Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Sleepy Stay at a Ryokan: Part 2

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hey friends, for the best Get Sleepy experience, be sure to check out our supporters feed Get Sleepy Premium for ad-free listening, weekly bonus episodes and access to our entire catalogue. Now, a quick word from our sponsors who make the free version of this show possible. Do you have little ones in your life? Whether you're a parent, teacher, aunt, uncle, grandparent, babysitter, we all know that keeping kids calm and entertained can be difficult. That's why I want to introduce you to the newest show by Samba Studios. It's called Snuggle, and it features calming stories for kids of all ages. Whether it's for bedtime, nap time, or just for fun, Snuggle offers a calming world of

Starting point is 00:00:54 imagination. You'll find original stories where we swim with mermaids, visit old toy stores, and try out magical ones. And you'll hear our modernised renditions of classic tales like Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. Just search Snuggle in your podcast player and be sure to follow the show. I'll see you there the next time you and your little ones are looking for a cosy story to snuggle up with. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas, and it's a pleasure to have your company once again.

Starting point is 00:01:48 Tonight we'll continue our stay at the Ryokan. This traditional Japanese inn has been expertly designed to bring peace and relaxation to all who stay there. Soon we'll experience this for ourselves as we sample the delights of a multi-course dinner. This will be followed by a stroll around the garden and a restful night's sleep on a comfy futon. If you didn't hear part one yet, which came out on Monday, don't worry. You can still enjoy tonight's story, as we filled in any important details you might have missed. But you can also go back and listen to part one anytime you like. It was all written by Joe and I had the pleasure of reading it for you.

Starting point is 00:02:54 Now we love being able to help you all get a good night's sleep but we couldn't do it without the support of our wonderful Get Sleepy Premium subscribers. It would mean so much to have your support too. In return, we promise to bring you the very best restful listening experience. Get Sleepy Premium features over 650 full length episodes. Everything is completely ad-free, so you can drift off without interruption. And there are loads of extra-long episodes to keep you company throughout the night. And there's more. Every single Thursday we release a brand new exclusive bonus episode. Tomorrow, Arif is back to read us a fascinating, yet relaxing tale about a wondrous evening at a magic show. And then on Friday, our premium subscribers will also be able to listen to parts 1 and 2 of our Stay at the Rear Can as one long-length episode.

Starting point is 00:04:05 Don't forget the first seven days of your premium subscription are free and you can cancel anytime. For more information on all of our plans, visit getsleepy.com slash support or just follow the link in the show notes. Thank you so much for supporting what we do. Now my friends, it's nearly time to continue our story. So let's take a few moments to settle and ease into the peace and comfort of the night. Move into a position that feels comfortable for you. as soon as you're ready, and bring your attention towards your mind.

Starting point is 00:05:12 Take a minute to notice your thoughts, whether the thoughts jump or flow. or to feelings and sensations within the body. In between these thoughts, begin to notice your breath. Serve the rise and fall as you inhale and exhale. Feel the cool air as it enters through your nose and allow it to create space within your mind. The stillness between thoughts can grow and expand as your attention is absorbed by the cool and calming breath. Let the breath act as your very own safe space. It's always here whenever For now though, it can fade into the background. Imagine yourself standing in your room at the rear can, as we continue our story. The floor that you stand on is traditional tatami. The thick matting is made from pressed rice straw, sometimes mixed with foam or wood chip. On the uppermost layer beneath your feet, the mats have been covered in a weave of rush plant.

Starting point is 00:08:10 This is similar to the material of a straw sun hat. It's soft and delicate against your skin. The matting of your room has been split into squares and is patterned in shades of cream and beige. The walls are beige too, but they glisten golden, illuminated by the glow of paper wall lights. Moor light enters through the shoji door, which separates the different parts of the room. The lattice door frames have been slid part open. Beyond them is a veranda lined with large windows that reveal the night sky. The room is uncluttered and sparsely decorated, much in keeping with the rest of the riyakann.

Starting point is 00:09:31 Items are stored with him-built cabinets made from light pinewood, which blend into the walls. The Deku reflects the Japanese concept of Kansai, the art of minimalism. Neutral tones and rooms free of clutter are thought to encourage peace of mind. This is something that you read about prior to your visit, but didn't truly understand until you arrived at the inn. Standing here, you feel calm and present. Your mind reflects the simplicity and beauty of the room. What few thoughts you have are either useful or beautiful, like the hand-picked items placed out on display. One of these is the low dining table at the centre of the room.

