A Bedtime Story

Transcript

Hello. You made it. That's wonderful.

I was hoping you'd join Daddy today. I always enjoy our time together. Having you here with me makes it so special.

All day, I've been looking forward to helping you relax. Yes, it's finally time. I've got something terrifically special in mind for my good girl today.

We're going to begin by getting comfortable, doing some breathing exercises with Daddy, and wrap up with a story that leaves you completely at peace. Let's close the door and go to your couch or get cozy in bed. Yes, we're putting on our comfiest pajamas, your sleep shirt, something loose that breathes, whatever you wear to relax.

Your favorite stuffed animal is in arm's reach in case you want to cuddle. Get everything just how you like it. That's a good girl.

Now, we're going to put all our lovely attention on being here. Close the door. Let quiet fall all around you.

The rest of the day, it doesn't matter anymore. The demands of work are a million miles away. They're not your problem right now.

My good girl has worked so hard that now it's time to relax. Close your eyes and focus on sensations of the body. Yes.

Start by noticing the cushion underneath you, supporting your weight. Good. You're not lying on nothing.

Your whole body is held on a nice, soft cloud. Notice the air on your skin. Imagine all that empty space filling the room.

All that air right here for you. Take a slow, deep breath. Let it fill you up.

Mm-hmm. Good. Let the air inside you mingle with the tension, tightness you've held onto all day, and exhale it out.

Let the tension just pass right out of you, little by little, with each breath. Now, notice the air touching your forehead, free of tightness. Feel the tension slip out of your temples.

Mm-hmm. Good girl. As we take another breath in through the nose, let it fill you up.

Deep breath now. All that lovely oxygen circulating through your body with the stress of the day, and exhale it out. Nice and steady.

Slow breaths. Feel the tension slip right out of you with every exhale. Good.

That's a good girl. Notice the fabric of your clothing brush against your skin as you lie here. Begin to notice your whole body, the space it occupies.

Another breath, feeling the air on the back of our hands. Notice how that feels, the air between your fingers. You're connected to your whole body.

Nothing hurts, and everything is fine. You're absolutely safe with daddy here to protect you. Now, let your weight sink into the cloud.

It's got you, and there's nothing at all to worry about. Let the air fill your lungs, fill you up, and release. Notice the air on the soles of your feet.

You don't think about your feet very often, do you? Not unless they're hurting, but for now, just be aware of the presence of your feet. They're a part of you.

Feel the air between your toes as we get more and more in touch with the body. That's a good girl. I want you to imagine knotted ropes lightly binding your muscles.

Feel the tension where it's present in your body. Now, imagine those knots beginning to loosen as the ropes begin to slip off of you. Let the anxiety and the tension just slip right out of your whole body.

Another breath filling you up as the tension and strain just disappears. On the exhale, feel the air brush against your skin. Notice the space you occupy.

This is your space. Do you know you can come here any time you need to? Daddy's always here for his obedient good girl.

Yes, he is. All of our cares and concerns are a million miles away. That's right.

That's right. All we have to do is be here with Daddy. Breathe in, let it fill you up, and breathe out.

We are safe with Daddy. Nothing can hurt us here. And now, it's story time.

We travel now to the faraway land of Zinzia for a very important day, the coronation day of the royal princess Alia. All of her friends have been invited, and it promises to be a perfect day. And wouldn't you know, you're going to be the guest of honor.

Birds in the courtyard are chirping. It's almost time to get up. But today of all days, Her Highness can sleep in for five more minutes.

She tugs the comforter up just how she likes it, rolls over, and goes back to sleep. In time, the princess awakes for the day and has her breakfast in bed. Perfectly toasted sourdough bread served with her favorite jam.

Scrambled eggs served just how she likes them, bright and fluffy, with orange juice and coffee. Everything is just right. In spite of the day's importance, everyone is perfectly relaxed.

All the plans have been made already to the last detail. There's nothing to worry about, not a single thing. There's nothing to do but enjoy the day.

The guests arrive in their gilded coaches, each polished to perfection. You can almost hear them pulling up to the castle. All the princess's best friends are here in their finery.

Everyone looks puffed up, proud, and delighted to see you. The Duke of Dinsmark is here, looking especially handsome today. There's a rumor that he's come to the coronation looking for a bride.

And his eye is wandering right your way. The coronation is set for this afternoon. Following a light lunch with all her friends, there's time before the ceremony.

If the princess would like a nap first. They understand. It's a busy, busy day.

The whole castle is abuzz with activity. The tapestries have all been straightened and cleaned. The floors have been scrubbed.

The kitchen has been busy since before dawn. And you haven't had to lift a finger. Isn't that lovely? The coronation itself is a perfect occasion.

Not too long, not overstuffed, and the Archbishop even managed to sneak in a joke. And in no time at all, the princess is crowned. And the revels can begin.

After the coronation, dinner and dancing. No, they don't need us to do anything. You're perfectly comfortable right where you are.

They're serving all her highness's favorite foods. And wouldn't you know, it looks like she added some of your favorites to the menu as well. The weather has been perfect all day.

Not too hot. A cool breeze blowing in off the cape. You can almost hear the waves on the shore.

It's all just beautifully calm. The royal banquet goes on into the night. Course after course has been served and swept away, one after the other.

And for dessert, her highness's favorite, tiramisu. She made sure to save you some. The stars have come out, twinkling in a sky of deepest blue.

And below, the castle glows with the warmth of good cheer and good company. Dancing goes on into the small hours, but that needn't concern us. The important thing is that the day has gone perfectly.

And now's the time when all good girls turn out the light and go to sleep. Good night, my darling good girl. Sweet dreams.

you.