Barnaby Bear loved his little cabin in the woods. It wasn’t a fancy cabin, not at all! It was made of smooth, grey stones and warm, brown wood, with a bright red door. Inside, a comfy armchair sat near a crackling fireplace, and a little bed piled high with blankets waited for him. But Barnaby was having trouble sleeping. He wiggled and jiggled and couldn’t seem to get comfortable.
“Oh dear,” sighed Barnaby. “I wish I could be peaceful like the trees outside.” He peeked through the window. The moon was shining, and the trees stood tall and still, their leaves whispering secrets to the night. He could hear the gentle hoot of an owl and the soft chirping of crickets.
Mama Bear came into the cabin. She saw Barnaby tossing and turning. “What’s wrong, little one?” she asked, giving him a warm hug. “I can’t sleep,” Barnaby mumbled. “My mind is too busy! I keep thinking about all the berries I want to pick tomorrow and all the games I want to play.”
Mama Bear smiled. “Sometimes, Barnaby, the best thing to do is to simply *be*. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the woods. Feel the warmth of the fire. Let your thoughts float away like leaves on a stream.”
Barnaby closed his eyes. He listened. He heard the crackle of the fire, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves, and the distant hoot of the owl. He imagined the leaves floating on a stream, carrying his busy thoughts far, far away. He focused on his breathing – in… and out… slow and steady.
He noticed the soft, fuzzy feeling of his blankets. He smelled the sweet scent of pine needles from the woods. He felt his muscles begin to relax. It was a very peaceful feeling. He realized that being quiet and still could be just as fun as picking berries or playing games.
Mama Bear sat beside him, humming a quiet tune. Barnaby snuggled closer, feeling safe and loved. He thought about how lucky he was to have his cozy cabin and his wonderful Mama Bear. He thought about the beautiful woods surrounding them.
Slowly, Barnaby’s eyelids grew heavy. His breathing became even slower and more steady. He felt a wave of calmness wash over him. He was finally peaceful. He was finally ready to sleep.
Mama Bear kissed Barnaby’s forehead. “Sweet dreams, little one,” she whispered. Barnaby smiled in his sleep, dreaming of quiet woods, crackling fires, and the peaceful feeling of being home. And as the moon shone brightly through the cabin window, Barnaby Bear slept soundly all through the night.