Calming Anxiety | Guided Meditation, Sleep Hypnosis & Panic Attack Relief

The Guest by Lord Dunsany — A Dark, Mysterious Short Story for Sleep & Insomnia | Books at Bedtime

 

Settle in with The Guest by Lord Dunsany, a short, strange and haunting classic story about a dinner for two in London, read aloud by Martin Hewlett on Books at Bedtime, the sleep story series from Calming Anxiety.

 

Please note: this story touches on suicide, so it may not be the right listen for everyone. If you're finding things hard, please talk to someone you trust or contact a local crisis line. In the UK, Samaritans are free on 116 123. In the US, call or text 988.

 

At eight o'clock one evening, a young man walks alone into a London restaurant. Two places have been laid at his table, and he chose the dinner carefully by letter a week before. When a waiter asks about the other guest, he says only, "You probably won't see him till the coffee comes."

 

So he is served alone, and all through his elaborate dinner he talks politely to the empty chair. It seems the guest knew his father. They have acquaintances in common too, among them King Seti of Thebes, Helen of Troy and Cleopatra. And the young man is sure he saw his guest only the other day, on a motor bus going down Ludgate Hill. Who is the visitor nobody else can see? Dunsany keeps the answer back until the very last line.

 

This classic short story for adults is a thoughtful listen rather than a cosy one, with Dunsany's dry wit, his mythic imagination and Martin's calm, unhurried narration. It suits anyone who loves old-fashioned mystery and dark fables, and who's awake with insomnia and looking for a short audiobook story before sleep.

 

If you'd prefer something gentler at bedtime, you'll find more Lord Dunsany on Books at Bedtime, including The Hen, Alone the Immortals and The True History of the Hare and the Tortoise, all from the same collection.

 

The Guest was first published in Fifty-One Tales (London: Elkin Mathews; New York: Mitchell Kennerley, 1915). Lord Dunsany (1878–1957).

 

Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett.

 

📱 Listen to Books at Bedtime in the Anchored app, offline and with the screen off, so you can fall asleep without a bright phone in your hand:

 

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669

 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored

 

🧡 For Martin's calming tips, visit: https://calminganxiety.org/calm

 

🌱 Try Thole, Martin's new health and wellness app, in beta on iPhone: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

Sleep well, my friend. And in everything, be kind.

 

 

Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!

 

YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1

 

Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/

 

Music: All music by Chris Collins at Indie Music Box

Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.

Feeling Nervous When Something Unexpected Happens? — Guided Meditation for Sudden Anxiety & Change of Plans | No Counting

 

Feeling nervous when something unexpected happens? A change of plans, a message you weren't expecting, or something small that suddenly leaves you unsettled, and you feel anxious before you've even had a moment to understand why. This 10-minute guided meditation for sudden anxiety doesn't ask you to explain that feeling. We simply make a little room around it and give you time to settle.

 

Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett. Martin's Anchored app gives you over 2,500 guided sessions, the ambient night light, box breathing exercises and Books at Bedtime to help you fall gently asleep. Download it on iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669 and Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored. And try Thole, Martin's new health app, in beta on iPhone: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

There's no counting today and no need for a deep breath. We simply notice the gentle out-breath, soften the hands, jaw and eyes, and let the questions wait: What does this mean? What happens next? What should I do? You're allowed a moment between something happening and deciding what to do. You'll receive five affirmations for coping with the unexpected and three daily caring tips.

 

⏱️ Time Chapters

* 00:00 – Welcome from Martin

* 00:10 – When something unexpected unsettles you

* 00:42 – Anchored: 2,500+ sessions and more

* 01:11 – Finding your quiet place

* 01:37 – No counting, just the out-breath

* 02:31 – When you try to work it all out at once

* 02:54 – Softening the hands and jaw

* 03:07 – A moment between happening and deciding

* 03:37 – Returning to the support beneath you

* 04:03 – Understanding it gradually

* 04:45 – Relax, unwind, and be kind to yourself

* 04:56 – Five affirmations for the unexpected

* 06:19 – Softening around the eyes

* 06:43 – Affirmations, once more

* 07:48 – You are worthy

* 08:14 – Your 3 daily caring tips

* 09:23 – Gently returning to the room

* 09:43 – Anchored, Premium and calminganxiety.org

* 10:26 – In every way, be kind

 

🌿 Today's Gentle Affirmations

Repeat them silently or simply listen, and let them find their place within:

* I can give myself time to adjust to something unexpected.

* I can feel nervous and still choose my next step.

* I do not need to work out every possibility right now.

* I can meet uncertainty with patience and kindness towards myself.

* I am allowed to pause, ask questions and accept support.

