My phone buzzes at 1am. There's a text from my baby girl.
Her: Daddy, are you up? I can't sleep.
Me: I'm here baby. What's wrong? Something bothering you?
Her: I don't know. I just feel really anxious.
Me: Something stressing you out at work or at home?
Her: Nothing in particular. I just feel too anxious to close my eyes and rest. I don't know why.
Me: That's okay baby. Sometimes we do just feel things and have no idea why or where it is coming from. Let me help you relax.
I call her:
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in, then slowly out. Notice how warm your bed is and how soft your night clothes are. Breathe down into your stomach, not into your chest. Place a hand on your belly so you can feel it rise and fall. Now imagine your bed turning into a cloud and carrying you away through the sky. It sets you down on a warm beach. The sunlight makes your skin glow and the sand is so fine, it's like walking on pillows. The sea is clam and rolling in and out gently, in time with your breath. You step into the water and find it too is warm and comfortable. As it laps around your ankles, it pulls all your fears and worries out through your skin. They drift out into the sea, and disappear into the depths.
I hear her breathing deeply and slowly.
Do you feel better now baby?
No answer. She is asleep.
Good night, baby girl. Sweet dreams.
