Rainy Night At Willow Cottage: Guided Sleep Story

Just beyond the tidal estuaries, a mystical forest of graceful willow trees leads you to a tranquil pond and a centuries-old stone cottage. As the rain begins to fall, seek comfort inside the cottage, settling by a crackling fire in a bow window, where you can witness the storm's beauty as thunder softly rumbles. Embrace the cozy ambiance as you lose yourself in a beloved book, hypnotized by the rain. You retreat to the bedroom and fall asleep. It's time to dream away.

Includes rain & fire sounds.

Transcript

Are you ready to find comfort and sleep with this guided sleep story for grown-ups?

You are listening to Rainy Night at the Willow Cottage,

A simple bedtime journey,

Best enjoyed when you have set aside time for yourself to unwind and let go.

The sleep story will bring you to a dreamy forest of willow trees that leads you to a pond and a cozy historic stone cottage where you hunker down as a rainstorm rolls in.

In the storybook setting,

You tend to your comforts and needs and find deep inner peace.

It's time to dream away.

I would like to welcome you to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I am here as your guide,

And you may think of me as a trusted friend.

I advocate for your sleep,

But understand that everyone needs and desires different things.

So as you listen,

Let your imagination customize every detail to make this the best experience.

If something doesn't work for you,

Simply ignore it.

Just the same when you find yourself engaged in the details that you most enjoy,

Feel free to enhance and embellish them.

Revel in how real the story feels,

Captivating you and taking you away,

One thought at a time.

You may fall asleep whenever you like,

And the details of this journey will positively influence your subconscious mind to bring blissful dreams and help you awaken in the morning,

Rejuvenated and restored.

As you lie down,

Feel your body become heavy and relaxed,

Supported by your bed and protected by the walls of this room where you dream.

Snuggle beneath your blanket or covers and take it all in.

You owe nothing to anyone but yourself right now.

Away from the noise of the outside world,

Foster peace in the sanctuary of your room and mind.

Slow down your breath,

Making it as gentle as weeping willows captured by a soft,

Tepid breeze.

Your breathing takes on the ease of a delicate dance.

Slowly inhale through your nose,

Knowing each molecule of oxygen will travel throughout your body with a message of release.

Connect your body to its greatest capacity in this moment.

Gentle,

Loving.

And you may yawn or go straight into a sigh as you allow the air to escape.

Can it feel good to have this release?

Continue with this breathing pattern at the pace that feels right.

Honoring yourself with each breath brings the intention of slowing down and feeling good.

Breathing in and breathing out.

Your chest rises and falls naturally,

Like willows undulating in the night air.

Breathing in and breathing out.

Give yourself all the space you can for release,

Bliss,

And inner peace.

Sometimes tension can stockpile in hidden places of the body as we go through a day.

But right now you clear away tension with your conscious breathing,

Finding it in the hidden attics,

Compartments,

And basements of the body.

Your heart,

Your chest,

And your muscles and joints open like double doors out onto the night,

Releasing this tension as you visualize it flying away into a starry sky.

As your breath returns to normal,

Take stock of how much more relaxed you feel than moments ago.

And in this delicious state of being,

It's time for the story to begin.

The weeping willow trees circle a glassy pond in the heart of the woods.

Beyond the mystical forest of oak trees dripping in Spanish moss and weeping willows,

Estuaries lead modest wooden vessels to the sea.

A quaint centuries-old cottage with a thatched roof is nestled just beyond the pond,

Close enough for its reflection to appear on the silky water.

When the wind picks up,

The willows brush against the roof with timeless whispers.

Not far from the cottage,

You walk on the mossy forest floor as white gold sunlight slips through the dancing green tresses of the willow trees.

It's hard to resist weaving the willows between your fingers as you explore the sensation of the tiny waxy leaves against the inner webs of your fingers.

Purple and bright pink wildflowers sprout from the rich earth among scarlet mushrooms with white spots that feel right out of a fairy tale.

You feel the sun on your face as you watch the long,

Graceful shadows of willows ebbing and flowing across the dark green forest floor.

The botanical notes of the wildflowers and damp earth smell like good memories.

Of curious days spent exploring nature at a time when getting your hands covered with dirt was worth every minute of newfound discoveries.

A loveliness of ladybugs crawls up the ridged gray bark of a thick willow tree trunk.

