Once upon a time, in a cozy little forest, there lived a friendly bear named Benny. Benny loved to play all day with his forest friends, chasing butterflies and climbing trees. But when it was time to go to bed, Benny would sometimes find it hard to calm his busy mind. One beautiful evening, as the moon shone brightly in the sky, Benny's momma tucked him into bed. With a gentle smile, she said, "Benny, my dear, I have something magical to teach you tonight. It’s called Benny's Bedtime Breathing."
Curious, Benny listened intently as his momma explained that bedtime breathing could help calm his racing thoughts and make him feel peaceful before drifting off to sleep. "Taking deep breaths, my little one, is like a cozy hug for your busy mind," she said. Benny was excited to learn this special sleepy time secret. And so, his momma began to teach him the ABCs of Benny's Bedtime Breathing.
"A is for Air," his momma said. "Breathe in slowly through your little bear nose, filling your belly up with fresh forest air." Benny inhaled deeply, feeling the tickle of the cool forest breeze in his nose. He imagined his belly filling up like a balloon.
"B is for Be Present," his momma continued. "As you breathe, focus on the sensations in your body. Feel the rise and fall of your chest, and let all other thoughts drift away." Benny closed his eyes and paid attention to the gentle rhythm of his breathing. He felt his chest rise and fall with each breath, like a gentle wave rolling on the shore.
"C is for Calm," his momma added with a loving smile. "As you exhale slowly, let go of any worries or thoughts. Feel your body relax, knowing that you are safe and loved." Benny breathed out, slowly releasing all his worries and thoughts. With each breath out, he felt his body sinking deeper into his cozy bear bed.
And so, night after night, Benny practiced his Benny's Bedtime Breathing. With each breath, he found it easier to let go of his busy thoughts, and his mind felt calm and peaceful. As the sweet scent of pine trees filled the air, Benny realized that practicing patience was just like learning his ABCs. It took time, practice, and lots of love. But just as he had mastered his ABCs, he knew that with each night he calmly breathed, he was also mastering the art of finding inner peace.
From that night on, Benny fell asleep with a quiet mind and a peaceful heart, surrounded by the comforting sound of his own gentle breaths. And in the mornings, when the sun peeked through the trees, Benny would wake up feeling refreshed and ready to greet another adventurous day in the forest, knowing that he had the power of Benny's Bedtime Breathing to guide him whenever he needed it.
The end.
Reflection Questions