Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Ballroom Mystery in the Peacock House

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Starting point is 00:00:53 trial period at Shopify.com slash get sleepy, all lowercase. Go to Shopify.com slash get sleepy to grow your business no matter what stage you're in shopify.com slash get sleepy Welcome to get sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. When we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host Thomas, it's so lovely to have your company and I really appreciate your support just by being here and listening to the show. I'm really excited for tonight's story as I'll be taking you back to the Peacock house for a third visit. This has been one of our most requested follow-ups in the last several months so I hope you enjoy listening.

Starting point is 00:02:01 Just like last time you'll wander through the rooms of this mysterious place, searching for keys and passageways. The house is so big, it seems there will always be more puzzles to solve. Don't worry if you haven't heard the first two episodes from this series, you'll still be able to follow along and enjoy tonight's story, and you can always go back and listen to the others another time. I'll make reference to them in the show notes. A big thank you goes to Alexandra for writing these soothingly captivating tales from the Peacock house. Before you begin another dreamy adventure,

Starting point is 00:02:58 make yourself comfortable wherever you are right now. Find a position that feels just right, where your body is relaxed and supported. Now close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a moment, then breathe out slowly through your mouth. If you like, take another couple of slow, deep breaths just like this. With each exhale, imagine that you're letting go of any thoughts or worries and any stress or tension. As you breathe, your body is becoming calm and still and ready for sleep. Remember you can always return your attention here to your own breath. If you get distracted at any point simply shift your focus back to your breathing. Your body knows just what to do and will soon guide you into sleep. It will happen automatically, naturally. There's nothing you need to do to make it happen, so you can just relax and enjoy the

Starting point is 00:05:18 story. For now, follow the sound of my voice as we return to the Peacock House. You walk through the grand entrance hall, your footsteps echoing on the tiles. This house still feels mysterious, but familiar too. You're starting to feel at home here. Here you are again, in this peaceful, elegant room, its blue and white tiles softly illuminated by the lamplight. In front of you is the main staircase, spiraling up to floors you haven't explored yet. Near your feet, sunken into the floor, isling noise, the water flowing on and on. And then there are the four arched doorways towards the back of the room. Above each door is a mosaic symbol, a moon, a shell, a flame, and a peacock. On your previous visits to the house, you went through the doors marked with the moon and the peacock. You could retrace your steps as you sense that there's still so much to explore in

Starting point is 00:07:56 those directions, other rooms, secrets, and puzzles. But today, your instinct guides you towards the second door, the one with a glittering mosaic of a silver clam shell above the entrance. You wonder where the Shell Door will lead you. If it's anything like the other routes, you feel calm and confident, with a slight buzz of excitement like a fluttering in your chest. windowless hallway, the wooden floor creaking underfoot. There are a few artworks on the paneled walls, dimly lit by flickering oil lamps. On the way, you catch glimpses of shadowy details in the paintings. A white sailboat, golden embroidery, and the serene expression of a woman in a portrait who somehow looks familiar.

Starting point is 00:09:46 You're tempted to stop and look at the paintings more closely, but you're also aware of the daylight streaming in at the other end of the hallway, and you're keen to explore further. So far, there are no signs of puzzles to solve, no locked doors or hidden keys. For now, the route is clear and obvious. There's only one door right at the end of the hall, and you're able to walk freely from one room to the next. And what a room you think as you enter. You look around in wonder, spellbound by the beauty of the ballroom. and gold, with ornately framed floor-length mirrors at regular intervals. Every inch of the high ceiling is filled with an intricately detailed fresco,

Starting point is 00:11:19 which at a glance seems to represent the signs of the zodiac. From where you're standing, you can make out a lion's mane and a scorpion's tail. At the center of the ceiling, surrounded by painted stars, hangs a heavy chandelier, dripping with crystals. And in the far right-hand corner of the room, there's a magnificent grand piano, the glossy casing gleaming in the sunlight. The right side of the room is covered with countless pink and white balloons. Confetti and streamers are scattered all around. It's as though you've stumbled across the aftermath of a party. The piano has fallen silent and the dancers have gone

Starting point is 00:12:49 home, but the decorations remain. As you cross the room, you can't resist picking up one of the balloons. It's a pastel pink reminding you of roses. You gently tap it upwards with your fingers, watching it lift effortlessly into the air. into the air. As it floats, the balloon catches the light, and you notice that there's something inside, confetti perhaps. For a moment, you're tempted to pop the balloon, but then again, you're enjoying the peaceful hush of the room. It would be a shame to spoil it. So instead, you play with the balloon as you walk, gently bumping it up and down with your palm. The movement makes you feel light and free, like being a child again. When you reach the piano, you let the balloon fall to the floor and turn your attention to the shiny black and white keys.

