Having a Ball 🌊: a meditation and calming bedtime story

0:11 [SPEAKER_00]: Hello, Awe Islanders. [SPEAKER_00]: We're so glad you're here. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's see if you have everything you want to be calm on Awe Island. [SPEAKER_00]: Are the lights in your room dim or off? [SPEAKER_00]: Do you have your favorite blanket or listening buddy? [SPEAKER_00]: Before we begin our story, let's relax by taking a nice deep dragon breath.

0:46 [SPEAKER_00]: Breathe in through your nose, filling up your lungs, and then out through your mouth, imagining you are breathing fire like a dragon. [SPEAKER_00]: Ready? [SPEAKER_00]: Deep breath. [SPEAKER_00]: great job. [SPEAKER_00]: Imagine you are relaxing on soft sand. [SPEAKER_00]: The grains sparkle in the sunshine.

1:33 [SPEAKER_00]: Cup your hand pretending to scoop up some warm sand. [SPEAKER_00]: Now light your fingers open, and imagine the smooth sand flowing through your fingers onto the ground. [SPEAKER_00]: Relax in the safe and supportive hug of the soft, warm sand, and take a deep dragon breath in and out. [SPEAKER_00]: Now imagine drawing a tiny circle in the sand, swirl it around to draw another circle, a little bigger, then another circle, even bigger, and then another, a little smaller.

2:37 [SPEAKER_00]: You feel cozy and loved and you draw a heart shape in the smooth sand. [SPEAKER_00]: Now your entire body feels calm and completely relaxed. [SPEAKER_00]: You feel safe and warm as you take one more deep dragon breath in and out. [SPEAKER_00]: great job, everyone. [SPEAKER_00]: I hope you are tucked in nice and cozy.

3:26 [SPEAKER_00]: Now we're ready to begin our story. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's be calm on Awe Island. [SPEAKER_00]: Our story today is having a ball. [SPEAKER_00]: It was a bright sunny day on Awe Island. [SPEAKER_00]: The Seagulls were flying around the big blue ocean, singing their songs. [SPEAKER_00]: The ocean waves rocked Oceana Sea Otter back and forth.

4:19 [SPEAKER_00]: as she lay on her back, floating in the water. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana loved to watch the silly seagulls play. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana thought about what she was going to do today. [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe she could visit Odette Octopus and have a nice, relaxing day with her friend. [SPEAKER_00]: or perhaps she could go for a relaxing swim near the coral reefs, where colorful schools of fish loved to play.

4:56 [SPEAKER_00]: As Oceana was deep in thought, she didn't see that her good friend, Alonzo Sea Otter, was swimming right toward her. [SPEAKER_00]: Suddenly, Alonzo popped out [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana was startled, but when she realized it was a Lanzo, she started to laugh. [SPEAKER_00]: Hi there, Oceana. [SPEAKER_00]: A Lanzo said, Sorry.

5:27 [SPEAKER_00]: Did I splash you? [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, it's okay. [SPEAKER_00]: Hi, Lanzo. [SPEAKER_00]: How are you today? [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana asked. [SPEAKER_00]: Lord, Alanzo replied, but then I saw you. [SPEAKER_00]: It's never a boring day when I'm with you, Oceana. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana covered her face with her paws and giggled.

5:52 [SPEAKER_00]: Alanzo was very sweet. [SPEAKER_00]: He always made her smile and laugh. [SPEAKER_00]: Alanzo loved to play with everyone in the Awe Island Ocean. [SPEAKER_00]: He even loved to play with new friends on the beach. [SPEAKER_00]: For Alonzo, it was really easy to make new friends and Oceana admired that about him.

6:22 [SPEAKER_00]: Making new friends was something that Oceana still struggled with sometimes. [SPEAKER_00]: She tended to feel shy around strangers. [SPEAKER_00]: and usually preferred floating around her home, and playing with those she already knew and felt safe with. [SPEAKER_00]: Like a Lanzo or Odette.

6:45 [SPEAKER_00]: Would you like to come to the beach with me? [SPEAKER_00]: A Lanzo suggested? [SPEAKER_00]: It's a perfect day. [SPEAKER_00]: Sure. [SPEAKER_00]: I'd love to go to the beach with you, Lanzo. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana said, [SPEAKER_00]: The two little sea otters swam toward one of the many beaches on Awe Island.

7:08 [SPEAKER_00]: As they swam, Oceana and Alonzo jumped out of the water to get a breath of fresh air before diving beneath the big blue waves. [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo loved to swim fast, so Oceana had to swim extra hard to match his speed, [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo asked if she wanted him to slow down, but Oceana said no, it was fun to try and keep up.

