Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Quiet Morning Connecting with Nature

Starting point is 00:00:00 Before tonight's episode, I want to let you know about our supporters' feed Get Sleepy Premium, the best way to experience the show and get a good night's sleep. With Get Sleepy Premium, everything is ad-free. You'll receive a bonus episode every week, and have full access to our entire back catalogue. Your support really helps, and means so much to us. Simply tap the link in the show notes to learn more. Now, a quick word from our sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you two three episodes each week. Do you have a baby that won't fall asleep? A noisy neighbor you need to block out?

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Starting point is 00:01:33 Or just follow the link in the show notes for a 30 day free trial of the deep sleep sounds up. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and I'm your host. Thanks for tuning in. Tonight we'll join Jade as she spends a day volunteering at her local nature reserve, connecting with the beautiful sights and sounds to be found there, and it will all be narrated by the soothing voice of Nikki. Okay, let's prepare for tonight's story with a few moments of calming mindfulness. Soon we're going to join Jade as to connect with ourselves in the present moment.

Starting point is 00:02:48 I hope your day has been a pleasant one, whether busy, relaxed or somewhere in the middle. Hopefully you had at least a few moments that made you smile. It's quite easy to let the days pass us by without appreciating the positive things that they bring. Us humans seem to often default to focusing on looking ahead and thinking about what's to come. Or looking back and latching on to moments that we perhaps deemed regrettable that are better off letting go of. But how about tonight, we think about something that we are grateful for. It can be a positive moment from the day just gone, or simply being appreciative for a happy constant in our lives.

Starting point is 00:03:59 Maybe it's someone or something that we can always count on. someone or something that we can always count on. It doesn't have to be anything big or sensational. We can all be grateful for the simple little things, just as much as anything more grand or unique. So, let a positive thought come to your mind, recognizing anything that you can be grateful for. You only need to make a mental note of it right now. But if you think it might be helpful, then writing down a few positive thoughts and reflections before bed is a great way to keep us grounded and more present. So take a nice deep breath, enjoying that sense of gratitude one last time. Now my friends, it's time for me to hand over to Nikki as she tells the story of Jade and her visit to the local nature reserve.

Starting point is 00:05:33 She hasn't early start, her is quiet in her cozy bedroom. Jade lane her bed, still half asleep, sunken into her mattress with the crinkly do-vee covering her. She always felt in the morning as if she were in a big nest, warm, comfortable and safe. She left her blinds only half-shut the night before as usual so that she woke slowly with the natural light of the sun. It's seeped in through her window, casting the room in golden light. The sound of birds chirping came from outside as they sang their morning song from inside their own nests. Jade was fortunate enough to live opposite a nature reserve, which her bedroom looked out onto. She was volunteering in the reserve today, and had gone to bed early

Starting point is 00:07:18 the night before in preparation. She'd turned her head and opened her eyes. She could see through the half-open blind the trees at the bottom of her garden. She could smell the fresh morning air and feel a gentle breeze move across her faith. She smiled. Today was her first day volunteering, and she was looking forward to spending all day outside, instead of her desk like normal. Today was for her.

Starting point is 00:08:04 There would be no emails, no meetings, no screens. She couldn't wait. Jade stretched under her covers and yawned. She loved the silence this early in the morning. No one was awake but the birds and her. She sat up and swung her legs out of bed, her feet landing on the soft sheepskin rug on the soft, sheepskin rug on the floor. She wiggled her toes, waking her feet, before padding over to the window and pulling the blinds open all the way. The sky was clear, and Jade closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the sun warm her face. With the window in front of her, Jade began her morning stretches.

Starting point is 00:09:16 She bent over towards the ground, relaxing her knees, and letting gravity gently stretch her back. Then she slowly straightened up and lifted both arms to the sky. She took her arms wide and lent her hair over to the right, then over to the left. Finally, she brought both palms together at the peace she felt in this moment. Feeling freer in her muscles and joints now, she walked into the hallway and grabbed a warm, folded towel from the air in cupboard. She headed into her bathroom, the small window already open

Starting point is 00:10:28 and filling the room with fresh air and turned on the shower. The hot water rushed down under her shoulders, massaging them and over the rest of her body. She had a new soap to try out today, a handmade bar that smelled of rose. The scent was beautiful and not too strong. Jade lathered up the bar and rubbed it over her arms. As she let the water rinse the soap off, she noticed how soft it had made her skin feel. She reminded herself to try and be as gentle and kind as this to herself every day. Jade turned off the shower, stepped out and dried herself with the warm towel. She lifted her dressing gown down from its herk on the wall and wrapped it around her.