You place your hand on the bark,

Enjoying these tactile moments of the moss beneath your bare feet and the coarse bark against your palm.

You feel grounded and rooted.

Your heartbeat slows,

Adapting to the languid tempo of the forest.

You close your eyes and inhale the tepid air,

Detecting the slightest hint of the sweet,

Salty waters of the estuaries beyond the forest.

When you open your eyes,

The sunlight takes on an ethereal glow,

Capturing a soft,

Sparkling mist that becomes iridescent in its path.

The birds sing out,

Praising the day while they can,

As everything in the forest seems to anticipate a rainstorm on the way.

You walk towards a stream,

Surrounded by shimmering blue-gray and charcoal-hued stones,

Smoothed by time and the babbling water.

The silvery-blue stream bubbles beneath the willows,

Surrounded by more strawberry-red,

White-spotted mushrooms.

You appreciate how your overthinking habit seems to stop during this walk.

You don't rely on language to understand the name of everything around you,

And the chatter of your mind becomes silent to make room for the mellifluous sound of the stream,

The songs of the birds,

And the persistent swoosh of the willows.

The willows have symbolized flexibility,

Grace,

And beauty throughout thousands of years.

While also remaining firmly rooted and balanced,

You feel the sense of strength in your bones with each step,

And the flexibility of your muscles and mind as you hop along the edge of the stream.

The forest moss cushions each step,

Like landing on an earth cloud.

You explore these feelings of weightlessness as you take a gander around the tranquil pond,

Caught up in the alluring beauty of the clearing.

The purity of nature found in the willows and the pond,

In this landscape of pastels and rich green hues evoke the settings that once inspired the impressionist touch of Monet's paintbrush.

The willow trees sway gently in the breeze,

Their long tendrils caressing the still water with a loving touch,

As if to remind the pond that everything is connected.

The reflections on the pond double the beauty of the world around it.

This breathtaking mirror captures the centuries-old cabin on the other side of the pond.

Willows line the pond's perimeter and create dancing reflections that shimmy like emerald fringe skirts of vaudeville dancers.

For a moment,

You consider how often humankind seeks to create the beauty of nature with art.

Mesmerized by the peaceful scenery,

You are drawn to two butterflies that land on cattails along the pond's edge.

They take off in a harmonious dance,

Their bright blue wings fluttering through tall ribbons of mint green grass.

The sun filters through incoming clouds,

Illuminating the shimmer in their delicate butterfly wings.

You look to the sky,

Sensing a change as the first puffy white clouds roll in,

Casting shadows on the pond.

As you near the water,

You notice dragonflies that hover above its tranquil surface,

Their wings twinkling like jewels.

You follow their hypnotic movements,

Enchanted by their graceful flight as they glide effortlessly in the gentle breeze.

They skirt across the water,

Creating ripples.

Each one seems to be a different shade,

From vivid cobalt blue to deep amethyst.

And you can't help but marvel at their radiant beauty.

In this moment of stillness within,

You miss no detail.

Suddenly a cool change in the air rushes in with a gust.

You see dusty purple and dark grey clouds in the distance where a storm brews.

The wind whistles through the willows,

The branches rustling and swaying with a new sense of urgency.

Communicating to all living beings in the forest to seek shelter.

The clouds gather,

Their colors fading into shades of somber grey.

And the winds stop for but a second.

There is a calm before the storm.

And then the first fat raindrops begin to fall.

You are close to the cottage and its comforts,

So you take your time.

You feel strongly connected to your aliveness with each patter of cool rain that lands on your lips,

Collarbones,

And hands.

A few beams of sunlight still filter through the first storm clouds to arrive.

A distant low rumble of thunder travels through the damp air.

The winds increase and you stretch your arms out,

Feeling the force of the breeze as you smile.

You become silly and dance in the rain and relish the electrifying energy that bring a heightened sense of being connected to the moment.

As the rain streams down your temples and cheeks,

You take in a deep breath and inhale its clean perfume that saturates the woods.

As the winds intensify,

You draw closer to the centuries-old stone cottage.

Ivy cascades down around the front door.

Sky blue shutters surround the multi-paned windows with ivory sashes.

Flower boxes hang from the windowsills,

Overflowing with fuchsia petunias.

Every raindrop creates a different tone as it patters on the foliage around the cottage.

The stones of the quaint dwelling have been worn by time,

Wind,

And weather.

