To prepare for rest tonight,
Let's take a moment to prepare ourselves.
Settling yourself into bed,
Wherever you are right now.
Resting your head,
Your arms,
Your legs,
Allowing yourself to gently lie down in a way that is most comfortable for you.
Gently scanning your body to notice any tightness,
Any tension,
Anything that could be that little bit more comfortable.
Maybe pulling up your duvet,
Your blankets,
Positioning any cushions,
Maybe dimming your lights,
And gently closing your eyes if that's comfortable to you,
Allowing the muscles in your face to let go,
Allowing muscles in the rest of your body to soften,
And giving yourself permission to let go.
And as we pay attention to our breath,
With every breath,
Feeling yourself release the weight of the day,
And opening your heart to a journey,
A journey to a sanctuary created just for you.
This is your oasis of calm.
Picture yourself standing at the edge of an expansive desert,
Its dunes rolling like waves in a golden sea.
The sand,
Kissed by the sun,
Shimmers like tiny jewels,
And the vast,
Open space stretches out before you,
A reminder of infinite possibilities.
Far in the distance,
Your gaze is drawn to something special.
Is it a mirage?
No,
This is real.
An oasis awaits you,
Beckoning you forward with the soft glimmer of sunlight dancing off clear,
Cool waters.
It feels as if this haven is calling your name.
With each step that you take towards the oasis,
The sand beneath your feet feels soft and warm,
Moulding perfectly to your steps like a gentle embrace.
The breeze carries a delicate fragrance,
A mixture of wild herbs,
Citrus blossoms,
And the faint,
Sweet aroma of a distant rain.
As you walk,
You notice the sand slowly transitioning to soft patches of lush,
Green grass,
Signalling your arrival.
Now you stand before the heart of the oasis,
And it takes your breath away.
Elegant palms rise towards the sky,
Their fronds swaying gently as if waving in welcome.
The lagoon glistens like a liquid gem,
Its water so clear that you can see the smooth stones resting at the bottom.
Tiny fish dart playfully just beneath the surface,
Their movements hypnotic and calming.
Take a moment here to explore.
As you reach down,
Cupping the cool water in your hands,
You feel an immediate sense of renewal.
You let the water cascade through your fingers,
Imagining it washing away any tension,
Discomfort,
Fatigue.
The lagoon reflects the golden hues of the setting sun,
And as you step into the water,
Its soothing coolness wraps around your body,
Easing every muscle,
Every thought.
Surrounding the lagoon are blossoming flowers in a kaleidoscope of colours,
Deep purples,
Sunlit yellows,
Fiery oranges,
And soft pinks.
They emit a gentle,
Almost magical glow,
As if the oasis itself is alive with energy.
Their petals seem to whisper secrets of healing,
Resilience,
And peace.
You find a resting spot beneath the largest palm tree,
Its wide fronds creating a dappled shade.
The grass here is soft as a feather bed,
And as you recline,
The earth feels alive,
Its pulse steady and strong,
Grounding you,
Connecting you to the rhythm of nature.
Above,
The sky shifts into twilight,
Painted in soothing hues of lavender and deep indigo.
A single bright star appears,
Shimmering like a guardian of the night.
As you lie here,
Allow yourself to breathe deeply,
Calmly,
Effortlessly.
Feel the oasis's gentle energy flow into you with every inhale,
Filling you with calm,
Comfort and healing light.
With every exhale,
Release the weariness that weighs you down,
Imagine the fatigue leaving your body like a stream flowing into the lagoon,
Where it is transformed and carried away.
The breeze carries with it a faint melody,
As if the oasis itself is singing you a lullaby.
The rhythm of the water lapping softly at the shore,
The rustling of the trees and the whispers of the blossoms harmonise to form a song of peace.
This is your oasis of calm,
A sacred retreat where healing takes root,
Where rest is abundant and where you are always safe,
Always held,
Always supported.
Now that you can return here whenever you need,
It is yours,
A sanctuary within your heart,
Forever waiting to welcome you.
Let the warmth,
The serenity and the vitality of this place guide you into a deep,
Restorative and restful sleep.
And as you drift off,
Feel the whispers of the oasis,
Gentle,
Caring and constant,
Reminding you that you are never alone on this journey.
Good night.
Sleep well.