Starting point is 00:14:39 Maybe you'll play the piano and listen to the notes echo through the ballroom. Why not, you think, this house is yours to explore? You sit on the piano stool for a while, looking around the room and wondering what to do next. The nearby window has a view of a lovely garden with immaculate hedges and rows of trees, their branches swaying in the breeze. trees, their branches swaying in the breeze. Although you can't be sure, you feel like this is the same garden you glimpsed last time from the library window.

Starting point is 00:15:49 You wanted to visit it, but you couldn't find a way to get there, and you ended up in another, smaller garden instead. Now, as you gaze through the ballroom window, you wonder if there's a way to get to the garden. It's such a beautiful day and the trees seem to be calling to you, beckoning you outside as they move with the breeze. But as far as you can see, there are only two doors in this room. The one you came in through and the door on the other side of the ballroom, which you doubt leads to the garden besides although you haven't tried it yet you're sure it's locked

Starting point is 00:16:59 feeling curious you cross the room and try the handle. Just as you suspected, it rattles but remains closed. But if it's locked, you think, that's probably where you're meant to go next. You begin to slowly circle the room, weaving in and out of the balloons that litter the floor. When you reach the center, you stand still and look up at the ceiling. The signs of the zodiac fill your vision against a starry background of midnight blue. Mesmerized, you turn around, admiring the fresco from every angle. There don't seem to be any clues here, you lower your gaze to a pleasant surprise. You catch sight of your old friend, the peacock, its feathers brushing against the balloons as it moves across the ballroom floor. Although you weren't expecting to see it in this moment,

Starting point is 00:18:56 you knew it was just a matter of time before the bird made an appearance. before the bird made an appearance. As you've learned from your previous visits, seeing the peacock is a good omen. It means you're on the right path. Maybe you think you're about to find a clue. The peacock bops its head as if to greet you, then continues its slow walk across the room. It seems to be heading in the direction of the door you came through. As the graceful creature passes through patches of sunlight, its feathers glitter in shades of emerald green and sapphire blue. The bird's beauty never ceases to amaze you. At last, the peacock reaches the open doorway. You watch, expecting it to walk through. But first, it turns to a cream-colored balloon lying on the floor nearby

Starting point is 00:20:38 and gently taps it with its beak. The balloon deflates with a soft pop. Then the peacock walks on, disappearing through the doorway. For a moment, you stand, puzzled. Then, you walk over and find the popped balloon on the floor. Scattered all around it are pieces of white confetti, and among them is a larger piece of paper and something written on it in pen. This must be it, you think, feeling a rush of anticipation. You pick up the paper and inspect it carefully. It seems to be written in another language or some kind of code.

Starting point is 00:21:58 The narrow, looping letters don't make any sense to you. It's almost as if the words are written back to front. And then you understand what you have to do. Approaching the nearest mirror, you hold the piece of paper up to the glass. And there, in the mirror, the message is revealed. It reads, a key inside a key. a key inside a key. At first, you're perplexed. What could it mean? You haven't found any keys yet. Then you turn, and your gaze falls on the grand piano on the other side of the ballroom. And you realize that, in fact, there are plenty of keys in this room.

Starting point is 00:23:30 You return to the piano, making yourself comfortable on the stool. Then you place your index finger on the white key at the end on the far left. A deep sound reverberates around the room. One by one, you press each key in turn, slowly moving your finger along the piano. You become so transfixed by the sounds that you briefly forget your quest. The notes gradually become more high-pitched, creating soft, dreamy sounds. And then, you strike a key that makes no sound. You press again, and still, nothing. Moving your finger over the smooth ivory, you realize that the top part feels loose. Carefully, you try lifting it. To your delight, the top of the key opens like the lid to a box, The top of the key opens like the lid to a box, and inside is a small silver key,

Starting point is 00:25:14 the one that will open the door. Smiling, you think of the peacock with gratitude. It led you to the balloon, the message, the mirror, the piano, and then the key inside the key. It's comforting to be reminded that you're never really alone. You have a helper, or maybe even a guardian. Holding the key, you walk briskly towards the locked door, the room now silent apart from the echo of your footsteps. You insert the key into the lock where it fits perfectly. Then, you turn it twice clockwise, and the door opens with a click. Still smiling, you walk through. You find yourself in front of a steep spiral staircase.

