Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Relaxing Autumn Narrowboat Ride

Starting point is 00:00:00 Thanks to Shopify for sponsoring tonight's episode. When you think about companies with healthy sales like Gymshark, Skims or Huell, sure you think about a great product, an attractive brand and strong marketing, but an often overlooked secret is actually the businesses behind the business, making selling simple. For millions of brands, that business is Shopify. So if you're into growing your business, your commerce platform needs to be ready to sell wherever your customers are, on the web, in your store, in their feed, and everywhere in between. their feed and everywhere in between. Businesses that sell more, sell on Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout Gymshark and other big brands use. Sign up for your $1 per month trial, we relax, and we get sleepy.

Starting point is 00:01:30 I'm your host Thomas, thanks so much for tuning in. Tonight's story was written by Sarah and will be read by Chloe. We'll be spending a peaceful autumn morning on the river, journeying in a traditional narrowboat. I always love seeing these sweet little homes dotted along the canals and rivers here in the UK. Each has its own color and unique character, which I'm sure represents the personality of its owner. So I hope you enjoy listening along tonight as we hear more about what it's like to be on board an arrowboat, travelling along the waters. Let's spend some time unwinding before we get to our story. Make sure you're comfortable and then close your eyes when you're ready.

Starting point is 00:02:45 when you're ready. We are well and truly in the heart of autumn now in the Northern Hemisphere. The trees are increasingly bare and the evening light slips away with more urgency as much of the natural world moves into months of restful hibernation, and we as human beings switch up our wardrobes to include thicker layers. Now I must say that I've found this can be a time of difficulty, having to adjust to less daylight, to colder weather, perhaps even a bit less going on socially, and I know I'm not the only one that feels that way. But there is, of course, so much to appreciate and enjoy in the autumn and winter months too. too. Nature still produces so much beauty during this time and the peaceful sleepiness of it all is actually something quite special in its own right.

Starting point is 00:03:58 We must remind ourselves that we too can embrace the opportunity to follow the flow of the natural world, allowing ourselves a chance to lean into the coziness of rest and rejuvenation. So as you lie in your warm, comfortable bed, take a deep breath in, and as you release the air back out, spend a moment considering just one thing you love about the autumn months. It could be the traditions of certain occasions and events, the freshness of the cold air in the mornings, or the opportunity to light a candle or a wood burner and snuggle up on the sofa to watch films or read a good book. See, in just one admittedly quite long sentence, I've already thought of numerous things to love and embrace at this time of year, and I'll be trying to remind myself of

Starting point is 00:05:22 those things in the months to come. Now my friends, we're ready to enjoy another piece of autumn tonight as I hand the reins to Chloe to read for us. In the story, your friend has invited you to join them on their colorful narrowboat, traveling upstream. Your day starts with a short walk to the river where your friend is waiting, and this is where our story begins. It is a crisp, cool autumn morning. The trees have already turned from the verdant green of summer into their final flush of

Starting point is 00:06:48 autumnal color. It is early morning in this sleepy countryside town. A chilly breeze nips at your nose and colors your cheeks. You fasten the top button on your coat, grateful for its warmth. For now, all is quiet. As the day draws on, the town will bustle with a steady stream of people popping out to visit their favorite cafe for a hot drink and a catch-up, or to take a look inside one of the many unique shops. As the weak autumn sun begins to brighten the town, you notice a black and white cat sitting inside the window of one of the townhouses. of the townhouses. It gazes curiously at you as you walk by. The intensity of it watching you is only interrupted when it takes a long, satisfying stretch. As you pass down the main street, you can't help but be drawn to the warming scent of

Starting point is 00:08:37 freshly baked bread. You peer into the baker's shop as you walk by. There is a soft, yellow glow of light from the kitchen in the back. You are in luck. The baker herself emerges from the kitchen, carrying a tray of golden pastries which she sets down in the window. When she sees you, a big smile crosses her face, and she waves enthusiastically. You wave and make a note to pop in on your way back and pick up something sweet for an afternoon treat.

