Leo the lion cub was a very bouncy, playful cub. He loved to tumble and roar and chase butterflies all day long! But when bedtime came, Leo had a problem. He just couldn’t *stop* bouncing. He’d wiggle his toes, twitch his whiskers, and try to count sheep, but his mind was always full of fun things he wanted to do.
“I can’t sleep!” Leo complained to his mama. “My body feels too wiggly, and my brain feels too busy!” Mama Lion smiled gently. “Sometimes, little one, our bodies and minds need a little help to slow down. It’s like when you’re running fast and then need to walk slowly.”
“But how?” asked Leo, flopping onto his soft, mossy bed. Mama Lion showed him. “Let’s start with your toes. Squeeze them tight, then relax them. Feel the difference?” Leo squeezed his toes, then let them go. “Wow! They feel… calmer,” he said.
“Good! Now, let’s do your paws. Squeeze them tight, then relax. Then your legs, then your tummy, all the way up to your mane!” Leo followed his mama’s instructions, squeezing and relaxing each part of his body. With each squeeze and release, he felt a little bit sleepier.
“Now,” Mama Lion said, “let’s try some quiet breaths. Imagine you’re smelling a beautiful flower. Breathe in slowly and deeply, and then breathe out slowly, like you’re blowing bubbles.” Leo closed his eyes and took a deep breath, imagining the sweet scent of jungle blossoms. He blew out slowly, picturing shimmering bubbles floating away.
He did this five times, and with each breath, his bouncing slowed down. Mama Lion then whispered, “Now, think of something happy and peaceful. Maybe a warm sunbeam, or a gentle breeze, or a field of colorful flowers.”
Leo thought of chasing butterflies with his friends. He pictured the bright wings fluttering in the sunshine. He didn’t try to *do* anything, just let the happy thought fill his mind. He noticed his eyelids felt heavy.
“It’s okay if your thoughts wander, Leo,” Mama Lion said softly. “Just gently bring your attention back to your breath, or your happy thought.” Leo’s thoughts did wander a few times, but he remembered what his mama said and gently guided his mind back to calmness.
Soon, Leo’s bouncing stopped completely. His breathing became slow and steady. He snuggled close to his mama, feeling safe and peaceful. “I think… I think I’m sleepy,” he mumbled.
Mama Lion kissed his forehead. “That’s wonderful, my little one. Remember, even when you feel wiggly and busy, you can always find a way to relax and drift off to sleep. It just takes a little practice.” And with that, Leo the lion cub closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful, easy sleep.