Starting point is 00:26:48 The narrow stairwell is illuminated by candles burning brightly in alcoves in the walls and by a skylight. Looking up, you see a square of cloudless blue sky. Near the foot of the stairs is a small wooden table, and on top is a silver key, similar to the one you just used. You're surprised to find the next key so easily without a puzzle to solve, but it probably won't be as simple as it seems. it seems. You pocket the key and begin to slowly climb the spiral staircase. The steps are carpeted and feel soft and spongy underfoot. foot. Breathing in, you can smell the comforting, musty aroma of old wood, as

Starting point is 00:28:13 well as a subtle floral fragrance. You wonder where it comes from. Halfway up, you reach a landing with a door to your left. It might be the most extraordinary door you've ever seen. You stand there for a moment, marveling at the ornate decorations. The entire door is covered with square silver panels, each one embellished with a masterfully sculpted relief. In one panel, there's an intricately carved willow tree, and in another, a river with swans floating on the surface. The attention to detail is remarkable. The artist has even created realistic ripples in the water, so it looks like the river is really flowing. In the Italian city of Florence, there's a pair of gilded bronze doors that look something like this.

Starting point is 00:29:55 Created by the Renaissance sculptor Ghiberti, they're known as the gates of paradise. The door in front of you now is just as divinely beautiful. There must be something wonderful on the other side. You take out the key, eager to enter, but then you notice something. There is no keyhole. For a moment, you're not sure what to do. You're convinced that this must be the way forward. The design of the silver key even seems to match the artwork on the door. But right below the handle where you would expect the keyhole to be, the handle where you would expect the keyhole to be, the space is covered by one of the silver panels

Starting point is 00:31:18 you step back to look at the door in its entirety Your gaze moves from the willow to the river to the sky and to the field and then you realize. Now it seems so obvious. It's strange you didn't see it before. Put together, the panels create a single picture, but they're in the wrong order. The panel with the sky is below the one with the river. Also, you now notice that in the bottom left hand corner, there's an empty space as if a panel is missing. Crouching down, you touch the panel directly above the space. The silver feels cool as you run your fingers over the outlines of the sculpture.

Starting point is 00:32:39 And then, following your instinct, you touch the border of the panel and try pulling it gently. With a surge of excitement, you feel the panel slide beneath your fingers, moving down into the empty space. moving down into the empty space. At last, you understand. The door is a puzzle. You have to slide the panels around until the artwork is complete, with every image in the right order. You take your time moving the panels in a so meditative manner, feeling them slide beneath fingers, and as you touch them you admire the intricacy of the carvings, reflecting on how much skill and care went into their creation. A little while later, you move the final panel into place, just below the door handle.

Starting point is 00:34:11 This panel turns out to be slightly shorter than the others, and once it's in place, it reveals what you were looking for. The keyhole. You take a moment to gaze at the door, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. The artist who created these panels must have felt something similar after completing their masterpiece. When you're ready, you put the key in the lock and turn it twice. turn it twice. The door is heavy, but when you push, it opens easily enough. You step into a small bedroom where nearly everything is white. The walls, the bedspread, the curtains, and the antique wooden wardrobe. You're slightly surprised to find such a simple room, having just walked through an extraordinarily elaborate door. Each time, this house finds

Starting point is 00:35:52 new ways to confound your expectations. There's little in the way of decoration. A brass lamp on the bedside table, a potted plant in the corner, and a pretty wall hanging made the gossamer curtains. They're so delicate, so translucent, they hardly seem real. They might be a trick of the light. You walk over, and when you look out the window, you smile. Below is the walled garden you visited last time with the stone fountain. You can hear the water trickling faintly. What a magical, peaceful place that was. But this room is nice too, you think, in its own modest way.

