear the steady sounds of the rushing water,
Powerful,
Endless,
And comforting.
A fine mist drifts through the air,
Cool and fresh against your skin.
The stone walls around you are ancient,
Strong,
Solid,
And the air carries the gentle scent of clean water and wood smoke.
Beneath you a thick rug cushions your feet,
And your bed is piled high with soft blankets,
Warm and heavy.
Just beyond the foot of your bed,
At a safe distance,
A small fire crackles and glows,
Casting a golden light that flickers across the room.
The air might be cool here,
But your bed is toasty and inviting.
You are safe,
Warm,
And completely at ease.
Now take a slow,
Deep breath in,
And then let it go.
Take one more breath in,
And then out.
Now let the waterfall's rhythm guide you.
Every breath,
Every sound leading you deeper into rest.
Begin by bringing your attention to your head.
Feel the cool mist from the waterfall brushing gently across your forehead and your scalp.
And now feel the warmth of the fire softening the muscles in your face.
Your forehead smooths,
Your eyes grow heavy,
Your jaw releases,
And all the tension in your face melts away.
Let that wave of ease move down into your neck and your shoulders.
They've carried so much today,
So much invisible weight.
Now under the warmth of the fire's glow,
Let your neck and your shoulders soften.
Your shoulders drop,
Your neck loosens,
And your tensions slowly melt away in the warmth.
Feel that warmth now traveling down your arms.
Your upper arms,
Your elbows,
Your forearms all grow heavy and relaxed.
Your hands rest quietly wherever they are,
Open and soft,
Your fingers warm and still.
Now bring attention to your chest.
With each breath,
Feel the gentle rise and fall,
A calm rhythm like the tide.
You don't need to change anything.
Your breath is slow,
Natural,
Effortless,
And with each breath out,
You find yourself more and more deeply relaxed.
Let that softness spread into your back,
The shoulder blades,
The spine,
The lower back.
Your bed holds you completely.
Every muscle unwinds as you sink deeper into comfort.
Now feel the warmth settling into your stomach and your belly.
Let them soften and release.
Let go of any tightness,
Anything you're holding,
And feel the gentle weight of the blankets.
Your hips and your legs grow heavy now.
The muscles of your thighs release,
Your knees and your calves soften.
There's nothing left to do,
Nowhere left to go.
Your legs are warm and loose.
Finally,
Bring attention to your feet.
Your toes are completely relaxed.
All the tiny muscles let go.
Your whole body,
From the crown of your head to the tips of your toes,
Is now completely relaxed.
Here in this hidden room,
You are free to sleep.
Let the sounds of the waterfall carry away your thoughts.
Let the warmth of the fire ease your mind.
You are being cradled by the earth itself,
Held softly by the sound,
The warmth,
And the quiet.
With each breath,
Drift deeper,
Softer,
Quieter.