7:42 [SPEAKER_00]: As they swam and played, Oceana admired how beautiful her home was. [SPEAKER_00]: Awe Island Ocean was such an amazing place. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana knew she was lucky to see so many unique sea creatures every day, and to call a few of them her friends. [SPEAKER_00]: She and Alonzo saw sandy seagull fly overhead, and they waved hello.

8:16 [SPEAKER_00]: For a short time, Oceana and Alonzo even swam alongside some of the colorful fish that lived in the coral reefs. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana felt so grateful to live in such an incredible and diverse place. [SPEAKER_00]: When the two sea otters finally made it to the beach, Alonzo said he knew the perfect spot for them to spend the afternoon.

8:48 [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana followed Alonzo as they swam through the seaweed, with Alonzo leading them to his suggested [SPEAKER_00]: He crawled onto a smooth black rock where the sun was shining like a spotlight on a stage. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana crawled up after him. [SPEAKER_00]: You are right, Alonzo, she said.

9:13 [SPEAKER_00]: This is the perfect spot for us to relax in the sun. [SPEAKER_00]: After our long swim. [SPEAKER_00]: Glad you like it, smile the Lanzo. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana and Alonzo sat on the warm rock for a while. [SPEAKER_00]: Quietly watching people play on the beach. [SPEAKER_00]: It was such a nice sunny day that it seemed half of Awe Island was outside enjoying the day.

9:47 [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana watched some kids playing with a big, colorful beach ball. [SPEAKER_00]: The ball was red, yellow, white, and blue. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana enjoyed seeing the bright colors on the beach ball. [SPEAKER_00]: Then Oceana watched as a gentle breeze blew the ball out of one of the kids' hands and into the ocean water.

10:17 [SPEAKER_00]: At first, the ball just drifted, but soon the waves began to carry the ball farther and farther out into the water. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana saw how dismayed the kids were. [SPEAKER_00]: The ball was now too far out in the water for them to safely swim and get it. [SPEAKER_00]: What a shame.

10:43 [SPEAKER_00]: As Oceana wished they could have their ball back, she had an idea. [SPEAKER_00]: Hey, Alonzo, I'll be right back, she said in Pulse of Lee. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana slid off the rock and back into the water with a big splash. [SPEAKER_00]: She quickly swam toward the ball and grabbed it in her soft paws.

11:12 [SPEAKER_00]: For a moment, Oceana gazed at the ball. [SPEAKER_00]: The colors sparkled brightly, but she knew that it wasn't hers to keep. [SPEAKER_00]: Besides, she had a mission to accomplish. [SPEAKER_00]: Turning back toward the shore, Oceana swam with the ball back to the beach, gently nudging it along with her nose as she swam.

11:41 [SPEAKER_00]: When she reached the shallow water, she batted the ball up onto the sand where the kids could reach it. [SPEAKER_00]: They looked very happy to see their ball again. [SPEAKER_00]: One of the little boys picked up the ball. [SPEAKER_00]: As he did so, he stared curiously at Oceana. [SPEAKER_00]: His brown eyes were wide.

12:06 [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe he had never seen a sea otter before. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana thought. [SPEAKER_00]: After a moment, the boy smiled at her and said cautiously. [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you sea otter. [SPEAKER_00]: This made Oceana cover her face with her paws in sudden shyness and pleasure. [SPEAKER_00]: She splashed her flippers in the water.

12:36 [SPEAKER_00]: She uncovered her eyes as she heard some of the kids talking as they gathered near the edge of the sand. [SPEAKER_00]: They were all coming to look at Oceana. [SPEAKER_00]: Wow, look how cool. [SPEAKER_00]: A sea otter. [SPEAKER_00]: One of the kids said, She brought back our ball. [SPEAKER_00]: The first kid explained.

13:02 [SPEAKER_00]: That's so nice, a third kid said. [SPEAKER_00]: I've never seen a sea otter this close, set a fourth child. [SPEAKER_00]: Soon, it seemed like the whole beach was gathered to look at Oceana. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana loved hearing the compliments, but started to feel a bit overwhelmed. [SPEAKER_00]: Even though she was in the water and the people were on the beach, she felt a little uncomfortable with everyone watching her.

13:39 [SPEAKER_00]: And she wasn't used to being near humans at all. [SPEAKER_00]: Then Oceana heard a splash. [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo was headed her way. [SPEAKER_00]: He swam up to Oceana and held her paw with his. [SPEAKER_00]: Alanzo gave Ociana a big smile. [SPEAKER_00]: Don't worry Ociana, I'm here for you.

14:09 [SPEAKER_00]: Alanzo said comfortably, adding, the humans are here at the beach to have fun, just like us. [SPEAKER_00]: We will keep a safe distance from them, and they will keep a safe distance from us. [SPEAKER_00]: Don't be nervous. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana appreciated that Elanzo understood she would be nervous around so many strangers and very grateful that he'd come over to support her.

