The Mystic Storm | Romantic Bedtime Story For Sleep

Travel by train with your dog and a companion of your choice to Mystic on a sleepy Sunday in September. You explore the 19th-Century maritime village and enjoy an afternoon sail before a storm rolls in. The Mermaid Carriage House offers a cozy dwelling to cuddle by the fire as the rain patters on the roof and thunder rolls in the distance. Connect with the energy of romantic love as this story guides you to sleep. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

Drift into a deep sleep with this relaxing bedtime story for grown-ups.

You are listening to The Mystic Storm,

A romantic sleep story with rain sounds set in New England.

Aboard the Northeast Regional Train,

The golden morning light pours over the views of the Long Island Sound as you travel to Mystic with your beloved pet and a romantic partner.

Sapphire waves and white sails are the backdrop as you explore the quaint village and marina on the cusp of autumn.

In the fickle in-between of seasons,

A storm rolls in and you return to a carriage house and fall into a deep sleep in the warm glow of a fire.

It's time to dream away.

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

My name is Michelle and as you listen,

Think of me as a longtime friend and ally for sleep.

At night it may be common for thoughts to race,

But I am here to guide your mind towards peace and pleasant imagery.

A single beautiful thought can be your ticket to a soothing mental vacation.

You deserve to protect this time reserved for deep rest.

Curate the details of the story to what makes you happiest and the most at peace.

This is your bedtime story and you know what you most need,

So trust yourself infinitely.

Embrace the comfort of this moment as you wiggle and settle.

When you are as comfortable as you can get,

Find stillness.

Imagine soft fuzzy footed pajamas,

Cool autumn air,

And plush weighted blankets that tuck you in.

Think of objects and visuals that conjure the coziest vibes.

Drift through moments of your life that come to you naturally when you think of being at peace.

Notice how much more relaxed these ideas make you feel as you settle into the sanctuary of your room and mind.

With your eyes closed and body settled,

Let out a deep sigh.

Make a sound.

Be theatrical even if it feels a little silly.

You are free to be any way you want right now.

Whatever it takes to let go,

Be generous to yourself as you feel all the feels that come with the end of the day.

When you're ready,

Take in a deep breath and feel your belly and ribcage expand millimeter by millimeter.

When filled to the brim with soothing night air,

Open your mouth in a hearty yawn.

Yawning tells your body that you are ready for sleep and deep relaxation.

And then sigh the air out.

Inhale again.

Sip in the night air like a salve that sends a relaxing message to every part of your body.

Imagine the oxygen molecules travel from cell to cell with this message.

Open your mouth and take another yawn and exhale in a sigh.

As the air flows out of you,

You release all tension in your body.

One last time,

Repeat this breathing pattern to your preferences.

Do what feels best.

Return your breath to normal.

Take note of how you feel compared to moments ago.

In the state of ease and relief,

Your mind is prepared for a romantic journey.

This story will free you as you explore whatever yearnings for love and connection you have.

As you visualize the charming village of Mystic Connecticut,

Open your heart to the possibilities of love and healing that you wish to experience in your waking life.

Because dreaming of something is often a way to plan for its arrival.

It's time for the story to begin.

The Northeast Regional Train weaves along the jagged coastline of New England from New York to Boston like a flashing silver ribbon.

You travel on the first train to leave Penn Station on a September morning.

Golden sunlight showers the waterways and tracks from the east,

Extending its reach across the landscape with each passing minute like an incoming wave.

The people of the coastal villages and cities of Connecticut are slow to rise on this lazy Sunday.

Some of them pop into local coffee shops to spend the morning overlooking the harbor while reading newspapers and doing crossword puzzles.

Others walk their dogs along the historic streets of cozy cottages overlooking the waterway.

White sails flutter against the crystal blue sky,

Dappled with puffy white clouds.

Fishermen and boat enthusiasts are of the few early risers,

Eager to soak in every hour of sunlight before the weather changes.

You lean against the vinyl navy blue seat that contours around your lower back and neck and prop your forehead against the cool window.

The ever-changing view is like walking through an art gallery of gilded nautical scenes on a perfect day.

You travel with a devoted companion.

Perhaps this is a current partner or someone you have dreamt of meeting or someone you wish to rekindle something with from your past.

