Sakura Hot Springs

Welcome. Tonight, we'll be visiting a tranquil spot that's cherished by all who get the chance to visit. This respite is called Sakura Hot Springs. You may have guessed by the name that these hot springs are surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms. When the moon is out, these flowers almost twinkle, like snow adrift in the trees. This picturesque destination is close by, and is anticipating your arrival. But first, let's pause for a short wind-down exercise. Tonight's wind-down is a visualization. When you're ready, let's begin. So just take a moment to get comfortable. Letting go of the day. Enjoying that feeling of having stopped, of having nothing left to do. We are going to focus the attention of the mind on the different parts of the body, watching as the muscles in the body switch off for the night, leaving the body feeling rested, and leaving the mind more at ease. So, starting down at the toes, and feeling a sense of the muscles switching off, the feet, the arches, all those muscles, switching off. Same in the lower half of the legs. Notice any tension being let go of, as the muscles switch off. Shut down, in the upper half the legs. Any tension melting away, being let go of, into the area of the hips, the pelvis. Again, any muscles shutting down for the night. Completely at rest. Everything from the waist downward is heavy. At ease. The muscles in the lower back and the stomach are now switching off. Middle of the back, around the diaphragm, the upper back, and the chest. So any muscles not needed, shutting down, switching off for the night. The shoulders, switching off. The upper half of the arms, and the lower half of the arms, switching off. The hands, fingers, chest, switching off. Any muscles around the throat, and the neck, switching off. The head. The face, The jaw. The eyes. Any last areas of tension, melting away, as the muscles shut down. Switch off. At rest for the night. And allowing thoughts to come and go. Allowing the mind and body the space they need to rest. Behind Sakura Hot Springs, a narrow trail lit with twinkling tea lights winds its way up to the summit of Emerald Mountain. Along the path, small waterfalls cascade down, their gentle music weaving through the air like a soothing lullaby. Emerald Mountain, true to its name, is adorned with a tapestry of green shades, gradually transitioning to snowy white near the peak. This majestic site is beloved by hikers and nature enthusiasts who seek the geothermal pools nestled at the top. These warm waters are home to a troop of snow monkeys who luxuriate in the soothing baths year-round. The snow monkeys, with thick, dense fur, often appear adorably disheveled with their damp coats. Their half-closed eyes and blissful expressions reveal their total relaxation, making them a delightful sight. Their carefree antics and joyful demeanor offer a charming glimpse into the...