Let your mind surrender and your body soften as you fall asleep swiftly and gently tonight.
Freed of any stress or tension that's been stirring in you today.
Whoever you are.
However you find yourself.
This is your moment to be nurtured.
To gently unwind.
Both physically.
And mentally.
My name is Jason Stevenson and it's a gift to support you tonight.
May this meditation bring you the peace you seek and very soon deep restorative sleep.
Whatever you're holding on to.
Be it significant tension.
Or subtle ruminations.
It's okay to untangle from these things.
I won't ask you to do this forcefully.
But along the way of our journey.
You'll receive the opportunity to naturally.
Gently.
Unravel.
So take your time to get as comfortable as you can be.
In a place you can safely drift off to sleep at any time.
Then take a few slow cleansing breaths to settle in.
Grounding into the space beneath you.
With each exhale.
There's nowhere to rush off to.
Nothing to force.
Fix or figure out.
Simply be here.
Just breathing.
And allow my voice to carry you.
Continue to breathe naturally.
As you deepen your felt sense of the surface supporting you right now.
Notice what the mattress feels like.
What the sheets or blankets feel like against your skin.
And notice the touch of the pillow beneath your head.
You might like to take a moment to thank this space for holding you.
For being a safe haven,
You can drift off to sleep in.
Then shift your attention to the crown of your head.
And welcome us softly.
Ethereal glow to enter this space.
You might see it glisten like silver mist.
Or you might simply consider that it's there.
Invisible to the inner eye.
Now imagine.
Or consider.
That this pearlescent light.
Fills your entire upper head space.
Starting to gently slow the thoughts that circulate there.
At the same time.
It smooths out your forehead.
Dissolving any tightness or tension.
Invite this light.
To soften your entire face?
Softening your cheeks and jaw and as it flows through your nostrils.
It fills your body with the subtle trace of vanilla.
Lavender.
And sandalwood.
The scent warms,
Calms and grounds you.
The sides of your head.
The back of your head.
And all the inner workings of your mind.
Melt into the ease and relaxation.
Then the soft mist flows down the sides of your neck.
Gently across your shoulders.
Helping your shoulders to surrender.
Any weight they're carrying.
You might release a soft sigh as your shoulders melt.
Then welcome this flow of ease and release to move down your arms relaxing your upper arms.
Soothing and restoring your elbows.
Calming and grounding your lower arms.
And nurturing.
And anchoring your wrists.
And all the way down,
Pooling into the palms of your hands.
Which soften their grip on both past and present.
And future.
See your palms opening gently to receive this soft soothing light.
Vanilla Lavender.
And sandalwood flowing all the way down into them.
Your attention drifts up and over to your heart.
Coming to rest there for a few restorative moments.
As you inhale.
Feel the way your chest gently expands.
And as you exhale.
Sense into that natural.
Effortless release.
Heart filling with soft.
Luminous mist on the inhale.
Letting go a little more with each exhale.
Sense or imagine that your entire chest and your upper back too.
Fill with soothing,
Opalescent light.
Then invite this restorative presence to flow down your spine.
Calming your nervous system.
As it lets it know.
It has permission.
To rest deeply now.
Feel the light gently expand outwards to fill your ribs and back.
Landing gently in your belly.
Which rises and falls effortlessly as you breathe.
Imagine your entire stomach.
Your lower back.
And your pelvis filling with this ethereal mist.
The subtle scent of vanilla.
Warming these areas.
The lavender calming them.
And the sandalwood grounding them deeply.
Rest your attention now for a couple of slow,
Loving breaths on your hips Imagine your hips gently softening.
As silver mist swirls gently around them.
Any tension they hold.
Melts down.
And into the earth.
Then gently your awareness flows down your legs.
As this soft,
Shimmering presence relaxes your thighs.
Soothes your knees.
Calms and anchors your calves.
Nourishes your ankles.
And finally fills your feet.