And during many storms,

And offering protection and a cozy haven for legions of souls before you,

You ascend the stone steps to the front door.

As the rain drips down the gutter and begins to pool and form a tiny pond.

The wind howls through the trees and the rain drums against the thatched roof with a steady rhythm.

The heavy periwinkle blue front door creaks open into the dim foyer.

You gather a match from a credenza and light a tapered candle nestled in an old brass holder.

The sulfur smell of the match cuts through the musk of age and the scent of wood and stone that permeates the cottage.

The cave-like walls are thick and sturdy.

The furniture is sparse,

Yet elegant,

As if chosen with care to match the rustic charm of the cottage.

Dark brown exposed wooden beams stretch across the open concept space,

Draped in boughs of dried lavender and baby's breath.

You use the candlelight to guide you to the fireplace,

Which is already prepared with kindling and splintered dry logs.

You ignite crumpled newspaper surrounding the kindling,

And it catches immediately,

Pouring amber light into the main room.

You stoke the fire a few times as it engulfs the log and feel the raindrops on your face evaporate in the heat.

You walk to a bow window that overflows with throw pillows in an array of soothing colors and lush fabrics.

You hug one of the pillows against your chest,

Gazing out as the storm intensifies.

Rays of lightning illuminate the horizon and purple-black underbellies of storm clouds.

Time seems to have shifted from early day to late night with the arrival of dark storm clouds.

A wave of sleepiness washes over you.

The rain falls in torrents,

The drops pattering against the ground and thatched roof like a million tiny drums.

Yet even amidst the storm's wrath,

There is still a kind of beauty to be found.

The willows bow in reverence to the storm,

Showing their flexibility and endurance as they yield in a dramatic ballet.

The rain becomes a soothing lullaby that serenades your soul with a timeless soundtrack that has always helped foster sleep and encourage the coziest of moments when safe inside.

Awe-inspired by the storm's beautiful fury,

You take a deep breath,

Inhaling the scent of rain and burning wood that fills the cottage.

You feel safe,

Sheltered and relieved to have permission from nature to hunker down and relax.

On stormy days like this,

You have every reason to simply unwind and enjoy the comforts of home.

And beyond this welcome time to get cozy,

You realize that even in the darkest of storms,

There is always a glimmer of hope.

A chance for renewal in this welcome break.

One of your favorite books rests on the windowsill,

Its pages worn and dog-eared from many revisits to this beloved prose.

You pick it up,

Savoring the sweet smell of the soft aged pages.

The sounds of the rain and fire create the perfect ambiance to lull you into a sense of peace and contentment.

The patter of raindrops on the thatched roof is like a gentle,

Comforting melody that matches the cadence of the words that you read quietly.

The fire's warmth seeps into your bones,

Chasing away the chill of the damp air.

You feel cocooned indoors,

Drawn to the softness of the moment.

The way the flames add a golden glow to the room as the world outside becomes darker and darker.

The soft cushion beneath you welcomes your tired body as you settle into your reading nook.

The gentle streams of rainwater cascade over the windows and stream into the flower boxes.

You focus on the softness of your breath that takes on the rhythm of this slow,

Delicate moment.

The storm persists,

Its drumming rhythm louder and more insistent as the occasional rumble of thunder reverberates through the woods and travels across the pond.

You peer out to watch the willows,

Weighed down by the rain as they come closer to their roots.

The rain splatters on the pond,

The once glassy surface now overcome by ripples and swirls.

You drift between the story in your hand,

The rain outside,

And the soundtrack that accompanies it.

Do you feel a deep sense of calm,

Lost in the pages,

Traveling between worlds on the wings of your imagination?

The fire and rain simply enhance the timeless experience of leisurely reading in a cozy nook on a stormy day.

As the night grows deeper and weariness tugs at your eyelids,

The words on the page begin to blear like the rain streaming down the old windows.

The crackling fire and the rhythmic patter of rain have cast a spell on you,

Preparing you for slumber.

Slowly you rise from the window seat,

Feeling a pleasant heaviness settle in your limbs.

With a flickering handle in hand,

You navigate the narrow hallway of the stone cottage.

The soft glow of the flame dances on the walls,

Casting delicate shadows that seem to reveal secrets of the past.

The secret you know best is how beloved the willow cottage was,

By all those lucky enough to find comfort in its stone walls.

