Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.
Tonight I invite you aboard the Sanctuary Train.
A place that exists every night.
Quietly waiting when you yearn to find inner peace and feel safe.
It has always been here,
In the sanctuary of your mind.
Ready to receive you with reassuring comfort.
It's now your turn to be safely carried.
After carrying too much yourself.
I am Michelle and as you unwind.
Allow my voice to greet you as a dear friend and whimsical ally.
I'm here to help remind you.
That your imagination.
Doesn't need to be spent on worry.
It can be a self-soothing superpower that conjures a sense of safety.
When you need it most in the delicate space between wakefulness and slumber.
You deserve to celebrate,
Making it through another day.
Deriving here.
No matter what this day has brought.
It's now behind you.
And we are going to clear your mind.
And ease into a delicate journey that will bring you the deepest sleep.
You don't have to search for this place.
Familiar and has been within you all along.
And now,
You simply choose it.
Wiggle and get as comfortable as you can.
Drawing inward as you settle.
Once your eyes close.
The world beyond disappears.
And you are the architect.
Of all that unfolds.
Feel the support of everything this moment offers.
The support beneath you.
Support of your breath.
The support of the promise that this journey will help you feel good.
The support of every cell in your body.
That does its job.
Even as your body rests.
And you are safe to go off duty.
Feel held by your bedding,
By this moment.
By the sound waves of the train and my voice.
The Sanctuary Train is here to help.
Your breath brings you to its station.
As you inhale deeply.
Slowly.
Taking in the aromatic notes.
Of a surrounding moonlit forest.
Presence.
Cleansing and pure.
You feel instant relief within.
It refreshes your lungs.
Body and mind.
Maybe you yawn.
As yawns come so easily.
When you stand down.
And at last feel safe.
Let out a sigh.
Releasing any tension.
Trapped in familiar places.
Your belly or gut.
Your shoulders,
Your jaw.
Or maybe even your chest.
Inhale again.
Taking in the magic of night time.
And all its soothing blues and moonlit wonder.
Xperia.
Lighter and freer.
And maybe yawn.
And at last sigh.
Making a sound.
The sound sharing your intention for total release.
Your breath guides you to a peaceful station.
Tucked beyond a lush spruce and cedar forest.
As the moon rises in the navy sky.
The hour is late.
Marked by the distant hoot of an owl.
Perched in one of the ancient trees in the forest.
It's a calming song.
Guiding you to the station.
Remote.
The edges of the stone station.
Softened by the opal moonlight.
Gas lanterns flicker on the platform.
That is narrow and quite small.
The station is not accustomed to much traffic.
And it has a timeless coziness.
The evening air is cool.
Landing like a chiffon scarf on your skin.
With a barely perceptible mist.
Your feet land on the platform.
Your soft steps meeting the stone.
You feel everything slowing down.
Your thoughts.
Your breath.
At the Sanctuary Station.
No one asks anything from you.
There's no need to perform.
Or be a certain practiced version of yourself.
You come just as you are.
Without resistance.
Or pressure.
Just a seamless arrival.
That allows you to be as tired,
Vulnerable,
Open,
Sleepy,
Or cranky as you like.
Whatever feelings arise.
You welcome them.
Without consequence.
This is a safe,
Sacred place.
Where all of you is welcome.
Hand-carved wooden benches.
Rest on the platform.
And the gilded gas lanterns.
With celestial patterns of stars and crescent moons.
A small brown bunny hops in the meadow just beyond the platform.
Pausing for a moment to observe you curiously.
Before disappearing beneath the moonlit daisies.
The train will arrive soon,
But first you are drawn to the edge of the platform.
Where all your baggage awaits.
There's a series of beautiful places.
Cubbies and trunks.
Designed to hold.
Whatever you have been carrying.
This opportunity invites you.
To let go.
To leave things behind.
That have been weighing you down.
You run your fingers across antique trunks.
Bearing the stickers of places your heart and mind have visited.
The sense of detachment.
You take in their stories.
Knowing each velvet-lined trunk.
Stands prepared to hold old thoughts and memories that are too heavy to carry along.
Things that maybe lingered a bit longer.
Than they needed to.
Often weighing you down.
Holding you back from peace.
You allow these things to remain.
Carefully closing each trunk.
And sealing the latches.
You're always free to return to them when you wish.
When you feel fully rested.
But for now.
.
.
They stand here on the platform's edge.
Your hands and fingers.
The lighter the moment the latches close.
There are ornate boxes.
That glimmer in the moonlight.
Surprisingly compact.
They may stow away millions of concerns and worries.
Just like your mind.
You leave each one here.
Knowing your imagination is intent on beauty and serenity tonight.
As the sound of the train horn.
May be heard in the distance.
The first time.
Woven baskets are open to hold whatever feelings you wish to release.
All your baggage is safe to remain here.
As the platform begins to gently vibrate.
You sense the train is arriving soon.
