In this Mello journey invites listeners to slow down and feel the world through the quiet, thoughtful steps of a hatchling tortoise. From cracking through an egg to wandering through a lifetime of stillness and strength, we’ll breathe deep, settle in, and remember: there is wonder in the wait.

 Tortoise

You don’t have to rush to arrive

Hello Mello listeners! This week’s episode is a special gift for my daughter, whose love for tortoises runs deep. And a big thank you to Cash for reading our question of the week:

Cash: “Will you tell me about a tortoise’s life?”

Thanks again Cash, but before we begin with a shoutout to the oldest tortoise on record—Jonathan, a giant tortoise born around 1832. He’s over 190 years old… and still going strong!

Ok let’s start by getting our wiggles out. Go ahead and wiggle. 

That’s right–your toes and arms, your fingers and legs. Wiggle them up and down and all around. Now settle those wiggles into a snuggle. Take a deep breath in, feeling your body fill with calm.… breathe out, as you exhale whisper to yourself, ‘I am safe.’ Inhale again… and feel love fill your body. Whisper, ‘I am loved.’

With one more deep breath, your imagination is ready. So let’s begin our adventure…

So sit back, relax…and mello. 

(cracking noise, shifting sand) 

For 120 days (or so) you were a growing embryo within the safety of your egg. Just heartbeats, tiny bones, and the muffled noises from the outside world. But today you are a hatchling. And the tiny egg you’ve been growing in has become too small. 

It is time. 

Ever so gently, you push against the inside of your shell. 

(Bigger cracking sounds, BUSTIN OUT)

You’re met by dirt…SO much dirt…and you must dig. I know your little legs are tired, but you can do this!

It’s nighttime as you emerge, best for avoiding predators (which you absolutely knew by instinct). Slivers of moonlight greet you as you breathe the cool night air in through your little tortoise nostrils. Breathe in…and out. In…and out. 

Your shell has yet to fully harden, so you need a safe spot. Perhaps it is underneath the cover of fallen leaves, or nestled in the cool sand. Either way, it is time to rest. It is no easy task emerging from your egg. You have had a big night. 

(Nighttime sounds)

When your sleepy eyes wake up, taking in the morning sun, you venture into the bright, big world. You can’t help but nibble at the vibrant green leaves as you pass them. Sipping the morning dew as you go. 

(crunchy nibbles) 

As a young tortoise, you walk slowly through your days, each step sacred and sure. The world is big, but so are your instincts. Let that guide you as you find your way each day. 

At five years old, your shell finally hardens. All 60 bones have fused together, protecting you. You are becoming stronger. 

At ten…you’ve explored every corner of your forest home. 

(Break…sounds of forest)

At twenty, you’re nearly fully grown…

Time is different now. It stretches out and opens in front of you. There’s no need to hurry, no need to win. Just the next right step…and then another.

Take a deep breath in and let the world meet you exactly where you are. 

In and out….in and out…

Let’s pause for a moment now, just like a tortoise does. 

Start with your feet. Wiggle them gently… then let them rest.
Let them feel planted and still, your tiny tortoise feet in the cool earth. 

Now your legs. Squeeze the muscles gently… then let them soften.
Strong and steady, just like the legs that carried you from your shell.

Move to your belly. Feel it rise and fall with each breath—like your shell gently expanding. Let it soften and relax.

Take your hands and curl them into little fists… and release.
Feel your arms relax, like a tortoise letting go of effort, returning to ease.

Move on to your shoulders now. Let them drop down, like a tortoise lowering into its shell. Heavy, relaxed, still.

Now your neck. Slowly roll your neck, feeling every little muscle stretch. 

And finally, your face. Let your cheeks go soft. Unclench your jaw. Let your eyes be heavy… like a tortoise blinking in the sun.

Your whole body is resting now. You are still, but still becoming.

Each day will bring a new discovery if you let it. Though small, they matter. Though quiet, it echoes. Together they will build. 

Breath in and out….in and out…

You can feel the warmth of the now setting sun on your shell. Your world is green and lush as you walk through tall grass wavering in a gentle breeze. In the distance, you hear birds chattering. But you are in no rush; the whole world moves with you. 

There is wonder in the wait. There is life in the quiet moments. Even going slow, you are growing, your mind is expanding with every new experience. 

As the years continue to pass, your rings expand. As a tortoise, you’ve seen hundreds of seasons. You've seen trees rise, bloom, and fall. And still, you walk forward, steady and wise. 

As you have aged, you have become even better at slowing down, doing only what's most necessary. This calm, thoughtful way of life helps you pass your days. 

And as dusk has begun to fall, and the moon is rising in the darkening sky. You have found a protected spot for the night nestled under fallen branches and tucked between cool rocks. Your breath becomes slower and softer as you curl your wee little feet and head slightly into your shell. 

As you begin to drift off to sleep, remember that just like the tortoise are in no rush. You don’t have to race to arrive. You don’t have to do everything at once.

Life is made of a million little moments strung together. It is just waiting patiently to be lived by you.