There is an ease that comes with traveling together as if all this was planned before you ever met.

Often when you are with this special person,

Experiences unfold with a sense of deja vu.

These heartwarming memories playing out before they were created.

You feel safe,

Cherished,

And seen by this loving partner in what has become the healthiest relationship in your life.

All moments of your life have brought you to a place of deep self-acceptance and love that is enhanced by the kindness received from your partner.

The ease comes at a time when you realize how short life can be and how it is better spent in harmony and enjoying the greatest moments together.

Your dog rests comfortably at your feet,

Sleeping deeply as the train rocks them back and forth peacefully.

The train is at half capacity and the soft murmurs of other passengers are barely perceptible over the clicks and clacks of the rails.

Your partner holds your hand and your fingers weave together like straw in a wicker basket.

New Haven,

Old Saybrook,

Niantic,

New London.

You pass through these quaint coastal towns in the early morning hours.

It's not hard to imagine what they looked like centuries ago.

Allegiance to the sea is as apparent now as it was when whaling ships and seafarers filled the harbor.

Brilliant white church steeples pierce the sky to the north,

Mirroring the white masts of sailboats to the south.

In the coming months,

The leaf peepers will arrive in droves,

But now is the perfect time for the quietude brought by summer's end.

The train pulls into Mystic and three school-aged children wait with their mother,

Holding hand-painted signs for their arriving grandparents.

You disembark the train with your pup and partner behind the senior couple,

Whose arms overflow with gifts from New York for the young tykes.

The purulation on the faces of the children and grandparents being reunited at the depot warms you from the inside out.

An eclectic array of benches,

Antique chairs,

And tables are scattered beneath the awning of the beige depot.

A sign reads,

Welcome to Mystic Country.

A few patrons enjoy treats from the cafe and some say goodbye to loved ones who board the train to Boston.

Your pup cannot wait to enjoy the newly found freedom outside of the train car.

The sweet animal enthusiastically sniffs the brick pavement and planters overflowing with mums in autumnal hues.

The air is warm and humid with a morning breeze that carries the salty sweet aroma of the sound and the rich mineral-driven earthy smell of the Mystic River.

Dressed appropriately for the warmth,

You revel in the breeze as your partner leads you and the pup towards a harbor.

You travel light with a small backpack for the overnight stay.

The walk to the marina is short and passes quickly as you take in the historic brick buildings and centuries-old homes covered in shakes or wooden shingles weathered by time,

Sun,

And salty air.

Your pup playfully rolls on the grassy hill that leads to the marina,

Layering its fur with a new aroma of Mystic's emerald grass.

A tall man with freckled leathery brown skin,

Seasoned by decades in the sun on his boat,

Approaches you and your companion to introduce himself as Calvin,

Your guide for a lunch hour sail.

Mystic is often hailed as America's living seaport of maritime past.

A 19th century village where over 500 historic vessels are stored,

Calvin leads you to a sailboat aptly named Misty Dreams.

His teenage daughter Callie stands and waves to you.

They dress similarly in white linen pants with baby blue pinstripes and blue t-shirts that have their names on the front and let sail away in cursive lettering on the back.

Your pup instantly bonds with Callie and overcomes any trepidation about the boat when the young girl cheers and pats her legs in encouragement.

You and your companion board the chartered sailboat before noon.

You smile to think of how much travel has been fit into the early Sunday hours.

You feel a sense of accomplishment for making the most out of the day.

The sailboat glides out of the marina and Callie sets out lunch on a gingham checkered blanket spread on the deck.

Your pup settles in the sun,

Panting in a smile before a metal bowl of cold water prepared by Calvin.

The father-daughter duo makes you feel part of the family as the afternoon rolls on.

Their unique relationship is cemented by their love of sailing and mutual respect.

There is an ease and jovialness to their interactions.

They celebrate each other for exactly who they are.

The forecast calls for a threat of storms in the evening.

This,

Combined with the thought of cooler temperatures of autumn and winter,

Creates an urgency to savor every moment of sunlight and salty spray from the sound.

Many months will pass before a day like this will be possible again and you aim to hold on to every golden moment.

Callie rings a marine blue bell to announce it's time to eat.

