Shownotes
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.
Transcripts
Hello again, little Explorers.
2
:It's Laura and tonight
on Faithfully Explore.
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:I have a special story that
is perfect for bedtime.
4
:We're gonna travel in our imagination to
Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse myth.
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:Imagine an immense ash tree at
the very center of the universe.
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:Its branches stretch far into
the heavens and its roots sink
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:deep into mysterious realms.
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:Many beings live among its branches,
A mighty eagle, a chattering
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:squirrel, and a dragon gnawing below.
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:Faithfully Explore! Intro:
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:Faithfully Explore!
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:is the name.
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:Learning together is our aim.
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:Beliefs around the globe we'll track,
filling up our Belief Backpack.
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:Laura: Long ago.
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:And a little village by a fjord
lived a little girl named Runa.
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:She loved climbing trees and listening
to her grandmother's stories.
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:One night her grandmother
spoke of Yggdrasil.
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:Grandmother: It's said to
hold all the worlds together.
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:Laura: She whispered.
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:Grandmother: It's leaves shimmer
with dew and creatures of
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:every kind, make it their home.
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:Laura: Runa's eyes widened.
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:Runa: Can I see it?
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:Laura: She asked.
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:Grandmother: Close your
eyes and you might.
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:Laura: Her grandmother replied
as she tucked Runa into bed.
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:Runa snuggled under her blanket,
feeling the gentle warmth of
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:the fire soon she was dreaming.
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:She found herself in a misty forest
facing the largest tree she had ever seen.
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:The trunk shimmered silver,
its roots curled into the earth
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:like long sleeping serpents.
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:Its branches sparkled with starlight.
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:Runa knew she had found Yggdrasil.
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:A small creature darted down the
trunk and stopped before her.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): Hello.
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:Laura: It chirped.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): I am
Ratatosk the messenger squirrel.
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:I run up and down this tree all day.
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:Are you Runa?
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:The tree whispered your name.
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:Laura: Runa laughed.
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:Runa: Yes, I am.
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:Laura: She said.
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:A majestic eagle swooped
down, settling on a branch.
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:Eagle: To explore the tree
you must become like it.
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:Laura: The eagle said kindly.
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:Eagle: Can you feel
your roots and branches?
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:Laura: Runa wasn't sure.
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:Ratatosk nodded.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): We'll help you.
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:Laura: He promised.
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:We're going to join Runa
in becoming like Yggdrasil.
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:Lie down and feel the surface beneath you.
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:Close your eyes.
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:Take a deep breath in through your nose.
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:Let it out through your mouth.
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:Imagine little roots growing
from the parts of your body,
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:touching the bed or ground.
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:With each exhale, picture those
roots sinking deeper into the earth.
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:They weave through cool soil around
stones and into secret spaces.
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:As you exhale, let go of any
worries or jitters you might have.
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:See them travel down your
roots into the earth.
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:Now, breathe in slowly.
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:Imagine the earth sending
you warm, glowing energy.
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:It flows up through your roots
into your feet and legs, making
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:them feel strong and cozy.
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:It travels into your belly and
chest, filling you with calm.
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:It moves into your arms and
head bringing clarity and peace.
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:Feel your spine grow long and
straight like a tree trunk.
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:Gently stretch your arms outward
and upward like branches.
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:Spread your fingers like leaves.
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:In her dream, Runa felt her toes
tingle as roots grew from them.
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:She breathed in and sensed
warm light filling her body.
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:She imagined her arms stretching
upward fingers sprouting leaves
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:that rustled together softly.
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:She felt safe and steady.
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:She had become part of Yggdrasil.
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:When Runa opened her eyes, Ratatosk
pointed to a great root sloping downward.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): We
should visit Nidhogg.
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:Laura: He said.
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:they
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): He helps us let go.
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:Laura: They climbed down
and the air grew cooler.
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:At the bottom in a cave filled
with mist, a huge dragon lay
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:coiled around a bubbling spring.
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:He chewed slowly on the root
bits of bark, falling away.
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:His eyes were bright amber.
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:Runa felt nervous, but took a deep
breath and remembered her roots.
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:Runa: Hello, Nidhogg.
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:Laura: She said.
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:The dragon paused and looked at her.
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:Nidhogg (Dragon): Child.
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:Laura: He rumbled.
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:Runa
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:Nidhogg (Dragon): Why do you come?
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:Runa: I came to see why you chew the tree.
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:Laura: Runa replied, the
dragon snorted gently.
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:Nidhogg (Dragon): I feed on
the worries that creatures
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:send down through their roots.
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:When you send me your fears, I chew
them away so the tree can stay healthy.
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:Laura: Now I want everybody
to think of your own worry.
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:Runa thought of a worry she'd had,
that she might fail at climbing
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:the tall pine tree near her home.
