A Night In Central Park

On a sleepy night in New York City, you find yourself walking by the historic Dakota, before a stroll in Central Park. Visited by millions of people every year, tonight the park is all yours, as you relish in the layers of history that unfold before you. Accompanied by your dog, you meet a companion, and wander through the Bethesda Terrace and to the Belvedere Castle when it begins to rain. You then return to your townhouse and fall asleep.

Transcript

Relax and unwind in this sleep story and guided meditation that will transport you from your bed to the tranquility of Central Park at night.

Originally known as the Greensward Plan,

In 1857,

The park took decades to design and complete before it became one of the most visited attractions in the world.

But on this sleepy night,

The majesty of this harmonic respite that marries Mother Nature and the imagination of Frederick Law Olmsted is here,

Just for you to explore.

I'd like to welcome you to Michelle Sanctuary.

My name is Michelle and as you listen,

Know that I am here to serve you and help you unlock the most imaginative parts of your mind.

I am here to help you self-soothe and quiet anxiety and worry.

At any point,

You may let go of my voice and cross the bridge between your waking and sleeping lives.

Or on the other side of this bridge,

You may find comfort in the arrival of beautiful,

Healing dreams.

So find a place where you may get cozy and cuddle up and fall asleep.

Take in a deep breath,

Perhaps the deepest breath you have taken all day.

You can exaggerate this and be a little silly if that indulgence suits you.

Wiggling a bit and settling as you let out a big sigh.

And then you may take in another deep breath,

Turning it into a yawn.

It is acceptable to yawn and enjoy this moment before again sighing it out.

And maybe you can remember a time as a small child when the allure of getting comfy in your footed fleece pajamas caused you to feel a tingling sensation all over as you anticipated the embrace of the night.

If they are not already,

You may close your eyes and feel as your eyelids become heavy upon your sleepy eyes and feeling the support of the bed and pillows below and the security of being tucked beneath your bedding.

You may feel safe to let your mind wander.

You may visualize your feet are stepping upon a glistening dark grey pavement that reflects back iridescent sparkle grain in the concrete and that feels as if you are walking upon a tidal pool of stars.

The misty rain covers the entire block with a sheen and the air feels as if you are standing on the edge of Niagara Falls when the cool tiny droplets hit your face.

The temperature is balmy and you hear the gentle hum of the city buildings that surround you as the city is so quiet otherwise.

You hear the gentle click of your companions nails.

Your four legged dog friend who affords you the luxury of requisite walks and keeps you healthy and strong.

You look to the surrounding historic apartment buildings which are dark but for occasional windows set aglow as much of the city's inhabitants have emptied out like they do in the summer months when they flock to the shores and mountains.

You come upon the Dakota,

The famous 19th century apartment building erected with ornate balustrades and balconies and terracotta panels inspired by the German Renaissance.

You walk past the archway with a high gate that once afforded the luxury of horse drawn carriages of inhabitants to seek shelter and disembark within the courtyard.

Named after the Dakota Territory as it was considered so far and so west when Central Park was but an idea,

Tonight offers a similar solitude as you meet the gaze of the building's doorman and they both smile at you from a distance.

These two men stand between two iconic lanterns illuminated by marmalade flames that dance and flicker behind glass.

Your pop is eager,

Outpacing you with excitement as you come upon the dark tranquil refuge of Central Park up ahead.

You cross Central Park West,

Listening to the murmur of a city bus making its way down the otherwise desolate street as the sound reverberates as if soaring through an empty canyon.

This open man-made canyon gives way to the sapphire blue and silvery white lights of the outskirts of Times Square but 25 blocks south.

You cross and notice the moon above the park,

Covered with a soft veil of obolescent clouds that float across the rich blue-black sky like a curtain about to reveal the evening's hero.

The moon is full and high once unveiled and its cool light contrasts the muted golden glow of the lamps that illuminate the park.

Your pup eagerly leads you across the street to the park's entrance,

Where an NYPD officer aboard a chestnut thoroughbred horse with perfectly sculpted muscles awaits.

He gives you a nod,

Making you feel both safe and welcome as you enter the park.

You are instantly hit with the fragrance of blue wildflowers,

With petals that hang like church bells that line the entrance alongside yellow daffodils and tulips and pops of magenta and tangerine.