Starting point is 00:10:57 It's both attractive and functional. The mahogany wood is dark and aromatic, with a fine grain that's straight and uniform. It glows softly beneath an overhead light shade of amber-colored paper. Four matching chairs surround the table, positioned between thick mahogany table legs. The seats rest an inch above the floor, topped with scarlet cushions. They are the colour of maple leaves turned red in the autumn, a striking accent against the muted decor. Now you sit down on a similar red cushion on the bamboo seating of the inner veranda. You've mostly been sitting here and relaxing since returning from your bath, looking out at the view through wall-sized windows. It's the kind of scene you might glimpse on a postcard. The Japanese landscape in the heart of winter time.

Starting point is 00:12:37 And it's a view that has only grown more enchanting as the day has progressed from afternoon to evening. The light of the moon casts a veil of silver onto everything below. The ryokan is in the base of a valley, beside snow-covered forests on the lower slopes of hills. Patches of evergreen are visible beneath the white. They shine like emeralds where they catch the moonlight. where they catch the moonlight. Soaring mountains can be seen in the distance, their rock faces coated in frost and ice. Then they fade from sight beneath fluffy clouds which float through a navy sky, peppered with snowflakes. Views such as these are one of the many selling points that lead people to stay in a traditional rear-cam. The inns also boast geothermal baths, multi-course meals, and wonderful hospitality.

Starting point is 00:14:17 Their establishments designed to elicit relaxation, peace, and comfort. In fact, your own stay has been so very relaxing that you'd almost forgotten about the chilly outdoors. The past few hours were spent in the Onsen, the Japanese name for hot springs. You floated in a tub of healing warm water, blissfully relaxed beneath a cloud of hot steam. Even now, your skin is soft and warm. It feels wonderful against the fabric of your indigo yucata. This traditional cotton robe will be worn throughout your stay. It's similar to a bathrobe, lightweight and comfortable. And it's embroidered with white birds that fly about the fabric. There's something quite lovely about being dressed in the yukata. You can't imagine wearing it and feeling anything but relaxed.

Starting point is 00:15:59 You're looking forward to wearing it to dinner and dining in comfort. Dinner can be eaten right here in the bedroom or at one of the tables in the rearcans lobby. Alternatively you can book one of the private dining rooms, which is what you've chosen as your setting for tonight. Just as you're wondering what might be on the menu, Hina arrives to take you to dinner. It's common practice in these traditional wins to assign a staff member to individual guests. Hina is yours, your go-to person, and you couldn't have hoped for a lovelier one. She asks if you enjoyed your bath and the sight of the winter landscape

Starting point is 00:17:10 from the tub's warm water. Of course you did, you tell her. It was utterly divine. Hena beams, delighted at your cheerful response. Then you exit your room and follow her as she leads you down the stairs to the ground floor hallway. It's a space that you've walked through a few times already. Yet only now do you notice the photographs. They are positioned across the wall, in matching wooden frames and equal distance apart. Hina sees you looking at the photographs and pauses beside you. You note the faces of the people that you recognise, staff members that you've spoken to, and those you've seen in passing. Then you smile, catching sight of Hina in one of the photos. She tells you that here, she's twenty years younger, though to you, she appears remarkably unchanged.

Starting point is 00:18:55 Even her clothing is as it is now, a Magnolia kimono, with a thick belt embroidered with cherry blossoms. She gestures towards another picture and asks if you recognize anyone. Immediately, you spot her husband, Ren. He was the first person to greet you from behind the reception desk. Unlike his wife, he looks a great deal different in the picture, as he is much younger, in his late teens perhaps. He grins from behind the counter, in his smart tailored suit. Though it's a touch on the large side, he seems delighted to be wearing it. Beside the young Ren, there are two other men, and Hina tells you that these are his brothers.

Starting point is 00:20:17 They share similar features and wide smiles, and they look so comfortable in one another's company. It's moments such as this that remind you of why you booked a family run-in. It has all the luxuries of an upscale establishment, It has all the luxuries of an upscale establishment, but it feels cozy, unpretentious, and welcoming. Hina tells you that the inn has been in business for the best part of a century. Six generations of her husband's family have perfected the art of running a riyakam. She herself was a newcomer to the business when she married Ren, all all those years ago. But quickly, she realized that she was very well suited to the work, as well as the surroundings of this wonderful inn. With that, she leads you onwards,

Starting point is 00:21:43 through the hallway, and past the main lobby, until you arrive at a corridor of sliding wooden doors. Hina invites you into your private dining room. private dining room. It's a cozy room meant to accommodate two people at most. A low dark table sits in the middle of the room beside a plush amber floor cushion for you to rest on. The floor of the room is entirely tatami. You feel it beneath your feet as you walk towards the cushion. You've quickly become fond of the texture of these mats and the way they absorb the sound of your footsteps. The walls around you are free of decoration, though a feature window is itself a work of art. Circular in shape, it takes up much of the wall.

