Koko the bear loved exploring the forest. Sunshine streamed through the leaves, butterflies fluttered around colourful flowers, and birds sang sweet melodies. But as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and purple, Koko felt a little bit restless.
He wiggled his nose, his paws tapped a rhythm against the mossy ground, and his tummy rumbled. It was time for bed, but Koko wasn't ready. He loved his cozy den, but the idea of lying down felt a bit… empty.
He hopped over to his favorite tree, a sturdy oak with smooth bark, and whispered his worries to the wise old owl perched in its branches. "Owl," mumbled Koko, "I just don't know how to get ready for bed."
The owl hooted softly. "Koko," she replied, "getting ready for bed isn't just about closing your eyes. It's about preparing your body and mind for rest. Try a calming activity."
Koko thought about this. He remembered how his mother would gently brush his fur, singing a soft lullaby. He decided to try that. He carefully brushed his soft fur with his paws, feeling the soothing texture. Then, he closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of pine needles that hung in the air.
He imagined the stars twinkling above, the moon casting a gentle glow over the forest, and the soothing sounds of crickets chirping. He imagined the comforting warmth of his bed, the soft blankets, and the safe space of his den.
Slowly, Koko felt his body start to relax. His tummy stopped rumbling, his paws calmed down, and his heart beat slower. He imagined himself drifting into a cloud of quiet, a warm and peaceful sleep, surrounded by the comforting sounds of the forest.
When he felt really relaxed, Koko curled up in his cozy den, snuggled under his softest blanket. He felt calm and peaceful. The gentle breeze whispered through the trees, lulling him into a deep sleep. And as he drifted off, Koko knew that getting ready for bed was about more than just laying down – it was about preparing for sweet dreams and a good night's rest.
He now knew that relaxation was important before sleep. He realized that taking time to prepare his mind and body for rest was a gift to himself. It made falling asleep easier, and he felt more refreshed and ready for all the adventures of the new day.
From that day forward, Koko always took a few moments to calm his mind before going to sleep. He understood that preparing for bed was a special way to say goodbye to the day, and hello to the sweet, peaceful dreams that awaited him in the quiet of night.