Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Winter’s Day in the Black Forest

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Starting point is 00:01:19 With ANC on, performance may vary based on environmental conditions and usage, accessories sold separately. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks for tuning in. Tonight we're embarking on a slow-paced adventure exploring the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany and we'll be doing so on a snowy winter's day. It was written by Angela and it will be read by Chloe. by Angela and it will be read by Chloe. Now I have to say it's been a bit of a typically stressful week or so for me as I've been moving house and my sleep has really been affected. I've only been getting a few hours a night on average

Starting point is 00:02:20 because my mind just loves going over things and reminding me of what I need to do while I'm trying to sleep at night. And as much as I've learned techniques to try and quell that, many of which I share with you here regularly of course, sometimes life is just so busy and we just have to accept when we're going through a bit of a difficult patch with our sleep. But I know it's all just temporary and a bit of a transition period, and hopefully you find it's the same for you. You might have a run of bad nights every now and then, but by tuning in here, you've always got some company and a relaxing, reassuring place to be. So my friends, make yourself comfortable and relaxed in your bed, making space

Starting point is 00:03:31 for your imagination to guide you on this journey. And as you settle further into bed, just turn your attention inward while you maintain a gentle, soft awareness of my voice. Feel the rise and fall of your chest and belly as you breathe. Try to just gradually slow your breathing down, which in turn should help the rest of your body to settle further. Now as you breathe in, I want you to say to yourself internally, I am. And as you breathe out, say to yourself, calm. I am calm. Repeat that a couple of times in your mind as you breathe. Now if you'd like change to I am peaceful, I am peaceful. for sleep. I am ready for sleep.

Starting point is 00:05:52 Let those affirmations stick with you as you listen along to our story and drift into a restorative sleep. Meanwhile, enjoy listening along to Chloe's soothing voice as you allow yourself to be transported to a small town on the edge of the Black Forest in Germany. This is where our story begins. It's early afternoon in winter, and snow is falling from the silvery sky. You're standing on a stone bridge in a pretty town which sits on the edge of Germany's black forest. It's cold, but you're all cozy today. A fleece jacket hugs your body as the winter chill nips your nose. You pull your woolly hat further down over your ears to keep them warm. The historic town sits in a valley surrounded by the oak, beech, and fir trees of the Black Forest. The region is named for its dense, dark landscapes that have inspired many myths and fairy tales. Today, the trees dotting the hillside are laced with snow.

Starting point is 00:07:54 On your left, residential apartments with balconies overlook the dark green water of a river. To your right, 17th century half-timber buildings stand proudly. They are reminiscent of gingerbread houses. You stand on the bridge, above the river, where a willow tree stretches its long, bare branches along the water's edge. As the snow starts to fall from the sky, the flakes gently skim the branches. They tumble delicately into the river and melt into the water. You notice people sitting at tables in a cafe set of chatter in the local dialect as the door opens. Then silence as it closes again.

Starting point is 00:09:16 The customers laugh and joke as they sip steaming hot drinks. Next door, outside a riverside hotel, a young couple unload their suitcases from the trunk of a taxi cab. Behind you, along the river to the left, stand the ruins of an old stone castle. You pause to take in the views and find yourself wondering what it was like to live there in centuries gone by. Hearing the faint sound of a train as it departs from the nearby station, you decide to move

Starting point is 00:10:16 on from the bridge. You follow a signpost eastwards towards the marketplace. Fresh snow crunches beneath the soles of your boots as you slowly make your way towards the main square. Along the narrow street, shops boast wrought iron signs with pictures. You pass stores selling musical instruments, baked goods, and outdoor clothing. There's a perfumery, with different shaped bottles on display and a small delicatessen with local cuisine in the window.

Starting point is 00:11:14 On the corner, a museum is housed inside a grand building. An elderly man places a sign outside to inform visitors that the attraction is open. He waves at you, says, Guten Tag, and smiles before heading back into the warmth of the museum. Directly ahead, festive chalet stalls line the perimeter of the main square. A 12-meter-tall fir tree, adorned with lights, takes center stage. adorned with lights take center stage. You begin to walk clockwise around the square.