The light of the moon illuminates the white blossoms of dogwood trees that look like glowing orbs of cotton puffs and the city is so quiet and so still.

The deeper you walk into the park,

Allowing your pup to excitedly lead you through a wooden pergola covered with vines.

Your pup awaits the bliss of freedom that comes with these off-leash hours and you unhook the clasp to his leash and watch as he darts ahead,

A smile on his face as his four legs may now run at any speed that suits him.

Looking south,

You feel the spring breeze as it creates a soft shushing sound of leaves in motion overhead and it feels as soft as cashmere against your face.

You look to the south and west and feel the safety of being surrounded by opulent high rises as you come to the center of the park.

Some buildings are from another era with their wide and bow arts architecture while others are tall and modern glass towers lit up like beacons.

You sense the layers of history this park contains with memory upon memory of those before you who have visited for over a century and a half.

These impressions are felt even as you walk with your dog in total solitude.

The park is yours to be shared with the animal inhabitants that come out to play at night.

Your pup is too entranced by rolling in the dewy grass to notice a plump raccoon barrel across the dark sidewalk,

Dodging through shadows until she finds a trash bin that she climbs into to find treasures of discarded food.

A squirrel races up a tall narrow trunk of an oak tree as you come upon a cafe that has been shut down for the night and can imagine all the patrons who imbibed on many a glorious spring afternoon overlooking the rolling green hills and central park mall.

Your pup leads you to the mall,

A pedestrian esplanade that is a wide thoroughfare between trees once referred to as an open air hall of reception.

It was created so carriages could arrive at the base of the park and allow wealthy visitors to leisurely stroll the lake and mingle with city inhabitants of other social classes.

You close your eyes for a moment and can almost feel the breeze from the carriages ride past you in an era gone by.

You feel a deep respect for being able to visit the park any night you desire,

To soak in the history and the ever changing beauty of the nature it contains.

You suddenly feel you are not alone.

As you hear a familiar voice calling out to another pup that comes running to greet you and your dog,

And you look up to see the owner,

Who is someone you have known for a very long time,

The surprise encounter allows you to question the mystery of fate that on this night of solitude you would cross paths unplanned.

You greet one another and welcome this human interaction on a night that was cloaked in solitude.

And this person can be anyone you wish to meet,

But it is someone who knows you so well that you are allowed to be completely yourself without fear of judgement and without holding back.

That you need not ever explain yourself to be fully understood.

And that comforts you both in the still of this spring night.

And together you walk as your dogs playfully run ahead and you come upon the Bethesda Terrace,

A two story structure made of sandstone with ornate carvings and pillars.

You descend the steps to the lower level,

Adorned with ceramic tiles reminiscent of medieval artwork,

Set aglow with deep amber lights.

The dogs chase one another and you communicate with your companion almost telepathically.

No words need to be spoken.

And while it is quiet and still,

You can almost hear the laughter over the years echoing through the perfect acoustics of this tiled place.

It feels as if the tiles are gilded with gold and you can hear the street musicians who have busked over time,

Sharing their talents with millions of visitors who would listen and dance along in the echoes of music that still remain.

But tonight,

This is all for you,

Your loved one,

And the pups to explore.

You exit the archways of the terrace and come upon the Bethesda Fountain,

A glorious watering hole that the pups long to play in.

One of the largest fountains in Central Park,

The sculpture was named Angel of the Waters,

And the pointy wings of the angel appear like silver tips cast by moonbeams.

You continue past the fountain to the edge of Central Park Lake,

Illuminated at the far edge by the Loeb Boathouse,

A fancy restaurant and host of many weddings and celebrations.

It lends a warmth to the lake that while busy with rowboats during the peak of summer,

Is now still but for turtles that swim beneath the night sky and create metallic ripples on the ebony water.

A pair of ducks are asleep along the lake's edge,

Their beaks nestled within their downy feathers as they float in peace.

And you realize how this heart of New York City,

Once bustling and chaotic with the kinetic energy of people from all parts of the world,

Can become this still and calm.

Then you can have this power as well.

Even your mind at its busiest has the potential and ability to become this still and sacred if that is what you desire.

And you close your eyes and you inhale the fragrance of the lake and feel the nights mist upon your face as you take in this total stillness.

