Meditations and Bedtime Stories

with

Glenda Cedarleaf MSW Clinical Hypnotherapist,

Author, and SoulCollage® Facilitator

Just beyond our home lies a beautiful, magical, and slightly mysterious world we call the Cypress Swamp. Sometimes we paddle quietly through its still waters in our kayaks. Other times, we visit just as a storm is rolling in—standing on the dock, watching the tumultuous waves and the Spanish moss dancing wildly in the wind.

It’s a place of both energy and reflection.

The past six months, in many ways, have felt like wandering through a dense forest with no clear path forward.

I’ve been navigating a series of physical challenges that no matter what I tried didn't heal. Needless to say, it has been 6 months marked by mystery, frustration, and discouragement.

Thankfully, just a few weeks ago with the help of a gifted health care provider the long standing symptoms have faded away and I’m again "feeling like myself."

The triptych of photos at the Cypress Swamp in this newsletter (all taken by my husband Kelley) help to capture this journey of darkness into light —one I know many of us navigate at one time or another.

Here are the reflections I’ve gathered along the way:

Be gentle and patient with myself and my body.

Gut healing is fundamental to all healing.

Be persistent in finding wise guides.

Stay connected with the transformative support of spiritual resources.

Belly breathing works wonders.

Step away from stressors: the news, draining relationships, and old resentments.

Hold on to hope—and let my loved ones hold it for me when I can’t.

Stay connected with nature, even on days when I all I can do is gaze out the window.

Approach the season of healing as if it is a retreat, whenever possible.

Meditate.

Listen to music that soothes and restores.

I hope you are finding joy in the midst of the "ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows" of life...during this beautiful month of October!

an excerpt from one of my Claire Bedtime Stories:

"Claire's Autumn Day After the Hurricane".

Claire asked her inner child what she would like to create on this cool autumn day. The answer was loud and clear. “I want to walk through the woods where the path leads to the river. I want to feel my feet crunch the leaves. I want to find the most beautiful crimson maple leaf that I can take home to press, and preserve. I want to pull out my paints and draw a picture that incorporates that crimson leaf. I want to be read a story, call a friend, and simply savor this autumn day when the breeze is gentle, and the sky a brilliant blue.”



Sending you love,

Glenda

Listen on Insight Timer

If you are seeking more guidance and tools for self care, Insight Timer just launched a "Therapist Resource Hub". Insight Timer has grown exponentially since they first asked me to join in 2016. One of the ways they have grown is to now have over 25,000 therapists who regularly refer their clients to the app.

I'm excited to tell you about this new resource! Here you will find folders with meditations that I have created (similar to my playlists on Youtube) that hold groupings of meditations based on these categories:(click on each title to connect with the corresponding folder)

Health and Healing

Gratitude Meditations

Healing Places

Calming Anxiety Meditations

Soothing Classic Bedtime Stories

Claire Bedtime Stories

Sleep Meditations

Spiritual and Divine Feminine Wisdom

Death Dying and Grief Meditations

Morning Meditations

Inner Child Meditations

Also, you will find folders with free downloadable worksheets on a variety of topics including grief support, navigating depression, cultivating self love, pain relief and much more...all created by therapists for Insight Timer.

May they bring you many hours of peace and hope!

Featured Videos

Connecting with Your Circle of Support

What would we do without the people, animals and spiritual resources that continue to guide and inspire us throughout our lives?

This Circle of Support Meditation offers a comforting and nurturing space to reconnect with the love, wisdom, and guidance that is always available to you.

Through soothing guided imagery, I invite you to enter a room filled with golden light, where you are surrounded by supportive beings—whether they are loved ones, ancestors, spiritual guides, pets, or archetypal energies.

This 15-minute meditation is perfect for moments when you need to feel held, supported, and reminded that you are never truly alone.

As you settle in, let the healing music and gentle visualization guide you back to a state of peace, connection, and inner strength. I hope this meditation brings you comfort and a sense of belonging.

Beautiful Music "Ultima Awakening" by Matti Paalanen.

Connecting with Your Inner Wise One

Are you seeking clarity, guidance, or a deeper connection with your inner self? This

guided meditation invites you on a peaceful journey to connect with your Inner Wise One. 

Through soothing imagery, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful garden near an ancient tree, where your inner wisdom awaits.

This meditation offers a grounded space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and

intuition. With gentle flute music by Marcus Bressler and the calming sounds of nature,this journey will help you feel centered, empowered, and at peace.