Hello, I'm Cheryl, and this is Sleep, Tight Relax, a calming bedtime podcast for the young

and young at heart.

Our sleep story is the second part of Dame Grumble and her curious apple tree.

In this part, Dame Grumble is back at the cottage with her son, and things are as gloomy as before.

She has read that if she can cover her apple tree with a strong, coarse netting,

it might be protected from the north wind and be able to give her the golden apples she wants.

Dame Grumble spends all winter making the netting while Freo dreams of going back to the forest.

But before we continue with our story, let's take a moment to relax.

We can practice our deep breathing anytime or anywhere.

But before bed, let's first turn down the lights, get comfortable,

and make sure that everything feels as it should.

Now, close your eyes if you'd like, and we'll begin with a few slow, deep belly breaths.

Each time you breathe in, breathe all the way down into your belly.

When you breathe in, be sure to slowly breathe through your nose.

And when you breathe out, try to push all the air out of your lungs.

Breathe in and breathe out.

Notice how you feel when you take these deep breaths,

how you get more and more relaxed with each breath,

how the weight of your body sinks into your bed.

Breathe in and breathe out.

Throughout this time of relaxation and our story, thoughts of the day or the day to come may enter your mind.

That's okay and normal.

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