Starting point is 00:09:39 You navigate your way through empty streets, admiring the cottages and townhouses as you go. Today you are headed to the small river which meanders past the far edge of town. In ages past, this river was a vital part of the townspeople's daily life. Further upstream, where the port end to town from the farthest reaches of the river's path. The towns and cities further downstream had traded textiles and grain in exchange for the famous orchard fruits which were grown in the fields and valleys nearby. The blush pink apples, dappled green pears, and deep purple plums are still in high demand today. Although much time has passed, the river is still an important part of town life. It brings unique wildlife to the area and provides many scenic views.

Starting point is 00:11:29 It's also a wonderful place to spend your day. of turning down a wide passageway between two old buildings. Long ago, horse-drawn carriages would have used this small cut-through to cut goods to the marketplace, but now it is a pedestrian-only part of town. The paving here is smooth and made of the warm honey-colored hues of the local stone. The passageway opens out on a narrow lane, bordered on one side by small mismatched cottages. You are right at the bank of the river. Early morning sunlight breaks through the burnished ochre canopies of a handful of sprawling oak trees. The pale light cascades through the shedding branches and falls on the fine mist which hangs in the air.

Starting point is 00:13:20 It creates an ethereal haze all about you as you venture through it. Little beads of dew glisten as you follow the path down to the waterside. As you near the river, you hear the sound of the tall grasses rustling in the gentle breeze. You stop for a moment to watch as they sway from side to side. Occasionally they reveal a glimpse of lilac and periwinkle wildflowers. The path from here follows the curve of the river, leading you to the small inland port. Long ago, this part of the town would have been bustling

Starting point is 00:14:23 with activity already. Traders would have bartered and exchanged their goods before loading them onto horse-drawn carts and distributing them at colorful market stalls in the nearby towns and villages. Today, however, the port has a slightly different purpose. It is home to a thriving and ever-changing community of houseboats. They come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are new and show no signs of wear, while others are old and weather-worn with flaking, brightly colored paint. A series of platforms and bridges form bobbing walkways out into the water. Your friend must have been waiting for your arrival.

Starting point is 00:15:37 They're smiling and waving you over to their boat. It's an old-fashioned narrowboat, long and decorative. It is painted bright turquoise, with yellow and pale blue finishes around the windows and trim. around the windows and trim. Along its side is a jumble of odd and mismatched windows. Some are large and rectangular, while others are small circular portholes. No two are the same.

Starting point is 00:16:26 Painted elegant lettering along the side reads, The Jolly Rambler. At the front of the boat is a small outdoor seating area. Your friend helps you aboard and guides you through the cozy living space inside and out onto the front deck. You take a seat on a cushioned bench and sink back. You have the best view on the boat. Colorful pots filled with herbs and vegetables are scattered about you. Bursts of red and yellow tomatoes pop against the turquoise of the boat. They are the last of the season. After a quick catch-up, your friend heads to the back of the boat, and you finally set

Starting point is 00:17:40 off on your journey down the river. The low, deep rumble of the engine vibrates the deck beneath you. You can hear the water rushing around the boat as it carefully maneuvers out from its space and into the open river, you are on your way. The winding waterway ahead seems so still and silent. and silent. The only disturbances are the ripples flowing away from the boat, as it cuts through the water.

Starting point is 00:18:41 The early morning sunlight casts a soft, yellow glow, which appears to hover just above the calm surface of the river. Before long, you reach a gently arching bridge. It was constructed centuries ago, but despite its age, it still stands, sturdy and untouched by age. On one side of the river, the town sprawls out. On the other side are fields bordered by old drystone walls and hedgerows which are already bustling with activity. Birds flit in and out and watch, intrigued as you pass by. You can see that some are carrying large, plump, juicy blackberries in their beaks. Their cheerful morning chorus rings through the air, no doubt waking up some of the town's people who live on the other side of the river. As you pass under the bridge, you can feel the air change. It becomes cold and damp.

Starting point is 00:20:26 It becomes cold and damp. As it sinks down upon you, you are suddenly grateful that today you put on your thickest jumper. It's toasty and warm, and you bury your face deeper into it. You pass through the tunnel, and the pale brightness of daylight begins to warm your skin again. You sail by the cozy tea rooms tearooms that are dotted along the riverbank. Each has its own distinct style, but all have picturesque garden patios along the water's edge. The tables and chairs sit empty. sit empty. Autumn is well underway, yet despite the colder days, in a few hours, the cafes will be filled with visitors, bundled up in their thick coats and woolly hats. It's not long before the shops and the tea rooms are behind you. The jolly rambler is making good progress, chugging away quietly, as you drift past the cottages which sit peacefully at the far edge of town.

