In the Land of Nod... A Child's Yoga Bedtime Story

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A sweet bedtime story-game of yoga poses by yours truly. Inspired by the Dutch lullaby Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, it is a great way to wind down for sweet slumber.

Start by sitting on the floor with your child. Tell your child that you wish to tell them a story, but that this is a very magical story and tonight you will need their help telling it.
( As you say the following lines perform the poses above. Your child should follow along. Remember to speak in a calming voice.)

Take Me To The Moon

Aka- The airplane

Wynken, Blyken, and Nod one night, sailed off in a wooden shoe.

The old moon laughed and sang a song, as they rocked in the wooden shoe, 

and the wind sped them all night long ruffling the waves of dew. 

  Take deep inhale breath followed by an exhale while making a tshhhh sound of the ocean waves. Count to four when you inhale, hold for one, then count to 4 on exhale. 

If your child's doesn't imitate you, then say, "We need an ocean to sail in, can you help me make the sounds?" 

The Downward Dog pose. ( silver and gold net)

Hands and feet on the floor with buttocks in the air, like a triangle.

Where are you going and what do you wish, 

the old moon asked the three. 

We've come to fish for herring fish 

that live in the sea; 

nets of silver and gold have we, 

said the fishermen three

The Star pose.

Sitting upright, bring your legs into a diamond shape. Sway gently side to side. 

The little stars thought how much fun, we'll play along ,

we shall be the fish, now cast your nets where ever you wish. 

The Seal (Pretending to be the wooden shoe)

Sitting with your legs out-stretched behind, torso extended arms straight.

All night long they threw 

to stars of twinkling foam

Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe

bringing the fishermen home.

The Child's pose.
Sit on your heels with arms at your side. Lean forward, head to floor. 
(pretending to be dreaming)
T'was the prettiest sail that it seemed as though it couldn't be
And some folks said t'was a dream they dreamed of sailing the beautiful sea

The Relaxation pose. 
Lie flat on the back, arms at sides, feet slightly apart, eyes closed. 
Now climb into your wooden shoe (bed) and I will tell a secret to you.
Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes (gently touch each eyelid.)
And Nod a little head ( trace a circle around the face)
And  the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee-one's trundle bed.
 So shut your eyes while (mother/father) sings
and you will see the beautiful things
as you rock in the misty sea.
With the fishermen three
(whisper) Wynken, Blynken, and Nod.


I sing this sweet song while my children drift into the Land of Nod, a beautiful lullaby to the poem In the Land of Nod, by Robert Louis Stevenson.