Starting point is 00:23:11 Through it, you can see the gorgeous winter garden. After gazing through the glass at a familiar evergreen, you sit down on the velvety cushion. At the table, you cross your legs lazily, as Heener asks you what you'd like to drink. She takes your order and returns minutes later, carrying a tray containing course number one. She tells you that the meal contains nine courses in total, so you can take your time and enjoy every moment. You've heard stories of traditional kiseki, the multi-course meals served at Riyakam. They're sometimes considered the equivalent of Hooked Cuisine and are composed of dishes that are small, intricate and apparently delicious.

Starting point is 00:24:37 A slight coloured mat decorates the table before you, alongside a coaster in matching design. Your drink is set down in a tall, clear glass. It's sparkling water, flavoured with yuzu fruit. The first course includes many different items, carefully arranged within a box-like tray. The boxes wooden frame has been painted dark green, and leaves of gold are etched along its sides. You came to dinner with high expectations, but these are surpassed almost immediately. You've never seen food this exquisite. At the centre of the box is a delicate porcelain dish. A square of fried tofu sits within, floating in golden dashi stock. The tofu is covered with spring onion,

Starting point is 00:26:08 alongside a sprinkling of fresh aromatic ginger. You also note a grating of white daikon radish. It's the colour of the snow that's visible through the window. Four more items have been arranged around the bowl in this literal treasure trove of edible delights. There's a small parcel of rolled salmon with seasoned white rice visible at its centre. It's been placed directly on the wooden base of the box, near a single dumpling of golden, sweet potato. You also recognize a Naruto Marquis fish cake made from a white fish paste that smoldered and steamed.

Starting point is 00:27:19 Circular in shape, its edges are curved, giving it the appearance of a small, white cloud. A swirl of pink is visible at the centre, which heena tells you is meant to resemble a whirlpool. The fishcakes are named after the Naruto Strait, a channel of water known for its swirling tidal whirlpools. The fifth item is presented on a saucer, the softest shade of pastel blue. On top is a mound of black soybeans, glazed with a sugar-like syrup. The pile has been topped with sparkling edible gold. What strikes you about this meal is that it's elaborate yet simple. The eyes are drawn to the details of the food, the colors, scents, shapes and textures. Items appear to have been meticulously arranged to create the impression of individual pieces. Hina is pleased by your awestruck reaction.

Starting point is 00:29:15 Her brother-in-law is the chef, and he is wonderful at what he does. This course is only an appetizer, a mere sample of what's to come. She leaves you now to dine in solitude, sliding closed the door of your private room. You pick up a spoon of decorative porcelain, and gather some tofu in its sauce. Before you eat, you utter the expression, Itadakimasu. This translates as, I humbly receive this food. It's an expression of gratitude for the me in itself and for the person who prepared it. Now, you taste the spoonful of food, savouring the flavours and textures. Inside, the tofu is soft and cloud-like, but it's crunchy and crispy on the outside. The stock it rests in is rich and umami, while the vegetables are deliciously tangy. The other dishes are eaten with chopsticks, The salmon, then the soybeans, the fish cake, and sweet potato. The chopsticks force you to eat slowly and carefully.

Starting point is 00:31:18 You examine ingredients with childlike curiosity, noticing the aromas before you sample the delicate flavors. In between bites, you sip on your drink, sparkling water flavored with yuzu. This citrus fruit is a refreshing palette cleanser. It tastes like a mixture of lime, lemon and grapefruit. Moments later, Heena slides open the dining room door. later, Heena slides open the dining room door. She clears away items as you gush about the appetizer, her face fixed in a knowing smile. What comes next will be even better. The winter menu is really something. Hina re-enters soon after, carrying an enormous tray. She places the tray on the floor, and kneels down beside it to begin serving. One by one, your table is decorated with the next six courses. It's a glorious sight. As is typical in traditional kiseki, meals showcase a variety of cooking methods. Ingredients are fresh and of the finest quality.