Starting point is 00:22:09 As the cottages become more and more sporadic, their gardens become larger and more sprawling. Some have large open lawns which reach right down to the river's edge. Others are hidden behind hedges and trees. Even so, they all have crooked, wooden jetties reaching out onto the water. Some have small river boats moored alongside them, while others have deck chairs and tables to sit and take in the view. As you travel further away from town, the river ahead becomes wilder, tall blustering grasses billowing in the breeze. From deep within them, you can hear occasional rustling and the quick scurry of activity.

Starting point is 00:23:33 You pay close attention, hoping to catch a flash of white. From the reeds, a pair of snowy white swans glide out towards you. They barely make a sound as they gracefully swim by, leaving only a slight ripple in the water as they go. Their long, elegant necks arch as they turn their heads down to search the murky depths of the river. Your presence here is of no concern to them. In fact, they seem to quite enjoy bobbing up and down in the swell that the boat leaves in its wake. You smile as they disappear from view. The fields in this part of the countryside are still green.

Starting point is 00:24:54 Dotted amongst them are orange, red, and rust-colored trees. Beneath each is a colorful carpet of leaves. A stiff breeze blusters about you and across the fields. As it does, a shower of leaves falls from the canopies. The leaves catch the light, creating an autumnal-colored, swirling cloud. breath of fresh, cool air and look back towards the river up ahead. Before long, you hear the sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot. A group of walkers appear from a small copse of trees clambering over a rickety wooden stile and onto the narrow footpath that follows the meandering water.

Starting point is 00:26:19 Each greets you and wishes you a good morning as they pass. They all carry bulging backpacks and appear prepared for any kind of weather. Soon though, the sound of rustling leaves slowly fades away behind you. Traveling on the river feels like collecting expansive and rolling, full of endless curiosities. On the river, the things which had always seemed small from the land now seem much bigger and more alive. The reeds at the side of the water tower overhead, and the grassy banks seem just tall enough

Starting point is 00:27:38 that at every turn they slowly reveal another beautiful vista. While you take a little time to reflect on this, another sound catches your attention. Up ahead, the river splits into two. On one side, shallow water is swirling and babbling as it rushes over large stones and forms whirlpools. This lively cascade is one of the small tributaries which feed into the greater waterway. On the other side, the river is calm and peaceful, and most importantly, it is deep enough to allow boats to pass through. Where the two meet, on a little island between them, sits an old thatched cottage.

Starting point is 00:28:57 At the edge of the rolling green lawn is a large willow tree. Its long, weeping branches reach down into the water, swaying with the current of the river. You can't help but reach out and feel the soft leaves move across you as you float by. A sense of calm washes over you, and you take a deep breath in, feeling the cool air enter your body. The morning is drawing on, and as it does, the inhabitants of the wetlands begin to emerge. Dragonflies buzz about you. They flit from one place to the next with such hurried determination that you only catch

Starting point is 00:30:07 a flash of blue or green as they fly past. Ducks paddled by, searching for their breakfast. They seem to happily chatter to one another between diving beneath the water and tugging at submerged weeds. Even the cows seem to be taking advantage of a gently sloping gravel bank and basking in the shallow waters there. They seem particularly interested in the Jolly Rambler and follow alongside for some time. Finally, they gather to watch as you sail past the boundary of their field. Further upstream, you can see a steeply arching wooden bridge that crosses the river.

Starting point is 00:31:16 It's a pedestrian bridge along one of the trails which leads through the vast woodland on either side of the river. People crossing the bridge stop to watch and wave as the colorful boat passes beneath them. Before long, the boat comes to a stop alongside the woodland. Back in the cabin, you can hear your friend fill up a kettle and the clicking of the stove as it's lit. They come to join you on the front deck of the boat and chat as they wait for the water to heat up. Your friend sets about, picking bright green leaves from the potted plants to make a warming cup of tea. The aroma of mint floats on the air with every leaf you both pluck.