Starting point is 00:11:45 When she was ready, she hung her towel on the radiator and walked into the kitchen, switching on the kettle. She got a tea bag and added milk. She screwed on the cap of the flask and left it there, ready to collect on her way out. Jade headed back into her bedroom, to the pile of neatly folded clothes she had left on her dresser the night before. She pulled on the comfortable but practical outfit, trousers with big pockets, long sleeve top, a fleece, and her new gardening boots. On her way out, she collected her flask of tea

Starting point is 00:12:48 from the kitchen, then stepped out the front door onto her quiet street. She turned right and began the walk towards the nature reserve, passing quiet houses full of her mostly sleeping neighbors. It was a peaceful street and one that Jade enjoyed living on very much. The sense of familiarity always made her feel calm. Florence Road. This was home. She noticed someone approaching and smiled. It was her favorite neighbour, out for an early stroll with his dog, a brown Labrador named Juno. Juno looked up and recognized Jade instantly. Juno bounded up the street towards Jade, her mouth opened wide as if grinning upon recognizing her friend. Jade lent down and stroked her,

Starting point is 00:13:57 as Juno nuzzled about her legs, giving her the occasional boop with her head, if she wasn't stroking hard on her. Nick, Juno's dad laughed as he approached the pair of them. He wished Jade a good morning, until they were working on a new twist for his famous spring rolls today. He invited Jade over that evening, She could be the first to try his new version. Jade accepted gratefully. She would love to. Jade gave Juno one last head scratch before waving goodbye to them both and carrying on her way. She smiled to herself at the thought of going over to Nick's after a long day spent outside, even more to look forward to, she thought. Jade turned the corner at the bottom of her street and headed towards the open gate of

Starting point is 00:15:05 the nature reserve up ahead. As she stepped inside through the arched gateway, concrete gave way to grass and soft mud. Dappled sunlight spread up the path that would lead Jade towards the reserve's lodge, where she was to meet a small team of other volunteers. She followed it through trees of all shapes and sizes, hedgerows and small meadows. She came to another gate, this one made of wood, and kept shut by a metal chain that linked over a post.

Starting point is 00:15:51 She lifted the chain and let herself through, making sure to close it and replace the chain back over the post behind her. The path led towards a small pond. Jade paused to look at three ducks that were floating on it. They each had their hedge tucked into the feathers of their wings and were dozing peacefully. The pond had lily pads, brushes and wreaths. There was a sign nearby with illustrations of the type of wildlife that lived here. Dragonflies, water snails, even frogs.

Starting point is 00:16:40 Jade would be sure to stay and watch for longer next time, but she had somewhere to be today. Walking past more trees, Jade noticed just how many squirrels were about, running and jumping from tree to tree. They were very bold. This part of the nature reserve didn't allow dogs, and so the squirrels were not afraid to come closer to people, sniffing the air to see if one might be holding any snack. Jade made a mental note to bring some nuts with her next time. The path soon opened out and in the clearing sat the lodge.

Starting point is 00:17:28 It was a small building made almost entirely out of glass, with a round patio and benches in front. Four or five other volunteers were standing or sitting here. They turned, as Jade approached, a little nervously at first being the new girl and all, and greeted her warmly. She shook hands with everyone, and soon a conservation officer named Laurie joined them. She smiled and gave Jade a high five to welcome her. Although technically the new girl, Jayda already felt right at home with this group of people. The chatter died down as Laurie began to explain what they would be working on today.

Starting point is 00:18:20 They were to take tools and wheelbarrows up to the top meadow where the hedgerows and trees needed to be cut back in order to make space and allow them to grow new branches in the coming spring. It was going to be a beautiful day and there would also be a tee box and biscuits. She asked if they'd all met Jade to which the others nodded and smiled him reply. Laurie told Jade that some of the other volunteers here had been coming for over 10 years. They were like a family. Jade looked around the group, thinking about how glad she was that she decided to join. Once the morning meeting greet was done, Laurie headed towards a large shed and the volunteers

Starting point is 00:19:16 and Jade followed. She unlocked it and pulled out three wheelbarrows, one full of large garden waste sacks, one full of tools and gloves, and one with a large flask full of hot tea and a box of biscuits. Two volunteers grabbed the first two wheelbarrows and Jade lifted the third. She wanted to get started as soon as possible. They walked around the lodge and onto a path that ran behind it. There was a gentle incline and the path had shrubbery in trees along both sides. They walked to the top of the path, which came out onto an expansive meadow, separated into large enclosures. Laurie had stopped in one of them, and the rest of the volunteers in Jade settled into

Starting point is 00:20:18 a semicircle around her. She pointed out the sections of the meadow that weren't open to the public right now. There were ground nesting bees and other insects that needed to be left unbisterbed at this time of year. The group put to be in an enclosure that would also be close to the public while they worked for safety. Whilst the other volunteers grabbed second-hairs and loppers, Laurie took Jade over to a section of trees to explain the method. She pointed out all the brambles and thorns that grew up from the ground.