Starting point is 00:37:30 Maybe you'll take a nap here before you continue your exploration. Still, as you look around the bedroom, you can't help but feel that there must be more to it than meets the eye. On a whim, you approach the wardrobe and open the door, expecting to find it empty. But to your astonishment, it's packed full of clothes, and not just any clothes. As you pull out the sleeves and inspect them more closely, you realize that these are some of the most beautiful, vintage garments you've ever seen. There are skirts, blouses, and evening gowns made of the finest materials. Some of them remind you of the curtains. They are so remarkably light and delicate. You move your fingers over the silky surfaces of the clothes, relishing how soft they are. Then, feeling curious, you lean forward and move your hand deeper into the wardrobe until

Starting point is 00:39:18 you touch the surface. But then, as you bring your hand further down, you feel something. A kind of hook or latch. You try pressing down and it clicks. The back of the wardrobe gives way slightly and a crack of light emerges. It's a door, you realize. You are thrilled by this discovery. Quickly but carefully, you remove some of the clothes from the rail to make space and put them on the bed. Then, you step into the wardrobe, open the secret door all the way, and walk into another room. into another room. It's a spacious bathroom, not much smaller than the room you just came from. It feels bright and airy, thanks to the Oriole window which also looks out onto the garden.

Starting point is 00:41:06 As you glance around the room, you admire the gorgeous colors of the tiles. The floor tiles are a deep sapphire, while blue and white patterns line the walls. The colors and style remind you a little of the entrance hall, like you could be somewhere in the Middle East. Looking closer, you notice that some of the tiles have pictures of animals, birds, and sea creatures. Although you haven't spotted one yet, you're sure there must be a peacock somewhere. Along the borders of the tiles are swirling blue lines. At first, you think they're just decorative details, but the letters of a language, something ancient, obscure, esoteric.

Starting point is 00:42:36 Somehow, you just know that there are words there, if only you could read them. You turn your attention to the bath below, which is sunken into the floor. It looks so inviting, wide and pristine, the surface a gleam in white. You're starting to feel tired and you're tempted by the idea of a bath soaking in warm water and resting your mind and body. resting your mind and body. There's a pile of fluffy white towels stacked on the cabinet in the corner, and right next to the bath, there's an alcove in the wall which is filled with colorful bottles and soaps. It's as though you were meant to find this place and have a relaxing bath.

Starting point is 00:44:01 Without you knowing it, you were guided here. There's only one problem. You don't know how to turn on the tap. There's no sign of a handle anywhere. And moving your hand, it seems that there's no motion sensor either. You stare at the silver spout, wishing you could make the water flow by thought alone, if only. Searching for inspiration, you turn your attention to the bottles in the alcove. There are at least a dozen of them filled to the brim with colorful liquids. liquids. You pick one up, open the lid, and hold it to your nose. Breathing in, you recognize the divine scent of jasmine mixed with something fruity. One by one, you open and smell the bottles. Some are citrusy, while others have almost earthy aromas, like a mixture of musk and cedar wood. like a mixture of musk and cedar wood.

Starting point is 00:45:52 You suspect that one of your favorites contains frankincense. When you close your eyes and breathe in, you feel as though you're being transported to another time and place. though you're being transported to another time and place. Smelling these fragrances puts you in a relaxed, dreamy mood. After you've opened them all, you pick up one of the bars of soap which is shaped like a clamhell. It has a subtle vanilla scent. Then you notice that on the side of the bath there's a soap dish with exactly the same shape. a soap dish with exactly the same shape. You put the clamshell soap inside the matching dish,

Starting point is 00:47:04 which is a shiny silver. Touching the dish, you're struck by how solid and heavy it is, and how it seems to be attached to the bath. On an impulse, you try twisting it from side to side. And just like that, the water begins to flow from the tap. Smiling with satisfaction, you insert the plug and prepare yourself for the most exquisite bath. for the most exquisite bath. Moments later, you're lying in the warm, scented water, watching the blues and greens of the liquid soap slowly disperse. The warmth spreads right through you, dissolving any tiredness or tension. You've earned this, you tell yourself. This moment of relaxation is your reward for another day of puzzle solving. Afterwards, you can dry off and maybe take a nap in the bedroom before you resume your

Starting point is 00:48:52 adventure. But there's no rush at all. You can stay here as long as you like, resting in this peaceful place. You You You You You You You You You You You You You You The You You You You You You You. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Ballroom Mystery in the Peacock House

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