Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Relaxing Visit to Ek Balam

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Starting point is 00:01:25 where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas. Thank you so much for joining us. Tonight's story was written by Krista and will be read by a reef. It takes us to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. We'll be exploring Ekbalam, an atmospheric archaeological site, with a fascinating history.

Starting point is 00:02:00 But first, as we always do hereon get sleepy, let's spend a few moments unwinding from the day and preparing for a good night's rest. I think sleep always comes most naturally if we follow a similar soothing routine, both before and at bedtime. Sure, there are those folks out there who are capable of dropping off. seemingly any time they wish, in all sorts of environments even. But there's a good chance you listen to this show as you find that you sometimes need a little extra help switching off from the day and transitioning into a deeper state of relaxation.

Starting point is 00:02:58 To help ensure that sleep comes your way. With that being said, put any remaining physical distractions to one side. switch off or dim the lights in your room and close your eyes when you're ready. And as you lie here in the comfort and peace of your very own nighttime sanctuary, guide your attention towards the breath. Feel the air flowing in through your nostrils. Nourishing the body, providing it with the oxygen.

Starting point is 00:03:54 it needs, and as you exhale back out, releasing what's not required. You can shed any tension and any niggling thoughts or worries along with it. Open your heart and mind to the tranquility of rest, and know that you're already recharging your body by simply just being here, taking the weight off your muscles and letting your sanctuary of rest take you deeper into relaxation. There's no rush to fall asleep. You can listen along to our story for as long as you like. Maybe you've even queued up multiple episodes to drift off to, and that's perfectly fine too. For now, in your mind's eye, picture the lush, towering trees of a Mexican jungle.

Starting point is 00:05:19 This is where our story begins. Around fluffy pillow-like as you walk along a shaded dirt hive with birdsong echoing through the tree canopy. You approach a rustic, fat, roof ticket booth stands behind he greets you and you give him your ticket and hands it back you are now ready to explore the ancient archaeological site of ecum that means the black eyes and the northern Maya lowlands of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula a tropical region known for its cultural importance the archaeological site lies just north of Viadolans Lede, a vibrant colonial town, packed full of sun-drenched plazas, historic churches, and natural swimming

Starting point is 00:07:09 holes. However, predates the town by centuries. Once the seat of a powerful Maya city state, it was established around 300 BCE. The city peaked in the 9th century, before gradually becoming a you have the privilege of walking through the remnants of that history, a glimpse into one of the most dominant and advanced Mesoamerican societies of its time. You feel a pitter patter of excitement just thinking about it. While Chechen Itza is the most popular Maya site in the Yucatan, you feel drawn to discover somewhere a bit more, off the beaten path. You want to feel like you're in an adventure film, rather than a tourist attraction.

Starting point is 00:08:20 To the ticket desk, you continue walking straight as you head toward the ruins. A couple of men ask you if you need a tour guide. However, you have decided to visit Akbalam at your own pace, with the help of a self-guided audio tour you've downloaded to your phone. So, you politely decline and continue on until you reach the first site. You hear the voice of the audio guide start to play through your earbuds. It's GPS-based, so it will guide you through the ruins as you go. This will make it easy to explore XIPS-based. Pallam at your own pace. And so, you tune in and listen, eager to learn about the hidden ruin.

Starting point is 00:09:31 The narrator tells you that you are facing the defensive walls, standing in front of one of the main entrances to Ekbalam. Beyond that, you see the entrance arch. It's a rectangular-shaped structure that features a central arch with ramps on two sides and stairs on the other sides. It's believed that this structure was the entrance to the inner sanctum and was likely used for ceremonial and religious purposes as well. From above, the entrance arch appears perfectly square, making it a rather unique feature at Ekbalam, you could easily linger here, but you know your adventure is just getting started. There is much more to see and even climb. You continue on, following a path that veers right.