All the way through your souls.
Melting down to the tips of your toes.
Just take a few moments here to feel.
Or imagine your light-filled body.
Grounded deeply.
Resting deeply.
Calmed by a subtle luminous presence.
Focus your attention on your breath.
And take a few whole body breaths here.
Imagine each inhale.
Reaching out to nurture every cell.
Muscle.
Bone.
And fiber of your body.
Your entire body.
And your mind.
Relaxing with each exhale.
Continue to breathe naturally.
And begin to envision the mist expanding to fill your entire inner eye.
It is ethereal and serene.
Shimmering like celestial moonstone now.
And you let yourself soften right into it.
It envelops you completely.
Let your consciousness drift through this luminous mist.
Knowing you are safe.
Supported.
And always grounded by the earth.
And in no time.
The mist slowly begins to part.
And your feet.
Touch down onto a mystic stone pathway.
The path is lined with glowing candles.
Dripping like honey.
And is surrounded by ancient trees.
Their canopies strung with lanterns.
It might be spring or summer.
Fall or autumn here.
Whatever feels deeply soothing for you at this moment.
And whatever season you find yourself having arrived in.
Notice that you're dressed to meet it comfortably.
The sky is aglow with magenta.
And Amethyst Light.
As the day slowly fades into night.
Take a few breaths here.
Anchoring your feet.
Into the steady stone beneath you.
The crown of your head.
Reaching gently for the wonder of dusk.
And as you breathe here.
You notice that subtle trace of vanilla.
Lavender,
And sandalwood.
Appearing again.
It moves towards you like a messenger.
Beckoning that you follow the stone pathway beneath your feet.
So,
After your next exhale,
You begin down the trail before you.
The stones are dark and weathered.
Perhaps with ancient moss lining the cracks between them.
Your shoulders and belly soften towards the earth.
While your heart and mind open to what's ahead.
It doesn't take long.
Before a whimsical house appears before you.
Its walls made of smooth.
Timeless stone.
And its toll.
Arched doorway.
Made of midnight brown walnut.
Ivy ascends the stone facade.
Emanating as soft.
Otherworldly glow.
And candles line the three steps that lead up to the front door.
As you sense into the house before you.
Modify it in any way you wish to.
For a deeper sense of comfort and ease.
You might imagine,
For instance.
That golden light pours out through the windows.
Or that fairy lights are woven through the vines.
Or you might imagine.
Than a warm golden dome.
Surrounds the house.
Standing in as an extra layer of safety and protection.
Then when you're ready.
Make your way along the last stretch of candle-lit pathway.
Up the three steps to the dark walnut door.
And let yourself inside.
Enter this house that is all your own.
Place within.
Which you can surrender completely.
In mind.
In body.
And in heart.
You step into a large entrance hall.
And immediately.
The outside world falls away.
The house feels somehow larger.
Than it appeared from outside.
As though you've crossed into a place that exists between worlds.
Place between wakefulness and sleep.
You take off your shoes.
And tuck your feet into fresh slippers by the door.
A soft cotton robe hangs there too,
Which you wrap comfortably around your body.
The stone walls continue inside.
Smooth.
Gently curved at the ceilings.
And warmed by countless candles.
Nestled into carved out alcoves.
They honeyed light.
Mingles with the soft glow of amber lamps.
Bathing the room in golden warmth.
That feels comforting.
And all-embracing.
The air is warm against your skin.
And beneath your feet a thick veil.
Woven rugs.
Cushioning each step.
As you move further into the house.
And all of the colors are rich yet calming.
Dark Walnut.
Rich Terracotta.
And deep moss green.
That grounds your body and soothes your mind.
You walk slowly and steadily down the hall.
Feeling unconditionally held and accepted.
Your shoulders and belly softened.
Your jaw relaxes.
And your heart settles into the quiet stillness of the house.
Now you notice that you're approaching the end of the hall.
And as you draw nearer.
