Meditations and Bedtime Stories

with

Glenda Cedarleaf MSW Clinical Hypnotherapist,

Author, and SoulCollage® Facilitator

CHANGE...

Tugging At the Clothesline:

September Reflections on Letting Go and Holding On

What does the beginning of a new season evoke for you? Are you ready for this season of change?

The photo below shows Lily, our dog, intently trying to rescue her freshly washed stuffed animals from the clothesline. For Lily, letting go of her beloved toys—even temporarily—is no easy feat. All she sees is them being whisked away into a loud, mysterious machine. It’s unsettling, confusing, and out of her control.

To me, it's the perfect symbol for the mixed emotions I feel as September rolls in. Part of me is ready to embrace the mystery of a new chapter and the transformative shifts that emerge. And yet another part struggles to let go; caught in the doubts that come with the turbulence of change when there is no clarity about what is on the other side.

This reminded me of an old episode of "Leave It To Beaver" I watched recently. The story centered around Beaver’s well-worn stuffed bear, Billy, which had somehow ended up in the garage: tattered, dirty, and smelling of turpentine. Ward and Wally were ready to throw it out, insisting it was time for Beaver to “grow up.” But for Beaver, Billy wasn’t just a bear—he was comfort during a lonely bout of measles, a steady presence through uncertain times.

Despite the teasing by his friends, the pressure from his father and brother, and even Billy's unpleasant smell, Beaver was not ready let go. Thankfully his mother "got" it. She supported her son in listening to his inner voice.

When Beaver teared up over the prospect of losing Billy, so did I. Thankfully he rescued Billy from the garbage can and was able to truly process the importance this bear had been in his life and then, eventually he made the decision to pass Billy on to a neighbor child when he was ready to do so.

Maybe that’s the quiet lesson in the change of seasons. Although we don’t know what’s on the other side of change, we can be present with what is and also keep the courage to listen to our inner voice; respecting the nonlinear process of grief and letting go, knowing that timing is everything.

In that presence, we might just discover unexpected gifts—the ability to be more accepting of our tender hearts during tough times, as well as an openness to see and experience the tiny miracles that emerge along the way...like the perfectly symmetrical ivory pumpkin that volunteered itself in our garden this year.

As you step into September, perhaps you are beginning a new chapter, a new job, perhaps facing "empty nest", new school environments for your kids or grandkids, facing health challenges, loss, anniversaries of losses, moving, downsizing, whatever it may be...

My wish for you this month is simple: that you can trust the process and find joy and delight in the small things—both the ones you intentionally nurture and the ones that arrive uninvited, needing nothing from you except your compassionate presence and awareness.

If this is a time of deep grief, be gentle with yourself. I send you love and good wishes,

Glenda

Featured Videos

Portal of Transformation

I invite you into this dream-like Portal of Transformation Meditation; an opportunity to let go of the thoughts and feelings that are weighing you down.

Portal of Transformation meditation is here to help you release what no longer serves you.

Through soothing affirmations, calming visualizations, and deep breathing, this

17-minute meditation creates a safe space to let go, reconnect with your true nature, and find a profound sense of peace.

You may also find yourself drifting into a restful sleep as you listen.

May this journey transform your mind and soothe your heart. 💖

Beautiful music "Etherea" by Christopher Lloyd Clarke from EnlightenedAudio.com

Fall Asleep with Lily: A Heartwarming Bedtime Story. Sleep Play Love.

This Sleep Story Meditation for Dog Lovers is a calming journey to help you let go of stress and wind down as you follow a day in the life of a Golden Doodle named Lily.

As you connect with her playful spirit and explore her peaceful world, you’ll find yourself gently guided into a state of deep relaxation. Imagine snuggling up, letting go of the day’s stress, and drifting into dreamland with Lily by your side.

This sleep story is perfect for dog lovers, those struggling with anxiety, or anyone looking to find comfort through the simple joys of life, love, and connection with nature.

Music "Serene Being" by Chris Collins at IndieMusicBox.com