Starting point is 00:10:52 You raise your head up toward the bright sun and notice the details on the side of the building next to you. The building is spiral-shaped with different levels. similar to a teared cake. Our audio guide refers to this as the Oval Palace and says that you should take note of its unusual shape. The Oval Palace looks different from the front, as you will see when you reach the South Plaza later today. But for now, you carry on walking along the winding dirt pathway.

Starting point is 00:11:37 You reach an open area, largely shaded by leafy jungle trees. Looking around, you see more ruins rising up. As you approach a stone structure with stairs leading up to a platform, the narration resumes. You learn that this ruin is called, rather underwhelmingly, structure 10. The upper parts were built around 1,200 to 1500 CE. The stone walls slope as they reach the platform at the top. The corners at the base are slightly rounded, and according to the audio guide, this is unusual for the region.

Starting point is 00:12:42 These types of rounded sides are generally seen further south, like in Guatemala's Piton region, movement catches your eye, and you see a visitor at the top of the platform. You watch as they begin to descend the stairs back to the ground level. Unlike larger archaeological sites, such as Chechenica, you can still climb many of the structures at Ekp. It's a rare treat, and another one of the reasons that drew you to visit on this warm and humid morning in the jungle.

Starting point is 00:13:33 You give a friendly nod to the other visitor before you carefully ascend the steps. As you do so, the audio guide grows silent. It's a rather short climb in comparison to some of the other monuments, but there are still some views to be enjoyed. Top of the platform is made of dirt and grass, which you weren't expecting. But you understand that little is known about Structure 10, after all. While you're up here, you have the space all to yourself. You allow a few moments to close your eyes.

Starting point is 00:14:30 You take a deep breath through your nose before slowly releasing from your mouth. Some senses become enhanced as you do this. The coos of birds grow louder, and on your skin you can feel the dewy sensation of the steamy yucatan weather. Many trees stand taller than the top of the structure, and from here you have a good view of the birds that fly on and off the branches. You don't recognize the birds, so you take note of their characteristics. The main bird you see is relatively small.

Starting point is 00:15:26 As a yellow belly, greenish wings with black tips and a medium-length tail, feathers on its head are a little fluffy and puffed out. Perhaps you can identify this bird later, you think. For now, though, you carefully make your way back down the step, reuniting with the dirt pathway. Next, you turn right toward a big tree. You can see its age in its thick roots and large trunk. To you, this tree feels rather majestic.

Starting point is 00:16:17 You reach out your hand and touch it, feeling the coolness of its trunk. You linger here, taking in the sensation of the jungle, nestled around the remnants of Mexico's ancient world. Then, your eyes are drawn to a sign just past the tree. You see it as a large display with bird species painted on it. These are the different types of birds that frequent act to the characteristics of the bird you just saw. A yellow stomach, greenish wings with black,

Starting point is 00:17:08 tips and a medium-length tail. Your eyes scan the chart. At first, you think it must be the social flycatcher, but that bird has a black and white face. The bird you saw had a face the same color as its wings. Then you move closer and see the bird on the chart. You believe it must be the yellow olive flatbill. You feel delighted to have identified this beautiful creature, and you hope to see more throughout your visit today. Now, you turn to face the assortment of ruins that you haven't visited yet, and begin walking. As the audio guide kicks back on, you're reminded that this area is called the South Plaza. You see buildings called the Twins, the Chapel, the Oval Palace, and the Stila,

Starting point is 00:18:28 a freestanding monument used by the Maya to commemorate significant people. This Stila honors ruler Uquit Kantec Talk. You will learn more about him later. The twins, as you can see, are identical pyramids built on the same foundation. Listening to your audio guide, you continue to learn about Maya civilizations. Maya architecture was characterized by tall, stepped pyramids, elevated platforms, geometric shapes, religious iconography, and palaces. built within city centers.

