Storybook Forest

Friday night I was feeling anxious and restless. I could not fall asleep at all.  Every time I thought about getting up to take a bath, I felt too drowsy and though I would nod off. But I didn't, so eventually I gave in and took another bubble bath. It took a long time to get comfortable; unfortunately, it's a small apartment bathtub. I tried to remember how I ended up so relaxed last time. I took several deep breaths and felt my mind starting to relax.

What happened next surprised me. Usually when I do inner child work (see here and here), it is part of a very conscious effort. I "will" my mind to go there. I don't know what was different this time. Maybe it was because I was so tired, or maybe it was the music I was playing with birds chirping in the background, but I relaxed and slipped away into my mind. I found myself in a beautiful forest. The grass was lush and thick. Although there were many trees, there was sunlight all around. My hair was long and natural and I was wearing a long flowy dress, similiar to something you would expect to see on an elf in Lord of the Rings. Songbirds chirped all around me, and one landed on my finger. I was in my own fairytale. I was filled with an incredible feeling of peace and serenity.

Something like this...maybe a bit less pixelated... ;-)

As I walked to the edge of my forest, I saw "my real self" sitting in my usual safe place, with my eyes closed as if though I had just arrived there. I watched my real self. She opened her eyes and looked around. She stood up and looked back towards me to discover the forest. I smiled at her and held out my hand towards her, beckoning her forward. She took my hand and stepped onto the lush carpet of grass. I watched as I saw the same feeling of peace and happiness on her face that I felt. She relaxed and listened to the birds chirping, and felt the warmth of the sun on her skin. She stayed as long as she could. I promised her she could return whenever she wanted. She returned to my safe place, sat down and closed her eyes.

I opened my eyes, climbed out of the bath, and went to bed. I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow. I hope I can visit my Storybook Forest again very soon.

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