You select one small bag from the lot.
It's very light.
And easy to manage.
Containing all you may need for this journey.
Nothing that remains.
Will be ignored or erased.
You will always be here,
Should you wish to return.
You cannot help but enjoy.
The sense of well-being you feel.
Knowing there's nothing to do.
Nothing to tend to or watch over.
All is safe.
All is at rest.
Only now.
Where the heaviest things safely left behind.
Does the sound of the train whistle get closer?
Low and almost mournful.
It echoes across the moonlit forest.
Before fading back into the quiet.
Of this perfect night.
Another follows.
Even closer now.
You can feel the sound reverberate.
Through your chest.
In a comforting way.
Beyond the shadowy edge of the trees.
A beacon of light appears.
Between the trunks of the blue spruce and cedar.
Growing brighter as the sanctuary train arrives just on time.
The very moment.
You stopped carrying more than you ever needed to.
White steam rises above the locomotive.
Catching the lunar light.
Before disappearing into the midnight sky.
A familiar clickety-clack.
Steel wheels upon the rails.
Grows steadily louder.
Each turn of the wheel.
And each deep breath you take.
Bringing the train closer to the platform.
The locomotive glides into the station.
Polished brass reflecting the warm glow of the gas lanterns.
The deep jewel tones of the carriages.
Seem even richer beneath the moonlight.
While every window glows.
With rich honeyed light.
As the brakes release.
With a gentle sigh of steam.
And a soft squeal.
The train comes to a smooth stop before you.
The train has been designed just for you.
Customized to be the exact model.
You would choose to be your sanctuary express.
The door opens.
And an attendant steps down.
Silently waiting for you to board.
Their face seems wonderfully familiar.
You're delighted to see them.
They simply feel.
Like someone you've always trusted.
They offer a quiet nod.
And reassuring smile.
Extending a hand.
As your feet thunk on the metal steps.
There's no ticket to show.
It's no need to prove a thing.
You belong here.
Fully as you are.
This train is yours.
You step across the threshold.
Enveloped in the tender embrace of the train car.
You walk down a narrow hallway.
That leads to your carriage.
The soothing warm air that merges with the cool circulating forest air outside.
As the door closes.
You feel safe in the train's containment.
Knowing it will carry you through the night.
Soft,
Soothing blue footlights guide you.
And warm,
Honeyed light from sconces meets your face.
You feel held by the train.
In a way that feels so familiar.
Like a steady feeling.
Having your hand help by someone you trust.
Or maybe even by your own steady hand.
And as you travel down the corridor.
Feeling yourself let out a sigh.
The unnoticed pockets of tension release in your body.
As the train rocks lightly.
Slowly lurching forward.
Accelerating into the night.
You feel somehow.
That you've always been meant to arrive here.
You come to a door.
Your name beautifully etched on a brass nameplate.
And the deep,
Teal wood.
You open the door.
Find a carriage.
That has been prepared entirely for rest.
For your rest.
It's designed specifically for you.
How you would want it to be.
As though it has always known you were coming.
The light is low,
Yet instantly calming.
The artwork captures the things you find most beautiful and soothing.
The linens and textiles.
Offer the most sumptuous tactile sensations.
As if to say.
You deserve to be as comfortable as this world can make a person feel.
You deserve to be comfortable in your body.
The train rocks ever so slightly back and forth.
Bringing a heady sense of tiredness.
You yawn once more.
You notice how naturally your body remembers.
What it feels like to settle.
Perhaps there is a beverage waiting.
And a handwritten note in elegant cursive.
That welcomes you to the Sanctuary Train.
There's a basin with lukewarm water and floating petals.
Cleansing sound.
Clear you of the remnants of the day.
You rinse your face.
Feeling a release of tension.
From your forehead,
Browse eyelids and cheeks.
Jaw and lips.
The water has a subtle fragrance.
Of a cool,
Moonlit stream.
A hint of peppermint.
That cools your skin.
And the fragrance of dew-dappled petals.
With each motion.
You feel a greater distance.
From all that was left on the platform.
So safely contained in this carriage.
That moves through the night.
You reach into your lightweight bag.
Pull out your freshly laundered pajamas and change into them.
Impossibly soft and cozy.
They bring another wave of sleepiness.
Sleep will find you soon.
Your attention turns to the bed.
Large enough that you may stretch out like a star.
Cozy enough.
That you may tuck under the duvet.
In your own little cave of downy protection.
Your bare feet walk across the plush rug that surrounds the bed.
You peel back the crisp,
Fresh linens.
Feel so smooth against your skin.
You climb into the bed.
The weight of the duvet.
Settles over you.
With the right heaviness.
To make you feel swaddled and safe.
The pillows mold around your head.
Letting you know in a new way.
You no longer need to hold yourself up.
Or carry any weight.
How wonderful it feels.
For everything to be taken care of.
Your mind feels a deep sense of trust for this cabin.