Starting point is 00:19:27 These are all things you are seeing at Ekbalam today. Limestone and sandstone were key materials in building Maya cities, and archaeologists have found that only stone tools were used to cut their work. Nonetheless, Maya architecture was highly advanced for its time. Other Mesoamerican cultures took note. including the Toltec, and later the Aztec civilization. Soon enough, you are then led toward the Oval Palace, which once overlooked one of Eqbalam's main courtyards.

Starting point is 00:20:19 You learn that the Oval Palace can be climbed, and you are very happy to hear this. It is taller than Structure Ten and the Twins, so you look forward to the view from the top. Before you go, you take a moment to admire the details from the ground level. Moving closer, you notice the ancient stone. The rooms here provided coolness and shade away from the direct sunlight. As you have learned, the main level housed ten rooms and was the original structure.

Starting point is 00:21:07 it is believed the Oval Palace was built in stages. Before being crowned with a shrine at its peak, carefully you begin to climb the steps. From the front, you cannot see the oval shape, but you recall seeing it from the back when you first arrived, and its shape was very much apparent. are a little awkward to climb at first, but you quickly get the hang of them. Soon, you reach a section of the ruins that you'd like to explore.

Starting point is 00:21:57 Stepping on to one of the tiers, you notice that it wraps around the building. And see that you are now on the backside of the Oval Palace. From here, the entrance arch is visible, and you can see a pair of visitors. just arriving at Ekpalam. Making your way back around, you are caught off guard by just how good the view is from here. You can see the twins and the Acropolis,

Starting point is 00:22:38 the largest structure at Ekpalam, which is visible, but largely covered by trees. However, there are still a few more stairs to climb before you will get the best perspectives. You're sure you'll have a great view of the Acropolis from there. Carry on to the top, where the shrine once stood as a skyline view for all the residents of Ekbalah. And you are right.

Starting point is 00:23:20 There is a clear view of the Acropolis, straight across on the other side of the archaeological site. The striking pyramid towers above the tree line, basking. in the morning sun. From where you are standing, you're also soaking in the heat as midday slowly approaches, feeling the sun's strength intensify. You reach into your backpack, unscrew the cap of your stainless steel water bottle, and take a generous sip. The water is still cool. As it runs down your throat, you feel a refreshing chill spread through your body, bringing your temperature back to a more comfortable level. You replace the water bottle's cap, slide it into your backpack, and zip the bag shut before slinging it over your shoulders. Now, you are ready to

Starting point is 00:24:37 descend the stairs and explore the remaining parts of Ekbalam as you walk. Your eyes keep glancing across the ancient city to the Acropolis on the other side. You wonder if you will climb to the top of it. It appears so tall and steep, but you know, at the very least, that the view will be rewarding. So, you decide to make you decide to make you. the Acropolis your next stop. After reaching the bottom of the stairs, you make your way through the South Plaza and into a flat, open-air space, scattered trees, and bird song. Ekbalam is quite small, so it doesn't take long to reach the base of the Acropolis, but as you approach, you're surprised

Starting point is 00:25:48 by how massive it actually is. From a distance, its full width isn't obvious. But up close, it stretches far in both directions. On either side of the first level, you notice a series of spacious rooms. Each has its own small staircase, leading up to a rectangular cutout, where a door might once have been. There appear to be four or five rooms per side, an indication of how prestigious this palace pyramid once was.

Starting point is 00:26:37 A broad, steep staircase divides the two wings. It runs from the bottom of the Acropolis, all the way to the top. Many Maya pyramids, the structure is built in levels. But beyond that central staircase, you don't see much resemblance to Al-Castio at Chechen-Itsa, perhaps the most iconic of the Maya ruins. Ekbalam's acropolis is broader and more layered in shape, more like a palace built atop a steep hill.