Starting point is 00:20:58 She showed Jade how to use the second-hairs to cut back the brambles, explaining that it was good to cut everything as close to the ground as possible, so as to ensure the roots wouldn't cause tripping hazards. Laurie then pulled on a set of heavy duty gardening gloves and showed Jade how to use a lopper on the branches of the trees. The branches were thin, only a few centimetres in diameter, and easy to cut through. Laurie explained that as Jade cut closer to the knuckle of the tree, it was a good idea

Starting point is 00:21:40 to cut at an angle away from the trunk. This would help guide any rainwater away from the tree to the ground to avoid the tree becoming infected. It was also good to try and get a clean cut and not to pull off any bark for the same reason. Jade had no idea trees could become infected. Laurie laughed and nodded. They are living things just like you and me, she explained. We have to take care and be gentle with them. Jade nodded. She was already learning so much. She looked forward to becoming more knowledgeable and being able to transfer the skill she learnt here into her own garden in the future. Laurie made sure Jade had all the tools she needed and gave her an extra pair of gloves.

Starting point is 00:22:46 Not even the thorns on the brambles could get through these, Laurie said. She would be working on a tree close by. For safety, they left two meters in between each person. That way any long branches wouldn't get in the way of anyone else. Laurie asked if there was anything Jade needed or wanted to ask. Jade shook her head. Laurie thanked her again for coming along and said if she had any questions, not to hesitate to ask. The sun was starting to peek over the trees. Jade could feel its warm rays on her legs

Starting point is 00:23:33 and see it glinting on the still juby grass. The air felt so fresh and the only sounds were the quiet mumbling of the group's conversations and the birds' chipping from different places in the reserve. Jade rested her bare hand on the trunk of the tree she was next to. Whenever she did this, she became aware of how connected she was to the earth and the things growing from it. She knew the roots of this tree went deep underground, down into the soil and damp earth that provide us all with life. Doing this made her feel grounded and reminded her of how all things were connected, all a part of the beating heart of planet Earth.

Starting point is 00:24:38 She could almost feel energy flowing from the tree and into her through her hand. She pulled on the gloves Laurie had given her and got to work on the brambles. They wove in and out of each other, along with vines and other weeds all tangled up. Jay decided it would be a good idea to just start chopping the bit she could see, clearing the way so she could cut everything closer to the ground eventually. It was peaceful work. The second chair sliced through the brambles easily. tears sliced through the brambles easily. It was like using a large pair of scissors. As she worked, the sun peaked over the row of trees and warmed Jade from top to bottom. She removed all the loose bits she'd cut and moved them to one side. She kneeled on the soft ground so she could get closer to the roots.

Starting point is 00:25:54 She snipped away and had soon cleared the ground around her of brambles. She scooped up arm falls and deposited the cuttings into one of the large garden wasacks nearby. Laurie was depositing her own at the same time. Nice work, she told Jade, checking out her area. Jade Grinned Jade Grind Next thing to do was to assess her tree and see where she wanted to start cutting. She picked up the pair of loppers, which were surprisingly light and opened in the arms,

Starting point is 00:26:39 zessling the sharp sysa end around the first small branch. She snapped the arms together and like a knife through butter, the branch was cut cleanly off. Jade moved thoughtfully onto each branch that needed cutting. She stopped for a moment here and there to sip the hot tea from her flask. The snap of the lofers through the crunchy word was so satisfying. She was focused purely on getting the cut right and which branch was next. This meant that her mind was clear of any other thoughts or worries. She breathed in the fresh air and started to cut closer and closer to the tree's knuckle. She made sure to slice at an angle. As she worked away, she lost track of how much time went by.

Starting point is 00:28:10 Laurie came over and looked appreciatively at Jade's tree. She told Jade how much of a natural she was. It was time for them to take a lunch break now. Would Jay like to join them at the local cafe? Laurie asked. Jade said she would love to. Laurie led the way to the cafe, just on the other side of the reserve, down a wide but quiet street. They had a table, especially for them outside, as they were here every Thursday for lunch. A waitress greeted them with a smile, welcoming them all, and said she was ready to take their

Starting point is 00:29:06 orders. Jade already knew what she wanted. She hadn't realized how hungry the work had made her, until she smelled the hot food wafting out from inside. She ordered her favourite from when she was a child, mushroom omelette, beans and chips. Once the waitress had taken everyone's orders, she left them to sit and and bask in the midday sun as they waited for their meals. A conversation started. One of the eldest volunteers who had been coming for over a decade began telling them all the story about the day someone's pet rabbit had gotten loose from a nearby garden and gone on the run in the nature reserve.

Starting point is 00:30:10 He was a wonderful storyteller, funny, descriptive, and with a warm feeling growing in her chest. How lucky she was to have found this group of gentle and kind people. They really were a joy to be in the company of. She felt safe, happy and settled. As the story went on, Jade leaned back comfortably in her chair and lifted her face to the sun. She closed her eyes and enjoyed how relaxing this day had been so far, especially this moment. She looked forward to eating her lunch and to the slow walk back to the reserve they would do afterwards. She would pick up where she had left off and complete the work that needed to be done on her tree. With a small smile, she remembered the box of biscuit, waiting for them all once they got

Starting point is 00:31:58 back to the meadow, and the flask of hot tea. She would be sure to refill her now empty smaller flask so she could enjoy the biscuits properly. The story continued in the background, along with the chakles coming from members of the group, as Jade kept her new friends. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room.

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Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Quiet Morning Connecting with Nature

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