Starting point is 00:33:19 You're thankful that Tina introduces them individually as she arranges them before you, on the table. The first dish is a bowl of black ceramic, its contents concealed below a matching lid. Lifting the lid, you're immersed in the scent. Hina tells you that it's lily bulb soup. The smell is sweet, reminiscent of chestnuts, and the soup is so thin that it's almost transparent. Replacing the lid, you examine another dish, a bamboo platter of raw fish known as sashimi. Japanese amberjack has been delicately sliced and arranged in a row of thin pink strips. Next is a bowl of simmered vegetables, taro, mushroom, seaweed, and carrot.

Starting point is 00:34:46 The earthy colours of this tantalising mix are beautifully displayed within the clay pottery. What comes after resembles a stack of pancakes, but Tina explains that it's deep-fried lotus root. Slices of the vegetable have been fried in tempura batter until they are a tantalizing of crispy golden brown. Each slice is beautifully patterned with small round gaps that run through the vegetable. The markings remind you of paper snowflake decorations. snowflake decorations. The following dish is served in a bowl, scalloped around the edge, like a shell from the ocean. Within is a fresh cold salad, snow crab and cucumber, dressed in sweet vinegar. You're intrigued most of all by the sixth and final dish, as Heena lights the flame

Starting point is 00:36:19 of a tabletop gas boiler. Light flickers below a cast-iron bowl, which is filled with stock being brought to the boil. Ena brings out a plate of assorted vegetables, which you can add to the pan once the stock is boiling. There's also a plate of thin beef strips to cook at the table by staring it through the stock. But the dish is called Shabu Shabu, which basically means swish swish. It's named after the sound of the ingredients swishing through the stock as they are stirred. The last thing set down is a dish of soy sauce, a complimentary dip for various ingredients. Then Hina bids you farewell and leaves you to enjoy your banquet. Bite by bite, you taste each dish, from the fragrant soup and steamed vegetables, to the vinegary tang of the snow crab salad. The lotus root is sweet like chestnuts, and salty where seaweed has been sprinkled on top,

Starting point is 00:38:12 while the raw sashimi melts in the mouth, leaving an aftertaste that is fresh and mellow. Your favourite dish is the Shabu Shabu, as much for the cooking method as the way it tastes. Once you've added vegetables to the bubbling stock, you take a sliver of beef between your chopsticks. You swish this through the liquid from side to side, until the meat changes colour, signalling that it's cooked. Finally, it's dipped in the bowl of soy sauce. This brings out the flavours of the succulent beef. What's surprising after so many dishes is that you feel satiated and not overfull. The food seems light and the flavours well balanced, and your bites are dainty as you eat slowly and mindfully. It feels like an experience as much as a meal, especially within the stillness of this tranquil

Starting point is 00:39:51 dining room. The room is so quiet that you can hear the snow falling outside and the flickering flame of the tabletop boiler. The penultimate course consists of three dishes, displaying the shades of the wintery garden. There's a bowl of miso soup and another of rice, as well as a decorative plate of pickled vegetables. Sizes of leek have been mixed with white rice, while the pickled cucumber is the color of a pine tree, pieces of tofu float on the surface of the soup. They are the color of snow and shaped like ice cubes. The bowls and plates are part of a set. They are white ceramic with a hand-painted border.

Starting point is 00:41:14 Red maple leaves dance around the white, as if blown across the snow. You find yourself thinking about the garden outside, in between mouthfuls of rice and soup. Perhaps it might be nice to take a brief wander, to smell and see winter, having tasted it here. First though comes dessert, the last course the evening. It's served in a glass bowl that's been etched with snowflakes. Inside, the pudding looks like Italian panna cotta, but upon tasting a spoonful, you realize that it's mousse. It's the colour and flavour of a mandarin orange, light, tangy, and beautifully refreshing. The texture is soft and deliciously bubbly. It feels like velvet as it melts on the tongue. Slices of mandarin have been placed on top, their shape reminiscent of a crescent moon. You save these slices until you've finished your mousse, so the last thing that you taste

Starting point is 00:43:10 is sweet tangy orange. You finish your drink and Hina returns to find you satisfied. Her face lights up as you talk about the meal. It's a memory that you're treasure for a long time to come. You tell her that you're pondering a stroll in the garden, and she smiles knowingly, as if she knew that you would. you, she says. It makes one long for a stroll through the snow. She leaves, then returns a minute later. She brings clothing folded into a rectangle. It's a black cotton jacket to wear over the top of your yukata. It will keep you warm as you walk through the garden. You carefully pull on the thick jacket, thanking Hina once more as you exit the room. It adds a layer of comfort as you walk to the lobby, toward the shoji doors that lead

Starting point is 00:44:57 out to the outside. You slide on a pair and open the door. Then you step outside, into the garden. It hasn't stopped snowing since you arrived. On the ground, there's a blanket of thick white snow. It twinkles and glissons in the silvery moonlight, and where it catches the glow of outdoor lighting. The path has been swept clear, and it stands out against the white that surrounds it. The stone twists and turns like a fallen silver ribbon, providing a route through the scenic garden. You begin walking along the path. Your steps are slow to match your breathing.