14:44 [SPEAKER_00]: Elanzo guided Oceana in taking a deep dragon breath together, in and out. [SPEAKER_00]: She felt better right away, and much more comfortable now that her good friend Alonzo was by her side. [SPEAKER_00]: Come on, he said, let's show the humans a trick. [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo dived underneath the water, then popped back up suddenly, making a big splash.

15:34 [SPEAKER_00]: This made all the people on the beach, clap, and laugh. [SPEAKER_00]: Then, Alonzo swam around, diving in and out of the water and showing off his skills for the humans. [SPEAKER_00]: Encouraged by her friend, Oceana joined in as well. [SPEAKER_00]: She'd come to the beach to play with Alonzo, and here they were, playing.

16:02 [SPEAKER_00]: and with so many new friends to share the fun with. [SPEAKER_00]: The two sea otters left in and out of the water, giving a show to everyone on the beach. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana felt happy when she heard the people cheer for her and Alonzo. [SPEAKER_00]: Then, the child who had thanked Oceana for retrieving the ball, [SPEAKER_00]: tossed the bulb back into the water for the little sea otters to play with.

16:37 [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo popped the ball on his nose and then tossed the bulb back to the beach. [SPEAKER_00]: The children on the beach were so excited. [SPEAKER_00]: They kept throwing the bulb back to the sea otters in the water. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana and Alonzo took turns tossing the ball back and forth.

17:01 [SPEAKER_00]: And for a few minutes, the two sea otters played catch with the people on the beach with the colorful beach ball. [SPEAKER_00]: After a while, one of the adults on the beach came over and said, okay kids, I think that's enough. [SPEAKER_00]: We need to give the otters their space. [SPEAKER_00]: their wild animals and probably not used to being with humans.

17:29 [SPEAKER_00]: The kids nodded their understanding, holding the ball. [SPEAKER_00]: The first child said, thank you for playing with us, see otters, go take a rest now. [SPEAKER_00]: The other children thanked the otters too, and waved goodbye. [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo and Oceana flapped their fins and splashed happily, trying to say goodbye in their own way to the humans.

18:03 [SPEAKER_00]: They appreciated that the humans were giving them a space. [SPEAKER_00]: As the humans walked away from the edge of the beach and up toward their beach blankets on the sand, [SPEAKER_00]: Alonzo and Oceana returned to their warm spot on the flat black rock and crawled up on the smooth rock warmed by the sun.

18:29 [SPEAKER_00]: That was helpful to return the kid's ball, Oceana, said Alonzo, I'm really impressed. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana blushed and replied, [SPEAKER_00]: You know I don't usually like playing with strangers. [SPEAKER_00]: But those kids just seemed so sad about their fall. [SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for coming over to support me.

18:57 [SPEAKER_00]: That was really fun. [SPEAKER_00]: I never thought I'd play with humans. [SPEAKER_00]: Me neither said Alonzo, giving her a hug. [SPEAKER_00]: As Oceana and Alanzo sat peacefully on their big, warm rock, Oceana felt herself getting very sleepy. [SPEAKER_00]: She was exhausted from such an eventful day, so it was time for a nice nap in the sun.

19:31 [SPEAKER_00]: Alanzo laid on his back in the center of the rock, while Oceana curled up near the edge. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana felt safe whenever she was near the warm blue waters, Oceana relaxed, thinking about all of the things she had to be thankful for. [SPEAKER_00]: She was thankful for having such a beautiful home in the Awe Island Ocean.

20:08 [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana, let out a big, and then took a deep dragon breath in and out. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana was also thankful for having such a wonderful friend like Alonzo, who never failed to make sure that Oceana was having fun too. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana took another deep dragon breath in and out. [SPEAKER_00]: Finally, Oceana was most thankful for letting herself step out of her comfort zone today.

21:14 [SPEAKER_00]: She had helped the kids retrieve their ball and even played with them a little. [SPEAKER_00]: It had been amazing and wonderful to see two different worlds have fun together. [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana felt her eyes grow heavy under the warmth of the sun and the splash of the waves. [SPEAKER_00]: She could barely keep her eyes open.

21:46 [SPEAKER_00]: Oceana took one last deep dragon breath in and out. [SPEAKER_00]: and Oceana fell asleep, lulled by the waves. [SPEAKER_00]: She dreamed of helping and playing with Awe Islanders. [SPEAKER_00]: No matter who they were, with her friend Alonzo by her side. [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for joining us to be calm on Awe Island.

22:32 [SPEAKER_00]: See you next time.