Thanks for joining me,
Clara,
On this guided visualization of relaxation and sleep,
Based on the way to Shambhala,
A mythical kingdom in Tibetan Buddhist and Indian tradition.
Before we begin,
Please find a place to lie down.
If it's comfortable for you,
Lie on your back with your legs uncrossed.
Feel the sensation of the weight of your body on your bed or wherever you are.
Bring awareness to your body lying down.
Take some deep breaths and unwind.
Allow yourself to simply be here.
Experiencing calm and relaxation for your tired,
Weary mind and body.
Consciously release any tightness or tension from each body part to the next.
Notice and release.
Notice and release.
Let the tea bushes stretch across the hills in neat,
Perfectly straight rows as far as your eyes can see.
The precisely pruned hedges could almost have been transported here from an old-fashioned English topiary garden.
There isn't a soul in sight.
A large woven basket of freshly picked tea leaves lies forgotten next to one of the bushes.
On the horizon,
You see your destination.
The ancient monastery clings precariously to a fold in the ravine beneath a snow-covered mountain rearing high above the clouds.
After walking a while,
You reach the forest in the foothills.
Here you find a well-worn terracotta-coloured path.
Patterns of bird tracks in the soft earth resemble tiny arrows pointing in the direction you're going.
The path switchbacks gently upwards through a dense forest of rhododendron and pine trees.
The rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Layers of large scarlet blossoms festoon the deep green leathery leaves.
Shafts of afternoon sunlight slant through the foliage,
Weaving a tapestry of shade and light across the forest floor.
The trail reaches a small river,
Which you cross on an unsteady footbridge.
A strand of faded prayer flags hangs on the railings.
They sway in the breeze coming from the water.
Once you've crossed the bridge,
You decide to walk carefully down a small trail to the other side of the river.
You take off some clothes beside a shallow pool that's been smoothed and hollowed out over time by the flow of the river.
Plunging in,
The water is cool and as you immerse your body,
Your troubles seem to wash away.
When you climb out of the water,
You feel revived,
Renewed.
You dry off and proceed on the path that continues to climb through the forest.
Some people emerge on the trail ahead.
They must be returning from their pilgrimage.
They're wearing bright,
Flowing clothing.
Their eyes are kind.
They smile.
And as they pass by you,
One of them hands you an orange marigold.
They disappear,
But you can hear their voices and laughter fading away through the forest.
Just as it starts to rain,
You come to an abandoned shepherd's hut.
It's unlocked so you can find shelter inside.
The strangers who were here before you were kind enough to leave behind a collection of wood in the fireplace with some matches.
You start a fire.
Blue smoke coils up in the still air.
You admire the beautiful carvings surrounding the window frames that have been painted indigo blue with edgings of turquoise and red.
Today may not be the day you reach Shambhala.
For now,
The small shepherd's hut in the forest feels like a sanctuary with a spirit of deep calm and connection.
You listen to the rain on the roof and the crackle of the fire in the hearth.
The noise of the birds you don't know the names of in the forest outside.
As you settle down for the night,
Let the scene before you dissolve back into your mind.
Now,
You can fall asleep in your own bed.
Good night and thank you for listening.