You marvel with immense wonder at what you find.
There.
At the end of the hall.
Is an open courtyard in the heart of the house.
With a great and ancient oak standing in the center.
Its branches reach for the open sky above.
The sky is aglow with deep blue.
Pink light.
Fading into twilight.
And a half moon shows its face now too.
But most enchantedly.
You find that all around the oak.
Are dozens of floating golden lanterns.
Hovering at the height of your waist.
You get the sense that they've been anticipating your arrival.
As if patiently waiting for you.
To release them.
You take a moment to just breathe into this otherworldly space.
Admiring the oak tree.
And whatever season it's in.
In awe of the golden lanterns that float there.
These lanterns are here to help you release.
Whatever your mind.
Body or heart.
Might still be holding onto.
Anything.
That you don't need to carry into sleep.
So imagine yourself.
Gently taking hold of one lantern.
For every thought.
Worry.
Or tension you'd like to release.
And with care and grace.
Surrender your grip on it.
And let it float up into the tree.
Or beyond.
Anything that you need to tend to in days to come.
Will attach itself to a tree branch.
The tree can hold it for you tonight.
And anything that's simply not yours to carry.
Worry about or tend to.
Tonight or anytime.
Floats beyond the tree.
And up into the darkening sky.
Continue releasing lanterns.
One by one.
For everything you want to surrender.
The things you need to tend at a later time.
Will be held by that wise and ancient oak.
Because you don't need to hold them.
As you sleep.
And the things that it genuinely is.
Not of your concern.
Fade away into the night sky.
The golden light growing smaller.
And smaller.
And smaller.
Continue until there's nothing left to be released.
And when that process is complete.
Simply feel yourself standing firmly grounded in the courtyard.
Supported by the Oak.
And the enchanted moonlit sky.
Look up at the branches above you.
And notice if there are any lanterns there.
There might be none.
Or just a few.
Or many.
There's no right or wrong way to experience this.
But as you prepare to move beyond the courtyard.
To finally surrender into a deep and restorative sleep.
Can you really let the tree hold these things for you?
Can you surrender your attachment to them?
Just for tonight.
Yes,
There's a time for tending to our worries,
Concerns and challenges.
But now?
Is not that time.
Now is the time to rest deeply.
Take a slow,
Deep breath here.
Releasing a sigh as you exhale.
Let your shoulders drop.
Your heart open.
And the magic of this moment.
Loved.
And support you.
You might also for a few quiet moments.
Silently repeat.
I surrender it all.
Even if just for tonight.
I surrender it all.
Even if just for tonight.
Thank the oak in the courtyard.
For holding this space for you.
For guiding you to surrender.
Then make your way around it.
Into a hall on the other side of this vast,
Enchanted house.
The hole you enter.
Is much like the one you walked through.
On the other side of the courtyard.
Enchanting stone walls warmed by glowing honeyed candles.
And along.
Woven rug of clay and olive green tones.
And as you walk the hallway.
You once again become aware of the nourishing scent.
That brought you here.
Comforting vanilla.
Calming lavender.
And deeply grounding sandalwood.
You follow it down the hallway,
Which soon comes to an end.
And where it does.
The doors open to a large.
Beautiful enchanting bedroom.
Of soft light and deep serenity.
The air of the bedroom is infused with the pure essence of vanilla.
With hanging bundles of dried lavender.
And with sandalwood incense,
Burning low.
Not overpowering.
Just right.
Beeswax candles sit around the room.
And fairy lights are strung around the windows and walnut beams overhead.
Together.
The gold and silver light fills the room.
With an otherworldly.
Deeply nourishing glow.
Naturally cuing your body.
To release a deep sigh.
You've arrived at tonight's final resting place.
A large window sits on the far side of the room.
Which overlooks any landscape that's soothing for you.
And against the adjacent war.
Is a four-poster bid.
With billowy.
Caramel curtains drawn back.