You feel calm and at peace and relaxed in a way that you cannot imagine possible.

And your dog comes to your side as your companion's dog goes to her owner as well.

And you relish in the silent tiding of beauty.

You continue to walk along the tree-lined path around the lake until you come upon a bridge that leads to the ramble.

The bridge,

Recently restored,

Arcs over the lake and creaks slightly beneath your feet as you hear the clicking patters of the dogs running ahead towards the woods.

You meet your companion's gaze before you look towards the twin tower to San Remo that juts against the sky like Corinthian temples atop the rectangular high-rises.

And you feel standing here that the two of you are like a mirror of these towers,

Standing united and resilient and strong and grounded.

You smile at one another and continue with the dogs into the thick of the ramble.

Coming upon a dirt path with scattered twigs and evergreen needles as your heart beats harder as you climb the hill.

Taking in a deep breath,

You appreciate the piney smell and the strength in your own body.

A bird of prey flies overhead with a silhouette of grand wings against the sky.

And you feel joyous and relaxed all at once as you hear crickets within the thickest part of the wooded area.

The path winds around and you are led to the Belvedere Castle set upon Vista Rock,

One of the highest naturally formed peaks in the park.

You climb the stairs with your companion as the pups tow behind.

Its namesake,

Belvedere,

Translates to Beautiful View.

And as you climb higher up,

You realize how fitting this name is.

You look out upon Turtle Pond and the darkened Great Lawn,

Home of concerts and gatherings,

Joyous occasions where thousands have flocked.

But for now it is just a pristine spread of grass.

In a way it feels as if you are on a film set and the director of all the imagery that you may wish to see appear before you,

Like an empty canvas or an unwritten journal page.

You are free to imagine any experience you wish.

Climbing to the highest point of the castle,

You pause,

Placing your hands upon the rough edges of the stone railing and envision the person you would like to become.

Doing just by looking at your companion,

That in this life,

The right people have weaved in and out of your life to support you in times of change and of need.

Now you are at this beautiful place,

Feeling internally balanced and externally blessed to be in this majestic heart of Central Park,

The sacred dwelling place erected for the sake of harmony and enjoyment.

Knowing that you may find these moments in every day to create your own enjoyment.

You need not wait for perfection or for everything to be how you think it must.

You need only to tune into the present moment right now.

To allow in feelings of self love and appreciation for the simplest of pleasures,

Because they may slip through your grasp unnoticed.

Take the time to tune in to the magnificence that is around you while it is still there.

Dark clouds begin to move in and you can smell rain in the air as you leave the castle and feel eager to get home before the rain begins.

Your body feels innervated in a good way,

Your muscles tired and your lungs relaxed in a feeling that comes after a day of fresh air and a session of non-stop laughter.

The first drops of rain begin to fall as you and your companion and dogs begin to try to outrun the rain,

Laughing involuntarily each time your foot pad lands upon the wet dirt path.

You run across West Drive,

A paved road popular for bicyclists and runners,

But it's now like a steely concrete river as the rain splashes down.

And while it was not ideal to be stuck in the rain,

It feels cleansing and all anxiety you had about not experiencing a night of perfect weather evaporates.

Often your anxiety over imperfection may cause you worry and distress,

But what when you most fear comes into fruition,

You realize your worries may have been far worse than the reality.

This moment is but a distillation of that constant battle.

You and your path make it to the bridal path,

Which leads you past a bed of tulips and wild flowers as droplets of rain fall upon them and form bubbles like colorful prisms that are hypnotic to watch as they slither down the petals and verdant green stems.

You both pause for a moment to take in the splendor of the rain falling upon your faces,

Your hair now matted down,

And it feels so renewing.

The spring rain is cool but tolerable,

Tastes of minerals in the balmy night's air,

And it is time to say goodbye as you part ways and head to your dwellings for the night.

Your eyes need one last time,

And there it is,

The deep connection that is timeless and keeps you both connected,

No matter the distance or time or space.

It makes you feel alive and valued.

And you put the clasp of the leash around her pup's harness and exit the park out onto Central Park West,

Where this adventure began.

You cross the four lanes of the quiet street as puddles form like mirrors revealing the surrounding Dakota and its flame-filled lanterns and other historic buildings like a watercolor painting.

