Big Belly Breathing

15.2 Bed Time Guided Meditation in Granada, Spain: Caring Theme

• Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely

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This is a BEDTIME MEDITATION focusing on the theme of Caring, and set in Granada, Spain

Kids are guided into a very relaxing moment at home in their cozy beds, where they focus on their breathing while listening to an audio quiet time activity. 

This meditation can be used as a nighttime routine before bed is to help them ease into slumber land, or also before nap.

The Breathing Practice for this month is Circle breathing.

Intro/Outro music by Jef Shadoan


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Big Belly Breathing (BBB) is a bilingual audio program for kids (and the grownups who love them), founded by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely. Featuring episodes in English and French, BBB focuses on mindfulness, health, and wellness—inviting young listeners into joyful, imaginative, and restorative practices.

As a Physical Education and meditation teacher, parent of bilingual kids, yoga instructor, social-emotional learning facilitator, and holistic health & wellness coach, Vanessa created Big Belly Breathing to help children establish daily habits that nurture both body and mind.

Healthy Habits = Happy Kids

Through each episode, children are gently guided to:

  • Breathe mindfully
  • Stretch their creativity
  • Build emotional awareness
  • Practice gratitude
  • And enjoy mini-moments of deep rest that help them reset, restore, and recalibrate.

In today’s busy, screen-heavy world, BBB offers kids a chance to feel centered, grounded, and good—helping them create their own self-care rituals, routines, and wellness habits that can last a lifetime.

These tools support mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience, setting kids up for more joy today and as they grow into adulthood.

But it’s not just for kids!

BBB also includes special episodes designed for ...

Gecko Dreams in Granada: A Bedtime Meditation on Caring

Good evening, Welcome to Big Belly Breathing, where we float into a world of imagination and relaxation.

My name is Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely, and I’m honored to guide you through this calming nighttime journey. Tonight’s theme is Caring—caring for ourselves, others, and the world around us. Our special breathing practice is Circle Breathing, which helps us connect with the warmth in our hearts and send caring energy outward.

So let’s begin by getting cozy under your blankets. Wiggle around a little until your body feels relaxed and safe. When you're ready, gently close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose… and slowly let it out through your mouth.

Now place your hands softly over your heart. As you breathe in, move your hands in a slow, gentle circle, feeling the warmth of your caring heart. As you breathe out, reverse the circle, letting go of any tension or worries. Let’s do this a few more times—circle in… and circle out. With every breath, imagine kindness and care glowing brighter in your chest.

Visualization:

Tonight, we’re taking a magical journey to the beautiful and historic city of Granada, Spain. Granada is a city filled with old stone streets, hidden gardens, and ancient palaces. It’s a place where history whispers and the mountains glow in the moonlight.

As you breathe deeply, imagine a soft breeze brushing against your cheeks. You find yourself standing on a hill, just beneath the stars. The city of Granada sparkles below, its rooftops glowing golden in the moonlight.

A small sound catches your attention—and there, peeking out from behind a stone wall, is your special nighttime companion: a curious little gecko. His eyes twinkle with playfulness, and his tiny feet make no sound as he scurries toward you. He looks up at you kindly, as if to say, ā€œFollow me.ā€

You and your gecko friend begin to wander through the quiet, cobblestone streets of the AlbayzĆ­n, the old Moorish quarter of Granada. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleyways, and sweet-smelling jasmine surround you. With every step, you feel safe and cared for. The gecko leads the way, pausing now and then to make sure you’re still by his side.

As you walk, you come to the breathtaking Alhambra Palace, glowing softly in the night. Its arches and gardens shimmer in the moonlight. Your gecko guide leads you through a secret gate and into the peaceful Generalife Gardens. The gentle trickle of fountains fills the air, and the scent of orange blossoms surrounds you.

Take a deep breath in… and slowly let it out.

In the garden, you find a quiet stone bench. Your gecko hops up beside you and curls his tail sweetly. You sit together under the stars, listening to the night sounds—the rustle of leaves, the whisper of the wind, the soft ripple of water. You place your hands over your heart again, practicing Circle Breathing—in a gentle circle as you breathe in… and out in the opposite direction.

With each circle, imagine sending caring thoughts to someone you love… then to your gecko friend… and finally, to yourself. Let the feeling of care grow warm and steady in your heart.

Your gecko gazes up at you with a quiet smile, as if he’s thanking you for your company. You give him a little wave and whisper goodnight.

Slowly, you begin to return to your cozy bed. Feel the softness beneath you. Feel your body resting, your breath gentle, and your heart full of care.

Let yourself drift off, knowing you are loved, you are safe, and you are cared for.

Goodnight dear one. Sleep tight, sweet dreams, and bonne nuit.
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