Close your eyes,
Little one.
Let's make your body calm and quiet.
Take a big breath in,
And sigh it out.
Feel your chest rise and fall,
Just like the wind moving through trees.
Another breath in,
And out.
Feel your body growing still,
Like the forest at night.
Imagine you are walking slowly along a forest path.
The moon is shining above.
Silver light falling across the trees.
The air smells fresh and cool.
Everything feels gentle and safe.
As you walk,
You notice your forest friends getting ready for bed.
Over there,
A fox curls into her den.
She tucks her tail over her nose like a blanket.
She lets out one long,
Sleepy sigh.
Ah.
You whisper,
Goodnight,
Fox.
High in the branches,
An owl perches.
His eyes blink slowly,
And he tucks his head under his wing.
He sways gently on his branch as he falls asleep.
Goodnight,
Owl,
You say softly.
A family of deer rests in the tall grass.
They fold their long legs and lay their heads down.
The little fawn nestles against its mother's side.
Goodnight,
Deer.
A family of rabbits hops into their burrow,
Snuggling together in the warm earth.
Goodnight,
Rabbits.
You keep walking.
The forest is calm.
The stars twinkle above,
And everything is peaceful.
Listen closely.
Can you hear the forest nighttime sounds?
The rustle of leaves and the gentle breeze?
The soft chorus of crickets?
Maybe even the distant hoot of another owl.
All the animals are saying goodnight.
The trees stand tall and quiet.
The grass sways just a little,
Then settles to rest.
Even the river nearby moves slowly,
As if it too is ready to sleep.
Now you find a soft place of your own.
A bed of moss,
A pillow of leaves.
You lie down,
And the forest tucks you in.
Just like the fox,
The owl,
The deer,
And the rabbits,
You can close your eyes.
You can let your body grow heavy and still.
The forest is calm.
The forest is safe.
And you are ready for sleep.
Goodnight,
Forest.
Goodnight,
Stars.
Goodnight,
My friend.
Sweet dreams.