Starting point is 00:12:20 As you do so, you notice a woman creating a display of gingerbread stars and giant iced hearts. They hang from tiny hooks on colored silk ribbons. A local glassblower displays handmade snow globes, vases, and dishes in a kaleidoscope of shades. You pick up one of the snow globes to take a closer look. Inside it, you see an intricately carved wooden cuckoo clock. The same clocks are made in villages of the Black Forest.

Starting point is 00:13:08 You shake the snow globe, observing as flakes cover the design. As you do so, the vendor, a young man, looks up from his book and smiles. The town's atmosphere is magical. Everyone is smiling and happy. Twinkling lights wrap around tree branches, emanating a warm, welcoming glow, bringing a further sense of cheer to the cold winter's day. Beside a chalet selling hand-carved puppets, a small dog sleeps on a comfy bed,

Starting point is 00:14:11 curled up with a fleecy blanket draped on top. The dog is oblivious to the tinkling sound of bells coming from a wind-up organ across the square. The scent of nutmeg and vanilla fills the air, coming from a stall selling candles nearby. You stop for a moment and close your eyes, listening to the music and inhaling the heavenly fragrance, losing yourself in the magic of this enchanting black forest town. A woman with short red hair hands out paper cups of hot spiced apple drinks to passers-by. And on the far edge of the square, several bistro tables and chairs are positioned next to an open-sided food truck serving local treats.

Starting point is 00:15:29 Behind the truck, painted horses on a vintage carousel bob up and down in time with the music, as a young girl claps her hands with glee. as a young girl claps her hands with glee. As more people enter the market square, you decide to continue walking. Turning left along the street, you follow signs for the forest trail. The street is so pretty, like something from a movie set

Starting point is 00:16:11 or a fairy tale. You look up at the three-story-high gingerbread-style houses. Between the wooden timbers, the paint colors range from deep red to yellow or green. Small narrow windows are framed by contrasting wooden shutters, and some have flower boxes beneath. The skies darken slightly as the tall trees loom in front of you. The snow's feathery flakes disappear as you make your way towards the trail.

Starting point is 00:17:09 At the entrance to the forest, you find a map displaying its landmarks and facts about it. It's roughly a hundred miles long and fifty miles wide, a vast expanse of nature. Somewhere nestled inside the forest is the chalet where you'll be spending the night. Next to the map is a list of animals and birds you may encounter during your walk. Wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and the Western capycaili, a species of game bird and symbol of the black forest. You choose to walk the eastern pathway and step inside the forest. The snow from earlier has gathered on the ground between the trees. A low, lingering mist descends, creating an ethereal atmosphere. As you venture deeper into the forest, you see pine trees with frosted tips.

Starting point is 00:18:48 Their branches morph into different shapes, with long iced fingers that appear to point the way as A deer with an unusual coat of spots and stripes crosses your path. It pauses briefly, as if surprised to see you in its forest home. You both stand as still as statues. The deer gazes at you curiously, as if to ask, who are you and why are you here? Before making the decision that you are no threat and continuing its journey. The soles of your boots crunch as you walk the snow-peppered trail.

Starting point is 00:19:56 The scent of fresh pine drifts on the breeze, holding you in the present moment, enveloped in the natural beauty of the great outdoors. As you come to a fork in the pathway, you hear the sound of trickling water. It leads you to a small waterfall and fresh water spring. The stream is clear and free-flowing. There's no bridge to cross, only three uneven, even moss-covered stepping stones. You crouch down, removing your warm gloves, and place your hand in the shallow waters. The water feels ice cold as you move your fingers back and forth, creating a ripple effect. Stepping onto the first stone, it wobbles slightly.

Starting point is 00:21:17 You manage to maintain your balance, putting your arms out to the sides putting your arms out to the sides, before safely crossing the stream to the other side. Up ahead, in a clearing, you hear a voice. As you approach, someone begins to speak of a magical presence that lives in the forest. You see a pretty log cabin with a small group of people gathered outside. It has hand-painted wooden furniture on the porch, and twinkling lights around the roof. It takes you a moment to realize that here, in the heart of the Black Forest, a theater production is taking place. The story is about a gardener who is a young boy.