Starting point is 00:27:21 It has six wide tiers, several of which you can explore on. foot. You watch a woman in a hat and khaki shorts, step off the middle of the stairs, and onto a platform with a thatched roof. You recall reading about that area before you arrived today. There is a stucco facade resembling a jaguar's open mouth, and you can't wait to see it. As you approach the bottom of the stairs, the audio guide resumed. You learn that the structure is approximately 162 meters long, 68 meters wide, and more than 32 meters high. It is the largest standing structure in the Yucatan Peninsula. You find it curious that such a monumental structure isn't more famous, beyond a stop for visitors, coming to cities like Viadolid,

Starting point is 00:28:40 or Merida. Still, you are once again reminded why you came to see these ruins today. They are truly special. Guide now informs you that there are 72 rooms within the Acropolis. As the audio continues, you hear about the legacy of Ekbalam's most prominent king. Uquit Kan Lek-Toc. He came to the throne around 780. and became the most powerful leader in the northeastern Yucatan.

Starting point is 00:29:27 He dedicated his reign to the construction of Ekbalam's most significant buildings, such as the Acropolis, where you are now standing. After the king's unforgettable reign, he was laid to rest inside the Acropolis. His tomb is within the beautiful stucco facade toward the middle of the city. the structure. Soon enough, the audio guide fades, and you are left to make your way up the pyramid. First, you unzip your backpack, take out your water bottle, and rehydrate. Then you are ready to begin. Pts are indeed very steep, but you know it's going to be rewarding once you reach the top as you trek up. You pass a couple of other people.

Starting point is 00:30:34 who are carefully making their way down, keeping their eyes on their feet. You decide that you will first stop at the tomb of Uquit Canlektaq will give you a moment to rest your legs. Sun is beating down on the steps, but luckily, your body is covered with layers of loose linen and a wide-brim sun hat. You are certainly glad to be wearing a hat right now. as you ascend beyond the tree line. You see the thatched roof where the stucco facade is located. It is on the right wing of the pyramid. You angle your way across the next dozen steps before you reach the platform. You can't help but smile at the incredible preservation of the sculpted stucco. Within the facade is the face of the monster of the earth. You learned that

Starting point is 00:31:53 that this was a mythological creature, that the ancient Maya used to represent the entrance to the underworld. You admire the jaw of the monster that shuts out. It creates a walkway lined by eight large, oval-shaped fangs. You pause here for a while, allowing your breath to settle as you take in the artistry and sacredness of this space. You find all the minute details astonishing, not just for the time, but in any century.

Starting point is 00:32:39 Every curve and glyph tells a story. After a quiet moment of reflection, you turn back toward the staircase, eager to make the final ascent to the top of the Acropolis. As you walk to the stairs, you allow a group of three people to pass you. so they too can take in all the details of the tomb. Once they are on the platform, you make your climb. It does not take long to reach the top. You carefully sit down on the final step,

Starting point is 00:33:26 ready to relax for a moment. Now, you can finally look out and admire your accomplishment in reaching the top of this steep pyramid. You can see miles and miles of a vibrant green jungle terrain. The trees reach roughly the same height, blue sky with dusty white clouds. Below the trees are parts of Ekbalam. There is the Oval Palace you ascended earlier

Starting point is 00:34:09 and the furthest part of the twin structure. You can see one of the twins, because there are no trees in the center of the south. Plaza, allowing a direct viewpoint from the top of the Acropolis. You spend a few minutes sitting here, allowing your breathing to regulate and admiring the lush views. You stand up and turn to reach the small platform at the peak of the pyramid starts to wander. Once the sun goes down, the stargazing here must be amazing, you think. Your audio guide resumes with some additional information. You learn that the Maya used to stargaze from this very spot,

Starting point is 00:35:29 tracing the stars, and tracking the movements of Venus, the moon, and the constellations. All of these details were key to their complex calendar system. You find it humbling. You find it humbling. to think that this place was once the epicenter of knowledge and precision. Mind yourself longing to stay at... Till the fluffy clouds are replaced with a clear night sky, free from light pollution. You dream of wishing on shooting stars, mapping out constellations with your fingertips

Starting point is 00:36:23 in the cool breeze of a quiet night in the junk, in the jungle.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Relaxing Visit to Ek Balam

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