In this gentle bedtime adventure, Laura guides young explorers into the world of Yggdrasil: the great World Tree from Norse mythology. Through the dream of a curious girl named Runa, listeners journey across realms, meet mythical beings, and discover lessons about calm, courage, and connection.
Perfect for winding down, this story blends mythology, guided meditation, and mindful breathing to help kids ages 5–12 feel grounded and peaceful before sleep.
What’s Inside This Episode
- Meet Runa and her grandmother: A bedtime story sparks Runa’s dream of climbing the World Tree, where she discovers the beauty of connection between all things.
- Mindful tree meditation: Listeners join Runa in becoming like Yggdrasil: growing roots into the earth, stretching branches to the sky, and releasing worries down to the dragon Nidhogg, who helps them let go of fear.
- Wisdom from the Well: With Mimir, Runa learns to see how all stories are connected.
- Lessons from the Norns: The three sisters of fate: Uror, Veroandi, and Skuld: teach Runa about past, present, and future. Through breathwork, children plant their own “seed of hope” for tomorrow.
- Exploring the Nine Realms: Guided by Ratatosk the squirrel, Runa visits new lands, meets friendly giants, and learns to face differences with kindness and bravery.
- Breathing with the wind: A calming breathing exercise with the eagle teaches listeners to let go, trust, and grow.
- Facing the storm: Runa practices deep breathing and grounding to calm her “inner storm,” learning that strength comes from remembering her roots.
- The Heart of Yggdrasil: Through visualization, kids place a hand over their heart, feel their own light, and affirm: “I am rooted. I am growing. I am connected.”
For Parents and Educators
This episode introduces children to Norse mythology while practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation. It’s ideal for bedtime, classroom calming corners, or relaxation time.
Try this after listening:
- Draw your own World Tree: Add roots for people and memories that ground you, and branches for dreams and hopes that lift you.
- Let-Go Leaves activity: Write or draw a worry on a paper leaf and “send” it down to Nidhogg to be chewed away.
- Mindful bedtime check-in: Ask: What are your roots today? What helped you grow?
Belief Backpack Takeaways
- Stay rooted: Remember your values and connections, even when life feels stormy.
- Let go of worries: Release fears so new growth can bloom.
- Trust the cycle: Like Yggdrasil’s branches and roots, everything in life is connected.
Episode Type
Faithfully Explore Bedtime Journey | Myth + Mindfulness | Ages 5–12
Listen before bed for calm hearts, strong roots, and peaceful dreams.