Starting point is 00:46:25 The air outside is brisk and refreshing, and you're thankful for the warmth of your jacket. Japanese gardens are famous around the globe for their calming aesthetic which provokes both thought and clarity. There are spaces that celebrate the landscape and the seasons where one might meditate on the beauty of nature. Even in the darkness and masked by the snow, the R has been thought of, from the placement of trees, to rocks and gravel. It's clear to see that the garden is cared for, despite its impression of effortless

Starting point is 00:47:42 beauty. Trees, plants and bushes look pruned and manicured, and the few stone ornaments have been brushed clear of snow. Some of the tree trunks have been wrapped in burlap. These protective covers shield them from the winter. And in places, the ground has been sprinkled with pine needles in an effort to preserve the moss. Lamps illuminate the pathway, alongside the trees and their snow-covered branches. They light up the darkness above and around you, and highlight the snowflakes that waltz through the air.

Starting point is 00:48:51 Another kind of light is visible in the distance. A dim golden light glowing near the ground. Soon you see that it's the glow of a candle flickering from the base of an ornamental pagoda. Two of these statues have been placed between steps, which lead up to a little bridge. Rows of icicles hang down from the railings, shining like diamonds where they catch the moonlight. The bridge itself looks out over a stream. The surface is glassy, frozen into stillness. The steps and the bridge have been recently swept. You can see the patterns of the brushstrokes in the frost. Soon your footsteps are imprinted on top as you make your way to the out on the landscape, basking in the sense of fresh winter air. You note the smell of pine from nearby evergreens, and the floral bouquet of winter cherry blossom.

Starting point is 00:50:49 The pink petals are visible beneath you, as they're reflected in the surface of the frozen stream below. Mountains in the distance seem watchful and protective. They are a buffer between you and the world outside the valley. There's a sense of seclusion and blissful solitude. A calmness of mind that permeates your being. For a little while longer, you meditate on your surroundings. You take them in with all of your senses. Eventually, you're ready to head back indoors.

Starting point is 00:51:55 You return the way you came, following your own footsteps. steps. When you step inside and take off your shoes, you're struck by the comfort of the ria cans lobby. The interior glows golden with soft yellow lighting. Waves of warmth seem to vibrate through the air. Hena is talking to Ren at reception. Their demeanors are relaxed, cheerful, and contented. She pauses, smiling when she sees you in the lobby, and walks over to greet you for the last time today. Tomorrow, she says, she'll bring breakfast to your room, and perhaps she'll book you into another onsen bath. For now, though, she wishes you a restful night's sleep in the futon bed that she's made up in your room. You thank her and leave the lobby. Then, somewhat

Starting point is 00:53:34 sleepily, you wander through the hallway. Your legs feel heavier with each step up the stairway. Your shoulders seem to dip, and your breaths become deeper. Soon, you're barefoot on the familiar tatami, though the room around you is slightly altered. Where before there was space, there is now a futon, a traditional bed laid out on the floor. The layers of the bedding are visible at the sides, including the mattress at the bottom. than a western mattress, and pliable enough that it can be folded and stored. The futon consists of a few layers. The soft mattress on the floor is jade in color, is jade in colour and swelled with gold. Above is a white mattress where a cotton sheet has been fitted. And on top of this goes a duvet and pillows rest in snow white linen. You pull back the bedding and climb beneath the covers, the duvet crinkles as you pull it around you. It's strange and wonderful to be so low to the ground, and to feel yourself sink into

Starting point is 00:55:51 the soft, cotton bedding. The linen smells floral, like lilies and jasmine. It's as fresh and crisp as the air in the garden. What a beautiful day you've had at the Rear Count. What memories you'll have to treasure forever. For now though, it's time to close your eyes and note the sensations of a Japanese winter as your breathing slows and begins to deepen. Feel yourself awash in peace and relaxation. Feel yourself fall into a deep and restful slumber. నినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినినిన� you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Sleepy Stay at a Ryokan: Part 2

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