As you reach the bedroom,

You set the candle on a bedside table,

Its warm light casting a soft glow throughout the charming space.

Its golden light contrasts the flashes of silvery white from lightning outside.

You slip out of your clothes,

Shedding the weight of the day,

And reach for a pair of soft linen pajamas folded at the end of the bed.

The fabric feels gentle against your skin,

Like a comforting caress.

It drapes loosely around you,

Allowing you to move freely as you settle into a state of relaxation.

The bed beckons you,

Its layers of plushness promising a safe haven for letting go.

The bedding is an oasis of comfort,

With crisp white sheets that invite you to wrap yourself in their softness.

Pillows plump and pleasing are arranged like clouds of solace,

Offering support to weary heads.

The hand-made duvet is compiled of a lightweight fabric in colors and a design that you find most soothing.

The bedroom retains charm,

And smells of dried lavender,

Fresh laundry,

And clean rain.

As you snuggle in the bed,

Your gaze drifts to the walls,

Adorned with photographs and paintings.

Each image captures a moment of serenity and peace.

An oil painting captures the beauty of the willows around the pond during the peak of spring,

Created by a former artist in residence.

Images of the woods and nearby estuaries hang on the walls,

Capturing dreamy sunsets and sunrises.

And on the bedside table is a photo of you in your favorite summery attire,

Looking wistfully at the pond,

As the willows surround your frame,

A few inches shy of kissing your head and shoulders.

The storm's symphony continues outside,

And its presence brings you comfort.

The rumbling thunder becomes a lullaby,

Harmonizing with the pitter-patter of raindrops against the windowpane.

Your mind goes with the gusts of wind,

Becoming quieter and distant,

Carrying your thoughts to places of dreams.

With a contented exhalation,

You blow out the candle and surrender to the cozy,

Sleepy moment.

The willow cottage is a historic haven where weariness melts away and sleep beckons with open arms.

You see yourself approaching the bridge to sleep,

Taking your time when you stand in its center,

Luxuriating in the bliss between worlds.

You appreciate existing in so many places at a time,

Always capable of adding layers and dreams within dreams.

At home in your bed,

While also nestled in the willow cottage and drifting across the bridge to sleep,

You find solace everywhere your mind dares to go.

The falling rain helps guide you into a peaceful slumber.

Knowing that you are safe and sheltered,

You may be cradled by the sonic comforts of nature's tempestuous dance.

Letting go,

Knowing every storm to come,

Gives you a chance to do nothing but focus on feeling good.

Warm,

Happy,

And soothed.

Every part of your body is deeply relaxed.

As you inhale and exhale,

You follow your breath to deeper places of peace and repose.

You experience and observe this moment,

Seeing your serene self,

Tucked in the layers of bedding in the willow cottage,

With the peaceful expression of a sleeping child.

You welcome the waves of slumber washing over you as you let go.

As fluid and adaptable as the willows,

You find grace.

You find bliss.

You find fulfillment.

You find sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Good night.

Reviews

This is lovely, as usual. I found it very soothing and drifted gently off to sleep. Thank you.

What a beautiful and soothing voice! Thank you for sharing your story.

Beautiful story as always Michelle. This is one of my favorites: I love the images of reflections on the pond, dancing willows and butterflies on cattails. The stone house is delightful. Thank you and Blessings. 🕊️💞

Thank you, Michelle🌟🌟🌟Missed out on this one last year. Wonderful story. Never experienced a forest of weeping willows, that must be magical!🙏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🏻

Wonderful imagery that allows you to calmly drift off to sleep.

Excellent! Another fabulous bedtime story that I miss the full story! Your soothing voice puts me to sleep before I hear the whole story! Thank you kindly! 🤗🙏🤗🙏🤗🙏🤗🙏🤗😳

Put me right to sleep, even though I was listening with great interest. Thank you so much.

Magnificent as usual, so excited when I find a new upload of yours. Been having bad dreams this past week, so it was very soothing to have a new dream getaway to enjoy last night. Have you ever considered making one where you meet up with loved ones who have past on? Or your guardian any?Namaste

So calming- didn’t make it to the end 💜💜thank you

I managed to stay awake the second time to hear all of this beautiful, peaceful, & soothing story. Thank you for another wonderful sleep story.

Didn’t hear the end of it as so soothing thank you once again x