 

💡 3 Daily Caring Tips

1. Give yourself a gentle pause: When something unexpected happens, feel your feet against the floor or allow a comfortable breath to leave your body.

2. Separate what you know from what you are imagining: Ask yourself, "What has actually happened, and what am I worried might happen?" Then seek the information you need before trying to solve every possibility.

3. Choose one caring next step: You might ask someone to explain something, write down what needs doing, or take a short break before replying. Choose something small enough to manage.

 

📱 Take Calming Anxiety With You Anywhere

You don't need an immediate answer simply because something arrived unexpectedly. You can understand it gradually, and decide what's needed when you have a clearer picture. Martin wrote Anchored for moments like this. No big corporation, and most of it is completely free:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored

 

To support the show and turn off the ads, Anchored Premium is just 5.99 a month or 49.99 for the year. Thank you. Find out more at https://calminganxiety.org, and Martin's calming tips at https://calminganxiety.org/calm

 

🌱 Help test Thole, Martin's new health and wellness app. iPhone beta: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

If this helped, please share it with someone who's easily thrown by change, and leave a 30-second review on Apple Podcasts.

 

Thank you for putting your faith and trust in all Martin does. And in every single way, my friend, it's so simple: be kind.

 

 

Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!

 

YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1

 

Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/

 

Music: All music by Chris Collins at Indie Music Box

Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.

The True History of the Hare and the Tortoise by Lord Dunsany — A Funny Short Fable for Sleep | Books at Bedtime

 

Drift off with The True History of the Hare and the Tortoise by Lord Dunsany, a wickedly witty retelling of Aesop's most famous fable, read aloud by Martin Hewlett on Books at Bedtime, the sleep story series from Calming Anxiety.

 

For a long time there had been bitter argument among the beasts over who was the swifter, the hare or the tortoise. Some said the hare, because he had such long ears. Others said the tortoise, because anyone whose shell was that hard should surely be able to run hard too. With feelings running so high that there was nearly war among the beasts, a race of five hundred yards is finally arranged so that everyone can see who is right.

 

The tortoise declares himself absolutely confident of success. The hare looks bored and thinks the whole thing ridiculous. On the day of the race the crowd takes sides, the goose very nearly pecks the fox, and two rousing catchphrases sweep through the animal kingdom: "Run hard!" and "Let him rest!" You may think you know how this one ends, but Dunsany has a few surprises in store, right up to the very last line.

 

This classic short story for adults is a light-hearted wind-down for a busy mind, with Dunsany's dry, playful humour and Martin's calm, unhurried narration. It's perfect for anyone who loves a clever twist on a childhood favourite as they drift towards sleep.

 

If you enjoyed it, you'll find more Lord Dunsany on Books at Bedtime, including The Hen, Alone the Immortals and The Messengers, all from the same collection.

 

The True History of the Hare and the Tortoise was first published in Fifty-One Tales (London: Elkin Mathews; New York: Mitchell Kennerley, 1915). Lord Dunsany (1878–1957).

 

Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett.

 

📱 Listen to Books at Bedtime in the Anchored app, offline and with the screen off, so you can fall asleep without a bright phone in your hand:

 

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669

 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored

 

🧡 For Martin's calming tips, visit: https://calminganxiety.org/calm

 

🌱 Try Thole, Martin's new health and wellness app, in beta on iPhone: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

Sleep well, my friend. And in everything, be kind.

 

 

Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!

 

YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1

 

Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/

 

Music: All music by Chris Collins at Indie Music Box

Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.

I Feel Like I've Wasted This Year — Guided Meditation for End of Year Anxiety & Feeling Like You Haven't Done Enough | Physiological Sigh

 

I feel like I've wasted this year. If that thought arrives when you glance at the date, with that little drop in your stomach, this 10-minute guided meditation for end of year anxiety is for you. Where did the months go? You can put the calendar down for a moment, because you don't have to explain the last twelve months before you're allowed to rest.

 

Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett. Martin's Anchored app gives you over 2,500 guided sessions, the ambient night light and Books at Bedtime for a gentler end to the day.

Download it on iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669 and Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored. 

And try Thole, Martin's new health app, in beta on iPhone: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

Today we use the double-sip breath, also called the physiological sigh, with no breath to hold and no need to fill your lungs. A calendar records dates, but it cannot record what it took to get through them. This meditation for feeling like you haven't done enough, and for anxiety about time passing, makes room for disappointment without turning it into a judgement of your worth. You'll receive five affirmations for self-compassion and three daily caring tips.