Starting point is 00:22:27 The gardener is a young boy who is a young boy. The gardener is a young boy who is a young boy. The gardener is a guardian of the Black Forest who led him to safety when he got lost in a snowstorm. You watch as he seamlessly completes the production before taking a bow. You clap along with the audience as the scene ends, before slowly slipping away to reach your next destination. to reach your next destination.

Starting point is 00:23:28 As the forest pathway steepens, the trees appear closer together. Pine needles spill onto the trail as you pass, and your boots tread on twigs, making a crunching sound beneath your feet. The trail opens up and you catch a glimpse of a hillside covered in pure white snow. Ahead, a signpost points to a wooden chalet on top of the hill. This is where you'll be staying tonight. Slowly you make your way towards it. The snow is fresh and deep on the hillside, reaching as high as your ankles.

Starting point is 00:24:33 You see that earlier travelers were wearing snowshoes, so you follow the markings. The chalet is typical of the Black Forest region. The exterior is crafted with dark, wooden logs. Window boxes are attached to balconies, and atmospheric lights illuminate the entrance. The chalet name is appropriate. atmospheric lights illuminate the entrance. The chalet name is appropriate, Schöna alsicht, which translates as beautiful view. In the center, above the name, is a large wooden cuckoo clock.

Starting point is 00:25:29 The detail is exquisite. Two fir trees stand ascentris, one at either side, and three pinecones swing on thick woven tassels beneath. The clock face is designed with Roman numerals, and above, a painted couple are poised to dance when the clock strikes the hour. You notice the time. It's late afternoon, almost upon the hour. You would love to hear the cuckoo chirp as it pokes its, you decide to head indoors. Rows of skis and poles have been plunged upright into the snow beside the entrance, with an

Starting point is 00:26:40 old-fashioned wooden toboggan next to them. Tables and benches are arranged on a snow-covered patio, which on a clear day would offer magnificent views. The warmth of the chalet envelops you as you open the door, and the delicate aroma of cherries and chocolate fills the air. Slowly removing your jacket, you place it on a wall hook and put your snowy boots onto a heated rack to dry. You look around the chalet. It's exactly how you imagined it would be. There's a long counter to your left with glass cases filled with the famous Black Forest Gatto. It's a type of cake made with chocolate, whipped cream, cherries, and cherry brandy. Square tables are covered in checkered tablecloths

Starting point is 00:28:09 and topped with flickering candles in jars. A friendly older woman with blonde braided hair offers you a seat by the window. She has sparkling blue eyes Red hair offers you a seat by the window. She has sparkling blue eyes and a kind smile. In the background, you hear relaxing music playing softly from a speaker on the wall. Your table overlooks the snow-covered hill and forest. The scenery is beautiful,

Starting point is 00:29:02 but you're happy to be in the warmth of the chalet. The woman brings you a piping hot drink in a mug. You look around. A few people are sitting at tables enjoying drinks, dressed in ski pants and thick roll-neck jumpers. and thick roll-neck jumpers. Behind the counter, a young man chalks a menu on the board, ready for the morning. The candle flickers on your table,

Starting point is 00:29:46 a light so mesmerizing that you begin to doze. You thank the waitress and make your way past the staircase, into a small room with two armchairs by an open fireplace. The room is empty. You have it all to yourself. And although you enjoy being around others, sometimes you find it's nice to be present in total peace and quiet. The room is like an old library, lit by soft wall lights. Someone has recently placed logs in the fire. Someone has recently placed logs in the fire. A warm glow emanates from it, as orange flames crackle and flicker.

Starting point is 00:30:54 The logs and pinecones emit a fresh, earthy aroma. You close your eyes and breathe it in slowly, the scent reminding you of your earlier forest walk. A painting of a deer sits above the fireplace. It has the same unusual markings on its coat as the one you met earlier. In the picture, the animal stands outside the chalet, hoofs embedded deep in the snow. The walls opposite the fireplace, at either side of the door, are covered with shelves filled with old leather-bound books. As you step forward for a closer look, you see familiar titles etched on the spines.