You and your partner come over and settle on the flannel blanket with your dog.

Callie's culinary skills surpass any expectations you may have had.

You smile upon realizing your partner ordered specifically to your taste preferences.

No small detail is overlooked and it makes you feel loved and seen.

The attention is so specific that it makes this outing feel like a holiday or birthday celebration.

Your gratitude overflows and your partner expresses that you deserve to feel this valued every day.

Their awareness of what makes you happy exceeds the material expressions and it's all a lovely surprise you hope to repay soon.

You and your partner connect in subtle loving ways.

A gentle brush on the small of a back.

A fleeting moment of eye contact with a glint in your eyes that reveals deep intimacy.

A small smirk that comes from secret jokes and understandings.

The boat sails around a rocky island and lighthouse that once guided seafarers and ships into the harbor on stormy nights.

The skies above the lapping sparkling waves are crystal clear while gray storm clouds loom over land in the distance.

Salty mist lands on your skin in a cool veil and a soft breeze sweeps your hair.

As the sailboat returns to the marina,

You and your partner snuggle on the blanket with your pup at your feet.

Callie asks politely if you would like her to take a photo.

In one image,

She captures all the feelings of the moment.

The nautical beauty and a memory you may often return to when you need to recall how sweet life can be.

Sunlight filters through the incoming clouds,

Giving hope for some time to explore the village.

As you arrive at the dock,

You acclimate to being on land.

Your body still feels the gentle motion of the boat as you say goodbye to your new friends.

The late afternoon is spent wandering the historic village.

Stone walls rise from the sidewalk beneath rolling hills where historic cottages and homes are perched.

You pass the Roman-style pillars of an old bank transformed into a modern-day pub.

The temperature drops in the fickleness of a season's end for warning the storm is nearing.

You pop into a cafe to buy hot apple cider made at a local mill for you and your partner.

Passersby stop to greet your dog and shop owners are happy to welcome your pup with treats and smiles.

You peruse a gallery of maritime oil paintings depicting harrowing victories on stormy seas and vibrant candy-hued sunsets and glassy water.

Every painting depicts a different setting in Mystic.

As you continue on your walk,

Two-storied buildings in buttercream yellow,

Powder blue,

And mint green with ivory trim offer storefronts on the first floor and apartments above.

The smell of incense travels in the air from an astrology boutique and heightens the sense of mysticism in the village.

The first cold fat raindrops begin to fall as a sky becomes dark and the wind picks up,

Carrying fallen leaves down the main strip.

You duck inside a shop with your pet and partner who picks out two windbreakers in shades of blue with an outline of the marina on them and the words Mystic Seaport in a fanciful script.

You pull the fleece-lined windbreaker over your head and set out into the rain.

The streets and sidewalks glisten with an opal sheen reflecting the storm clouds and lights of passing cars.

The rain patters on your hood and cool drops fall on your face.

Your dog excitedly leads you towards a drawbridge,

As if intuitively aware of the direction to the cottage.

As you cross the drawbridge,

The beauty of the Mystic River is unveiled.

Ripples form from the raindrops and current and the blue-gray water reflects the charcoal underbellies of lavender storm clouds and white historic homes and restaurants that line the riverbank.

You inhale the smell of the river and clean rain.

Your companion pauses in the middle of the gray bridge and takes your hand,

Pulling you close.

You kiss in the rain.

The cool raindrops on your lips taste like the sea and a cool metallic spoon.

Your pup pushes between you and then shakes the rain off its coat and makes a petulant huffing sound.

You and your partner laugh.

Your dog always tries to steal the show.

Your partner brushes raindrops off your forehead and cheeks with a gentle caress.

Your heart is so full of hope and love that even the coldest rain cannot stop you from smiling.

In the distance,

Lightning illuminates the river in a silvery blue flash.

You feel relief that the cottage is close.

Together,

With arms wrapped around one another,

You cross the bridge and walk along the riverfront to the Mermaid Carriage House.

The cozy cottage was once owned by a sea captain in the late 19th century.

Copper mermaid statues the color of fresh seaweed stand at the end of a walkway that leads to the shingled cottage.

The stone path wraps around a rose garden.