 

⏱️ Time Chapters

* 00:00 – When the date catches you out

* 00:30 – Welcome from Martin

* 00:53 – Anchored: 2,500+ sessions and more

* 01:18 – Finding your comfy place

* 01:24 – The double-sip breath (physiological sigh)

* 01:53 – Breathing together

* 03:02 – Letting the technique go

* 03:34 – When every month needs something impressive

* 03:54 – What a calendar cannot record

* 04:33 – Making room for disappointment

* 04:59 – Rest without putting the year on trial

* 05:28 – Five affirmations for self-compassion

* 06:38 – Unwinding a little deeper

* 06:48 – Affirmations, once more

* 07:53 – Letting the words settle

* 08:02 – When "I have done nothing" returns

* 08:18 – A kinder sentence

* 08:34 – Your 3 daily caring tips

* 09:33 – Gently returning to the room

* 09:59 – Anchored and calminganxiety.org

* 10:22 – Thank you, and in everything, be kind

 

🌿 Today's Gentle Affirmations

Repeat them quietly if you wish, or simply listen:

* My worth is not measured by what I have finished this year.

* I can acknowledge disappointment and still treat myself kindly.

* The quiet effort of getting through difficult days matters as much as any other.

* I give myself permission to rest without proving I have done enough.

* I can meet this moment with a little more gentleness.

 

💡 3 Daily Caring Tips

1. Notice one ordinary effort: Notice one ordinary effort you usually dismiss. Getting out of bed on a difficult morning counts. Let yourself acknowledge it without adding, "But I should have done more."

2. Feel your feet on the floor: When your calendar triggers that familiar pressure, feel your feet on the floor and take one easy breath. Remind yourself, "A date is information, not a verdict on me."

3. Make room for one small enjoyment: Make room for one small enjoyment today. Listen to a favourite song, enjoy a warm drink or step outside for a moment. You don't have to earn that pleasure first.

 

📱 Take Calming Anxiety With You Anywhere

You don't have to make up the whole year in one afternoon. For more support, download Martin's Anchored app, with meditations to return to, Books at Bedtime for a gentler end to the day and the ambient night light:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored

 

It's all at https://calminganxiety.org, and Martin's calming tips are at https://calminganxiety.org/calm

 

🌱 Help test Thole, Martin's new health and wellness app. iPhone beta: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

If this session helped, please share it with someone who is quietly carrying the same pressure, and leave a 30-second review on Apple Podcasts.

 

Take care of yourself, my friend. And in everything, be kind.

 

 

Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!

 

YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1

 

Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/

 

Music: All music by Chris Collins at Indie Music Box

Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.

The Messengers by Lord Dunsany — A Short, Poetic Fable for Sleep & Insomnia | Books at Bedtime

 

Drift off with The Messengers by Lord Dunsany, a short, lyrical and thought-provoking fable about the muses, their messengers and the people who will not listen, read aloud by Martin Hewlett on Books at Bedtime, the sleep story series from Calming Anxiety.

 

One wandering night, a man out chasing hares hears the high muses calling: "Take us a message to the golden town." He would far rather stay in the happy valleys, but the muses call him by name, again and again, until at last he goes to them. They give him a wreath of laurels carved from emeralds, as only the muses can carve, so the wise men of the golden town will know where he has come from.

 

Dressed in scarlet silks, he runs through the golden gateway crying his message. But the wise men sit cross-legged before their houses, reading from parchments an older message the muses sent long before, and they will not believe him. Still the muses do not rest, and still they send their messengers, until one day they call to the storyteller himself.

 

This classic short story for adults is a reflective wind-down for a busy mind, with Dunsany's rich, rhythmic, almost biblical prose and Martin's calm, unhurried narration. Like many of Dunsany's fables it carries a sharp, serious edge beneath its beauty, so it suits listeners who enjoy something to ponder as they drift towards sleep.

 

If you enjoyed it, you'll find more Lord Dunsany on Books at Bedtime, including Alone the Immortals, The Hen and The Return of the Exiles, all from the same collection.

 

The Messengers was first published in Fifty-One Tales (London: Elkin Mathews; New York: Mitchell Kennerley, 1915). Lord Dunsany (1878–1957).

 

Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett.

 

📱 Listen to Books at Bedtime in the Anchored app, offline and with the screen off, so you can fall asleep without a bright phone in your hand:

 

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669

 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored

 

🧡 For Martin's calming tips, visit: https://calminganxiety.org/calm

 

🌱 Try Thole, Martin's new health and wellness app, in beta on iPhone: https://testflight.apple.com/join/aUKB8W7N

 

Sleep well, my friend. And in everything, be kind.

 

 

Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!

 

YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1

 

Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/

 

Music: All music by Chris Collins at Indie Music Box

Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.