Starting point is 00:32:14 There are classic fairy tales, travel and history books, poems and illustrations, all arranged in no particular order. You pick a book about the history of the Black Forest and sit down in one of the comfortable armchairs by the fire. A cozy plaid blanket has been placed on the arm of one of the chairs. You snuggle beneath it. A waiter delivers another mug of your favorite spiced drink and places it on a coaster on the table beside you. You clasp the mug between your hands, sipping the liquid slowly, wiggling your toes beneath the blanket, allowing them to warm before dozing in the armchair.

Starting point is 00:33:31 When you awake and look up, you realize it's much later and completely dark outside. The moon is high in the sky and visible from the window. Something within you tells you to go and look outside. Wrapping the blanket fully around you, you pad across the wooden floor in your socks towards the window. You gaze out at the white snow on the hillside. The trees of the black forest are no longer fully visible, but you can see outlines illuminated by the full moon. In the distance, you can make out the town from which you began your journey earlier in the day.

Starting point is 00:34:40 As you turn to walk back towards the chair, you notice a movement by the window. A curious face appears, ears pointing upwards, and big brown eyes staring in through the glass. You smile. A deer is looking right back at you. The lights outside the chalet highlight its rare markings, an unusual mix of spots and stripes. You realize that it's the same deer you saw at the start of your journey in the Black Forest. The woman who served you earlier walks into the room.

Starting point is 00:35:40 She sees the deer at the window and grins widely. She tells you that they named the deer Protector in German. She is a guardian of the Black Forest. The woman says, if the deer meets you on your travels and you do her no harm, she'll always check that you've arrived at your destination safely. You turn to ask the woman how the deer would know you were coming here, but she has already gone.

Starting point is 00:36:31 Then you realize, animals don't think like humans. They simply trust their instincts. The deer just knew. As if reading your mind, the deer nods her head and, satisfied that you've arrived safely, she turns to walk away. You watch as the deer bounds playfully through the snow.

Starting point is 00:37:13 Illuminated by the light of the moon, she ventures down the hillside and back to her home in the forest. You fold the blanket into a neat square, lay it across the armchair, and place the book back on the shelf. Your room key is waiting in a tray by the reception desk. You take the key for room number nine. Climbing the staircase with your backpack, you stop to admire old black and white photographs of nearby towns on the walls.

Starting point is 00:38:08 There's a huge cuckoo clock, pictures of medieval market squares, and grand castles before they crumbled. At the top of the stairs, you turn right. Your room is at the end of the passage. You turn the key slowly in the lock, and it squeaks as you open the door. Looking around the room, you notice that it's simply furnished. There's a small reading lamp on the bedside table, a large comfortable bed with duvet covers and tapestry cushion on a chair beside the full-length mirror. The curtains are drawn, but you open them to see the night sky and view. The town you will visit tomorrow is tucked away in the valley in the distance between

Starting point is 00:39:31 a cluster of trees. You slide open the patio doors, stepping onto a small balcony, breathing in the crisp night air. The air is so cold, you can see your breath as you exhale. As you close the patio doors and draw the curtains, a shadowy outline weaves between the trees and you smile. You wonder if it's the deer checking on other travelers to see if they've arrived safely at the chalet. Leaving the curtain slightly open,

Starting point is 00:40:35 so the moon casts a spotlight on the floor, you turn off the lamp and climb into bed. The mattress is so comfortable. It feels like your body is relaxing your weary muscles from your head all the way to your toes. You begin to reminisce about your incredible day in Germany. Images of market stalls, cuckoo clocks, and snow-frosted trees flash before you. But there's one thing that stands out in your mind, the dear, the faithful guardian, the The magical presence of the Black Forest who made sure you and many others before you reached their destination safely. As you slowly drift off to sleep, you give gratitude to the deer and to the many incredible wonders of nature. You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Winter’s Day in the Black Forest

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