Your dog leaps over a large pool of water and you do the same as you walk the wide stretch between avenues.

Not a soul to be found as most lights and buildings are off and the gentle rain continues.

You turn up Columbus,

Passing vacant stores and closed restaurants before crossing onto a side street where your humble apartment awaits you.

The street is residential and quiet,

With historic townhouses and row houses,

Built at a time when the smallest of details mattered.

And every facade was an opportunity for architects to bring their visions to life.

You come to your four story brownstone with its wide stone banister and steps and the dog leaps ahead,

Eager to settle in to the dry warmth that awaits.

Coming to the top of the stairs,

You unlock the door and enter the lobby that has worn wooden floors that lead you to a winding staircase.

You walk up the old stairs,

Feeling an occasional creak with each step met by the sloshing of your wet shoes and the patter of your dog's paws.

Counting each step as you ascend… 1,

2,

3,

4,

5,

6,

7,

8.

You wind around the last flight coming to your floor and the ceilings are high and make the narrow passageway feel open and lofty.

So tired you feel as if you are floating towards your cozy apartment.

You unlock the door and tell your dog to stay.

As you grab a towel that hangs by the inside of the door in anticipation of moments like this.

You towel off your dog's paws and wet coat as he instinctively shakes off and darts into the comforts of your home.

You remove your shoes and leave them to dry in the hallway before stepping into the comforts of your pre-war apartment.

There is an exposed brick wall full of imperfections cast by time that always grabs your attention first when you reach your apartment,

Now dimly lit by a stained glass lamp.

You walk by your kitchenette into the belly of the studio apartment where a small velvet love seat in your favorite color leans against the brick wall and blown up photos in black and white are set in custom frames and occupy the empty space of the opposing wall.

These images capture the beautiful scenes of Central Park you just visited as well as images of you,

Your favorite loved ones,

Celebrating the happiest of times.

You approach an antique armoire and open the handcrafted doors to remove a clean flush towel and dry your face and hair as you peel away your damp clothes.

You then remove a pair of soft cotton pajamas that smell of lavender and are freshly laundered.

You press them against your face to take in the calming aroma before changing into them as your pup finds comfort in his bed.

An ivory metal bed is set against a bow window that overlooks a courtyard and in the courtyard dogwood trees with rosy pink blossoms fill the otherwise empty space.

You look out to see other apartments beneath the stormy sky above,

Yet you can still see the glow of the moon pushing its way through the smoky black cloud.

You climb into your bed and burrow beneath the down comforter,

Resting your head upon the pillows as you feel gratitude for the comforts life has afforded you.

You feel happy and at peace.

You feel alive and cognizant of each gentle breath that escapes you.

Sinking down,

Down,

Down into the plushness of a foam topper on your bed.

Inhaling and exhaling,

Letting go,

Listening as the rain falls against the window,

Just as it has done for many generations before you.

It is a constant in this ever changing world.

The arrival of nightfall,

The arrival of rain,

And you find yourself in a dreamy state between worlds,

With a gentle flow reminiscent of a warm bath being filled as you begin to float.

And you feel love and you feel at peace.

You feel a connectedness to your deeper self,

That part of you that has been conscious and present throughout your entire life.

And I am going to count you down towards sleep,

Towards respite and release,

And across the last bridge of the night,

Leading you to a castle of sleep.

One,

Nine,

Eight,

Seven,

Six,

Five,

Four,

Three,

Two,

One.

Finding bliss,

Finding contentment,

Finding peace,

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Good night.

Reviews

Great bedtime story! Fell asleep quickly and didn’t wake until 5:30am! Thank you kindly for this practice!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Loved it! One of the best meditations I’ve ever heard.

As a native NY’er who moved to FL almost 2 years ago, my whole being yearns to go back. My heart and soul are in NY. Thank you for bringing me back, for a glorious hour. 🙏🏼 I will continue to return to Central Park with you. 💝

This is one of my favorites! Very relaxing and so soothing

Very nice thank you and Namaste

Lovely!! I truly enjoyed the journey , the rain was perfect, thank you 🙏 sending peace and gratitude 🙏🙏

Thank you, Michelle 🙏🏻😴🙏🏻😴🙏🏻😴🙏🏻