Starting point is 00:32:34 As you work, you hear the kettle slowly begin to boil until eventually a soft whistling sound rings out. Your friend takes the leaves you have gathered and goes back into the cabin. When they return, they have two steaming mugs of fresh mint tea. The cup warms your skin as you wait for its contents to cool. The familiar minty scent swirls about you as the hot air rises. While you wait, you feel a change in the air.

Starting point is 00:33:36 There are no footpaths through this part of the woodland, so all is peaceful and calm. Every so often, squirrels scurry along the forest floor, their mouths filled with foraged goods while they search for a place to bury and store them. Overhead, the sky is starting to darken, and you can see heavy grey clouds making their way towards you. Quickly, your friend puts up the canopy overhead, sheltering you both from the approaching rain. You can hear the shower draw near. The sound of it pitter pattering against the water and the leaves grows louder and louder.

Starting point is 00:34:34 You pull your coat and jumper snugly against you, and with the mug of minty cooling, you press your back into the cushions to sit and watch. As the rain approaches, you spot heavy drops bouncing off the surface of the river, creating a thin haze of spray. In no time it is upon you. Raindrops strum on the canopy overhead, but you are snug and dry. The damp autumn air swirling amongst the trees has a soft and fragrant warmth to it. The breeze has become a little more forceful as the rain washes over the boat, and you begin to notice the different sounds the raindrops are making. There is the constant and steady dripping of heavy water droplets falling from the

Starting point is 00:35:55 canopy's edges. You can hear the flowing of water cascading down the side of the boat and tumbling down into the river. Then there is the gentle rumble of the rain blustering through the woodland. The cup of tea is cooling, but still warming your skin. The rising steam softly swirls, almost as though it is dancing to the sound of the rain. Out on the river, the ripples of the droplets hitting the water become clearer as the heavy, dark gray clouds pass over. The downpour starts to slow and the raindrops begin to quiet. The pale autumn light starts to break through the cloud cover and penetrate the woodland canopy once again.

Starting point is 00:37:15 The heavy rain must have loosened some of the leaves as they are now falling in a flurry. Leaves of all colors and shapes tumble onto the deck where you are sitting. You collect those that fall around you and drop them overboard. Some feel waxy and firm, while others are crispy and break easily with a satisfying crunch. Eventually, the rain settles. It slows until you can hear each drop of water splashing into the depths of the river. You peer over the side of the boat and watch as the ripples gently spread out and fade away. Once your tea has cooled to your liking, you cautiously take a sip. It's perfect, just the right temperature.

Starting point is 00:38:38 You can feel the liquid starting to warm you as you drink more. Your cheeks begin to prickle with warmth, and you can feel a slight flush across your face. You and your friend sit for a while in silence. A flourish of activity catches your attention, and you look over towards the riverbank. Birds are beginning to flip over leaves, scavenging for food. Some other small creatures are so quick to only glimpse a flash of brown fur. Morning will soon give way to afternoon, and while you sit and admire the scene before you, the river is becoming livelier. Other boats have begun to pass by. Some are modern, fresh white river boats, while others are colorful and a hodgepodge of shapes and designs.

Starting point is 00:40:08 Everyone waves and wishes you well as they go. When you and your friend are ready, the boat makes a perfectly timed U-turn. perfectly timed U-turn. As the Jolly Rambler is carried downstream, the narrowboat's engine is working at a leisurely pace. It chucks away with a gentle hum. The sound is soft, soothing, and warm. You can feel the vibrations moving up from the wooden deck and through your body. You start to notice that your eyelids are becoming heavier and heavier.

Starting point is 00:41:09 The journey back to town will take a little while yet, and so, instead of resisting the you let yourself relax back into the plush cushion. A slight breeze brushes against your cheek and swirls around your neck. The thick jumper, which has kept you warm all morning, feels cozy and comfortable. You can hear the water swirling outwards from the boat as you glide down the river. Overhead, the sound of birds chirping begins to drift away. You remember that earlier this morning you had passed by the bakery in town. It will be open now. Happy thoughts come to mind. Thoughts of flaking golden pastries and freshly warmed fruit scones topped with autumnal jams. With a plan to spend time in the coziness of the cafe, you relax into your seat and let the winding river landscape guide you back to town. The You You You You You You You The The You You You You You You You You You You You you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Relaxing Autumn Narrowboat Ride

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