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:She exhaled.
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:Imagining the worry as a brown
leaf falling down her roots.
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:I'd like you to do the same exhale.
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:And imagine the worry you thought of as
a brown leaf falling down your own roots.
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:Nidhogg chewed and sighed
sighed contentedly.
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:Nidhogg (Dragon): Thank
you for letting me help.
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:Laura: He said.
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:Nidhogg (Dragon): Whenever
you need to let go.
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:Remember me.
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:Laura: Runa thanked the dragon.
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:Ratatosk smiled.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): See,
not all dragons are scary.
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:Some just like to help
us release our burdens.
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:Laura: They climbed back up
the root, feeling lighter.
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:Next, Ratatosk led Runa
toward another root.
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:The air grew heavy and still they
reached a crystal clear well.
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:Beside it sat an old
man with a long beard.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): This is Mimir.
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:Laura: Ratatosk whispered.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): He
guards the Well of Wisdom.
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:Laura: The old man looked at Runa kindly.
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:Mimir: Welcome.
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:Laura: He said.
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:Mimir: Those who drink from this
well learn to see connections.
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:Laura: Mimir handed Runa a ladle of water.
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:She drank it tasted like snowflakes,
and suddenly she felt as if she were
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:listening to thousands of stories at once.
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:Stories of animals,
forest, rivers, and stars.
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:She understood that everything was linked.
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:Runa thanked Mimir.
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:After leaving Mimir, they climbed
along a root that stretched upward.
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:The air warmed.
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:Birds sang.
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:They reached a beautiful meadow
where a clear pool sparkled.
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:Swans glided across the surface.
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:Three graceful women sat beside
the water pouring silver jugs
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:of water over Yggdrasil's roots,
keeping them smooth and strong.
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:These were the Norns-
Uror, Veroandi, and Skuld.
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:Their names mean past,
present, and future.
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:They shaped the destinies of all beings.
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:Uror looked up and smiled.
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:Uror: We have waited for you.
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:Laura: She said.
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:Uror: Come sit.
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:Laura: Runa sat on a smooth stone.
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:The Norns explained that they carve
runes of fate on wooden slips and wave
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:them into the fabric of the worlds.
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:They invited Runa to meditate on time.
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:Close your eyes again.
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:As you breathe in, think about
something kind from your past.
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:A hug, a laugh, a lesson.
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:Breathe in gratitude for it.
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:As you breathe out, feel yourself
fully in the present, the softness
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:of your bed, the sound of this
story, the rhythm of your breathing.
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:On your next inhale, think
of a hope for your future.
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:Something you'd like to learn or share.
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:See it like a tiny seed.
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:Let your breath carry it into the world.
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:Runa pictured her grandmother teaching her
to sew a favorite moment from her past.
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:She felt the warmth of
the present in her heart.
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:Then she imagined herself someday
telling stories to her own children.
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:The Norns gave her a tiny seed,
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:Veroandi: Plant this in your heart.
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:Laura: said Veroandi.
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:Veroandi: Whenever you care
for it with love and curiosity,
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:your future will bloom.
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:Laura: Runa placed the seed in her pocket.
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:Ratatosk guided Runa up the trunk.
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:The bark was smooth and warm.
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:They passed by small elfs
who peeked out and giggled.
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:They saw four dwarfs chiseling
ruins to guide the winds.
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:Dwarf: We hold up the sky.
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:Laura: One dwarf explained.
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:Runa thanked them and climbed higher.
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:The trunk split into giant branches,
each leading into a different realm.
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:They first peaked into Vanaheim
where golden fields stretched
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:under a gentle sun Freyr and Freya
god's of fertility waved at them.
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:Flowers bloomed as far
as the eye could see.
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:Runa felt a sense of abundance and joy.
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:Ratatosk whispered.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): And
this place reminds us to
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:appreciate the Earth's gifts.
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:Laura: Next they saw Jotunheim, where
giants walked among towering mountains.
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:One giant bent down his
voice like thunder, yet kind.
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:Giant: Stay brave.
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:Laura: He told Runa.
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:She smiled and promised she would.
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:The visit taught her that even those
who seem big or different can be gentle.
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:Finally they approached Asgard,
the shining home of the Aesir Gods.
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:A rainbow bridge, arched
toward golden halls.
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:Heimdall, the watchman
greeted them warmly.
196
:Odin appeared his one eye gleaming.
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:He looked at Runa and nodded.
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:Odin: You carry a seed of fate.
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:Laura: He said.
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:Odin: Nurture it.
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:Seek wisdom.
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:Stay brave.
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:Laura: He waved them on
and Runa felt honored.
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:Two blackbirds landed nearby.
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:They said.
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:Huginn and Muninn: Thought and memory.