Same trust you feel for your body.
Carrying you along.
Even when unnoticed.
Nothing here needs fixing.
Nothing needs arranging.
Adjusting.
All you had to do was arrive.
And now everything is taken care of.
You feel so wonderfully held by the duvet.
Even as you are rocked.
The train's motions.
You peer out.
Sleepily and dreamily.
At the landscape that rolls beyond the picture window.
Once in motion.
The world changes with ease.
Understanding within.
That you too may encounter the changes you wish to see.
And you set them in motion.
Your attention travels through your body.
Gentle scan.
As it settles into the mattress.
Surrendering to the constant,
Predictable hum of the train.
Your feet feel heavy and warm.
Sinking into the bed.
Carrying you through another day.
The same heaviness rises.
Into your calves.
Your knees.
Releasing fully with each breath you take.
Your hips widen and settle.
Your lower back melting.
To the softness below you.
Every small muscle.
Letting go of attention.
Is carried without complaints.
Are perhaps went completely unnoticed until right now.
Your shoulders glide away from your ears.
Singing down.
Down into the mattress.
Your chest softens too.
No longer needing to brace itself.
For whatever comes next.
Your arms grow loose and full at your side.
Your hands unclenching.
And fingers soft.
As if they're floating.
In a moonlit sea.
And your whole face softens.
Smooth and unguarded.
So safe as you are held here.
Away from anything.
That disrupted your quest for peace.
Train carries you.
Into the only thing left to do.
Rest here.
And let it.
You've carried enough.
For long enough.
Now you deserve this holiday.
For your mind.
And your nervous system.
Feel your whole body sink.
One final time into the bed.
Weightless now.
Fully receive Click,
Click.
Click of the train.
Reassures you.
The rhythm reminds you.
Times perhaps forgotten.
Kept in the memory of yourselves.
When you were a small child.
And sleep came fast and with ease.
Maybe the same gentle motion.
Once carried you to sleep.
In a rocking chair.
Or cradle.
Are in the back seat of a car.
The landscape continues to drift by.
A soft blur of deep jewel tones.
Moonlit forests unfold.
In silvers and deep greens.
Their feathery branches swaying.
As they surrender to the wind.
Pearlescent blue streams catch the light.
Iridescent ribbons flowing water.
Glimmer throughout the rolling hills.
A puffy cloud or two.
Languidly glides across the glittering sky.
Drifting.
It's letting the wind decide.
Where to go next?
Once more.
You pay attention.
These graceful transformations.
Without effort.
The fields become porous.
Without effort The rivers and streams curve and disappear beyond the hills.
Effort.
The night continues to unfold.
Exactly as it should.
Each mile passing gently beneath you.
Without effort.
Sleep and dawn.
Will come as well.
Your thoughts change this way too.
Drifting.
Reshaping.
Blowing through you.
Imparting a message.
Then moving delicately along.
Your eyes become so heavy and closed.
As you let the train guide you.
Safe.
Condemned.
Cozy.
Beyond the walls of the train.
The world continues exactly as it should.
Roads stretch into the distance.
Villages are asleep beneath the stars.
Tucked within the softly lit carriage.
Nothing is asked of you.
Inside.
This train car.
Everything is designed to support you.
Make you feel sheltered.
The train guides you.
Through every valley.
And every quiet sleeping town.
Until somewhere along the way,
You end sleep.
Meet once more.
Feel the gentle sway continue beneath you.
Rocking you further into stillness.
Further into The soft dark.
Comfort of this journey.
That asks nothing of you.
But rest.
The rhythm continues,
Steady and low.
With soft vibrations.
That's loose in every muscle.
You are safe.
You are hell.
You are carried.
The night welcomes you.
Exactly as you are.
Feel your breath growing slower.
Matching the gentle sway of the carriage.
Feel your body sinking deeper into the bed.
With every small motion of the train.
Heavier now.
Softer now.
Closer to sleep.
With every passing mile.
The rhythm continues.
To a place where sleep.
Always been waiting for you.
Patient as the stream.
Patient as the night itself.
Somewhere far behind you.
Station rest quietly in the night.
The lantern still glowing.
Platform still holding.
Everything you chose to leave there.
And now the night unfolds.
And you're lighter.
With each mile.
With each breath.
As you sink into the comforts of this repose.
You so very much deserve.
You have always deserved this sense of safety.
You have always been worthy of these comforts.
Rest comes easy.
And there is nothing else to carry.
My voice begins to fade.
Quieting.
As you tune into the sounds of the train.
Gentle vibrations.
Clickety clacks.
I'll here to remind you.
You are being taken care of.
Sleep now,
Gently.
As a sanctuary train.
Continues on through the night.
Carrying you exactly where you need to go.
Exactly as far.
You need to travel.
And to rest.
Stillness.
To slumber.
Finding serenity.
Finding deep peace.
Finding sleep.
It's time to dream away.