A hand-woven quilt of sage.
Burnt sienna and almond tones.
And soft cream-coloured pillows and thick sheets.
You close the door behind you and make your way.
Towards the bed.
Slipping off your robe and slippers.
And when you're ready.
You climb into that plush.
Yet supportive bed.
Tucking yourself in for the coming night.
Through the window.
You can see the night sky.
The pink and violet tones have disappeared completely now.
And what pervades is the deep.
Midnight Blue.
Stretching out towards infinity.
The half-moon glows brighter now.
As do countless stars and other celestial bodies.
Suspended in outer space.
Take a few slow breaths.
To marvel at the vastness of the cosmos.
Sensing your innate connection to it.
And feeling it's quiet.
Ever-Present Support.
Then let your attention.
Settle back into the room that holds you.
Admiring the soft glow of candle and fairy light.
Sensing the way the lavender,
Vanilla and sandalwood smell.
Mingle with your body as you breathe.
And feeling the safety and protection.
Of the timeless house you're held in.
Your gaze traces the walnut beams overhead.
Noticing the dried lavender that calms and cools the energy in the room.
Then,
Your eyes journey across the ancient stone walls.
Tracing the grooves between each stone.
Feeling the Ancient.
Grounded presence.
And unconditional protection.
Let yourself savour the beauty.
Enchantment and serenity of this room.
For just a few more breaths.
And when you're ready.
You can let your mind's eye close to it.
While still considering that you're held there.
Even if you can't see it.
As the details of the imagery dissipates.
You might still sense softness.
Silver gold light.
Flickering through your eyelids.
Or perhaps the aroma.
Of the incense-dried lavender.
And sweet vanilla essence.
You might also imagine.
What it feels like for your body to be held by that luxurious bed.
And your head surrendering to plush,
Creamy pillows.
Body nurtured by a heavy hand.
Hand Woven Quilt.
Connect with your breath here.
Reminding yourself.
The E-Check Sale.
Is an opportunity to let go again.
To let go of what comes to your mind.
To let go of anything lingering in your body.
Then draw your attention to the crown of your head.
One last time for tonight.
And slowly.
At your own pace.
Scan your body downwards.
Inviting one final and deep release.
You might imagine the soft glow of the room flowing down through you.
Or maybe you just let your gentle.
Focused attention.
Do the soothing work.
Inviting every part you pass to soften.
To surrender.
To release anything else it might be holding.
Travel at your own pace.
Letting all the small muscles in your face relax.
Paying special attention to your jaw and shoulders.
Softening your arms and your chest your back and your belly.
Taking your time to eventually.
Move all the way down your legs.
Grounding down through the soles of your feet.
You might like to say.
I surrender it all.
Even if just for tonight.
I surrender it all.
Even if just for tonight.
Sense into your whole body where it rests.
With nothing to do.
Nowhere else to be and nothing to prove.
This moment holds all that you need.
It's holding you as you are.
By breath.
By breath.
Let your attention come to rest.
With an anchor that feels the most grounding for you right now.
That might be the natural ebb and flow of your breath.
Or the feeling of the bed and pillow beneath you.
It might be the sounds that flow through your consciousness.
Or maybe the lingering sense of silver gold light.
Or the sweet,
Grounding fragrance.
Choose just one thing.
That feels deeply anchoring for you in this moment.
And let your attention rest with it.
If your mind continues to wander.
That's okay.
It's entirely natural for it to do so.
Just let your thoughts be soft.
Coming and going like clouds in the night sky.
Your attention returns.
Again and again.
Your grounding.
Chosen Anchor.
Stay with this anchor as you drift off to sleep.
Not clinging to it.
Just holding it loosely.
And breath by breath.
Let yourself be rocked to sleep by the unfolding moment.
Into deep and total restoration.
Thank you for taking this time to practice.
To let yourself be nurtured tonight.
And until next time.
Good night,
My friend.
Good night.