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:Laura: They told Runa to cherish
her memories and keep learning
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:so her thoughts could grow.
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:Huginn and Muninn: Your
thoughts are like branches.
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:Laura: They said.
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:Runa repeated their message
so she would remember.
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:Runa: Your thoughts are like branches.
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:Your memories are roots.
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:Laura: Ratatosk led her onto a
branch swaying gently in a breeze.
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:The leaves rustled like whispers.
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:The eagle perched above and said.
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:Eagle: Let's breathe with the wind.
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:Laura: Imagine you're sitting
on a branch with Runa.
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:Breathe in slowly through your nose as if
you're drawing in fresh air from above.
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:Feel the breeze on your face.
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:Now, breathe out slowly through
your mouth, letting your breath
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:flow like winds through leaves.
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:Listen to the sound it makes.
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:Notice how calm and free you feel when
your breath moves With the breeze.
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:Runa swayed slightly
breathing with the wind.
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:The wind whispered.
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:The wind: Let go, trust, grow.
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:Runa: Let go, trust, grow.
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:Laura: She nodded.
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:Remembering the message.
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:Dark clouds suddenly gathered.
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:Thunder rumbled.
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:A storm approached, leaves shook.
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:Runa's heartbeat faster.
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:Eagle Said.
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:Eagle: Hold onto your roots.
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:Storms, come and go.
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:Stay flexible.
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:Laura: Sometimes our minds feel stormy.
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:Maybe we're worried or upset.
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:Close your eyes.
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:Imagine a storm swirling around you.
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:Feel your body tense.
244
:Now take a deep breath.
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:Feel your roots anchor you.
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:As you exhale, imagine the storm
blowing away some of your tension
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:like leaves carried by the wind.
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:Inhale, strength.
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:Exhale, fear.
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:Inhale strength.
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:Exhale, fear.
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:Do this several times until the storm
in your imagination begins to calm.
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:Runa breathed deeply.
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:She imagined her roots holding
fast while her branches swayed.
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:The thunder became part of her heartbeat.
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:The storm passed.
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:Sunlight returned.
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:The leaves glisten with raindrops.
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:Runa realized that she could
face storms by remembering her
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:roots and using her breath.
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:Finally, Ratatosk tapped the bark,
revealing a door inside was a chamber.
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:Bathed in warm light, luminous
crystal pulsed softly.
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:This was the heart of Yggdrasil.
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:Runa placed her hands over her
chest and felt her own heartbeat.
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:Echoing the crystal's rhythm.
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:Place your hands on your chest.
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:Feel your heartbeat.
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:Imagine a warm light glowing inside you.
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:This is your inner
strength, your kindness.
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:With each breath in the
light grows brighter.
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:With each breath out, it
spreads throughout your body.
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:Stay here for a few breaths.
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:Feel how loved and safe you are.
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:Runa stood quietly breathing and
feeling the light in her heart.
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:She thought of Nidhogg's lesson
about letting go, Mimir's wisdom, the
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:Norns seed, the giants encouragement,
the winds and the ravens reminder
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:to value thoughts and memories.
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:She whispered.
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:Runa: I am rooted.
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:I am growing.
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:I am connected.
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:Laura: Ratatosk touched her gently.
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:Ratatosk (Squirrel): It's time to go back.
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:Laura: He said Runa followed him,
the World Tree Shimmered and faded.
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:She felt her body sink into softness.
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:She opened her eyes to find
herself in her cozy bed.
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:Her grandmother sitting nearby.
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:Grandmother: You were gone a long time.
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:Laura: Her grandmother said with a smile.
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:Grandmother: Did you travel far?
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:Laura: Runa nodded.
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:Runa: I went to Yggdrasil.
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:Laura: She whispered.
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:Runa: I met a dragon, a wise man,
three sisters, and many others.
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:I learned to be like a tree.
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:Laura: Her grandmother
kissed her forehead.
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:Grandmother: Then you have
learned something wonderful.
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:Laura: She said.
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:Grandmother: Hold that
feeling in your heart.
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:Whenever you are afraid or
excited, close your eyes.
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:Breathe like the wind.
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:Remember your roots and reach for the sky.
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:Laura: Runa closed her eyes again, feeling
the seed from the Norns in her pocket.
304
:She felt warm and safe.
305
:She drifted back into sleep with a smile.
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:With these lessons in your
Belief Backpack snuggle into bed.
307
:Feel your roots and
branches one more time.
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:Take a deep breath in and out.
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:Sleep well, little explorer.
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:May your dreams be filled with
shimmering leaves and gentle winds.
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:The world Tree is always with you.
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:Faithfully Explore! Outro:
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:Faithfully Explore!
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:is about
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:you.
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:Let's grow kinder together it's true!