Raindrops drip from ivy strung around a white trellis and you playfully attempt to hop between splats of rain.

The owner left the keys inside a life-sized white anchor with a hidden lockbox at the base.

You open the box and shake the keys victoriously at your partner and then unlock the white wooden door into the Mermaid Carriage House.

The open concept home blends historic charm with whimsy.

Shades of teal and periwinkle accent the moldings,

Rugs,

And kitchen accessories.

A-frame ceilings peak 12 feet overhead and the rain trickles down skylight windows above the bed and sitting area.

You remove your wet windbreaker and gather your companion's windbreaker to hang them on hooks near the door.

Your partner starts a fire in the original stone fireplace used at a time long before the comforts of electricity were offered in the cottage.

Lightning flashes and thunder reverberates across the river.

Your pup settles comfortably on a rug by the fireplace.

The wood crackles and pops as flames engulf two logs.

Your dog dries in the warmth of the fire.

Cast in an amber glow that reflects on its silky wet fur,

You step into the bathroom to change into dry cotton loungewear that is soft against your skin.

You wash your face with fragrant soap formed in the shape of sand dollars.

It smells of lavender and mint.

The fixtures of the bathroom are mermaid inspired.

The copper faucet levers are in the shape of mermaid fins with a lounging mermaid sculpture atop the faucet.

You close your eyes and listen to the rain,

Imagining traveling through time to experience the mysticism of the seaside village that you can feel in the historic walls of the carriage house.

An overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over you as you think of the storms survived by those at sea and how comforted they felt returning to land,

To their quaint homes and loving family.

You dry your face in a plush seafoam green towel that smells freshly laundered and are soothed by a feeling of home.

When you return to the living room,

Tapered candles flicker atop the mantle and the sweet smells of burning fire logs linger in the air.

The wind howls outside the cottage.

The wooden floorboards creak as you walk to meet your partner,

Who has also changed into dry,

Comfortable clothes.

You settle on a velvety blue loveseat to enjoy one of your favorite drinks together.

Music softly plays from an old record player and the voice of Dinah Washington sings about blue gardenias.

The soft analog crackle is the perfect accompanist for the sounds of the storm.

Your partner's fingers are intuitive as they massage hidden places of tension in your neck and shoulders to give deep release.

You inhale deeply and sigh,

Feeling comforted and safe.

Your muscles become jelly-like and your head falls back heavily as sleepiness takes hold.

Your partner runs their fingers across your scalp that tingles with electric energy.

It travels down your spine.

They kiss the top of your head tenderly.

Your pup softly snores,

Dreaming about the adventures of the day.

Occasionally their paws paddle in the air as if they are swimming through the night.

Rain patters on the roof and skylights,

Dripping down the gutter into puddles as orange marmalade sparks fly up the chimney with crackles and pops.

Wordlessly,

You and your partner go to bed and find comfort in each other's arms,

Nestled beneath the luxury cotton sheets that are clean and cool to the touch and a heavy quilt made of patches and shades of dark blues and sea greens.

The music silences and you are lost in the sounds of the falling rain and howling winds,

Drifting towards sleep,

Feeling safe and at home,

Tired,

Fulfilled,

And comforted by a deep nurturing love.

You approach the bridge to your sleeping life as you drift deeper and deeper down,

Letting go and surrendering,

Finding bliss,

Finding peace,

Finding respite,

Finding grace,

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Reviews

Michelle, thank you kindly for this wonderful bedtime story! I fell asleep quickly and just woke up before my alarm. It is most comforting to listen to your stories. I look forward to playing them. Now that I am up, I am going to replay so I can hear what I missed! Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy New Year! 🍾🥂🎉🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Loved it

I always love your stories. They're the only ones I listen to even if I repeat them over and over! Keep them coming please! 🙏 💝

Thank you, Michelle 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Very curious about the content, absolutely no clue. I do remember now to have heard some rain…Always excited when a new sleep meditation has been posted🙏🏻😴🙃😴🙏🏻

Thank you. Will revisit. Fell asleep 😴 in the beginning. 🙏💕😊

I'm sure it was an amazing sleep story but it course as soon as I start listening to your voice I fall asleep very quickly. 😊

Lovely 🤍
Blessed Be;
Morgaine