Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Blossoms of Tokyo (Premium)

Episode Date: April 13, 2020

This is a preview episode. Get the full episode, and many more, ad free, on our supporter's feed: https://getsleepy.com/support. Blossoms of Tokyo  Narrated by Sam Jarvis. A special seasonal treat of one of the most beautiful moments of the year: cherry blossom season.     About Get Sleepy Premium: Help support the podcast, and get: Monday and Wednesday night episodes (with zero ads) The exclusive Thursday night bonus episode Access to the entire back catalog (also ad-free) Premium sleep meditations, extra-long episodes and more! We'll love you forever. ❤️ Get a 7 day free trial, and join the Get Sleepy community here https://getsleepy.com/support. And thank you so, so much.  Tom, and the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi, Thomas here. You're listening to a preview episode. You can enjoy the entire story tonight by subscribing to our supporters' feed. There you'll get access to the entire back catalogue, bonus episodes, and more, and it's all completely ad-free. Click the link below to learn more and thank you so so much. Me and the team really appreciate your support. It's a beautiful spring morning. You tilt your head back to feel the sunlight kiss your forehead. A warm golden ray caresses your face. It's a gentle reminder, but no matter what happens around you, But no matter what happens around you, today is about slowing down and enjoying the wonderful spring atmosphere.

A woman with a shy smile approaches you. I'm Aika, your guide, she says, as she bows her head slightly forward. Her voice is soft and tinned with a pleasant accent. She's lived in Tokyo her whole life and is looking forward to showing you some of her favorite cherry blossom spots. The two of you start walking as Aiko gives you a little background on the history of cherry trees here. ground on the history of cherry trees here. Sakura, as the Japanese call the cherry tree, is a gift of nature that has inspired many generations. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic. With slow steps, you follow Iko. She talks about the cherry tree's brief blooming period,

which is highly dependent on the weather. In Tokyo, cherry trees bloom at the end of March or early in April. The oval buds transform into delicate flowers for only two weeks. This time can shorten considerably if it's rainy or windy. With the sky in a uniform shade of blue and the wind holding its breath, you seemed to be in luck today. Ever since ancient times, the Japanese have appreciated cherry blossoms because of their beauty, volatility and of femoral nature. Nowadays, people are associated with the idea of destiny and acceptance of that which is out of control. During cherry blossom season, people throughout Japan spend their time outside, outside trying to reconnect with nature. This is also one of our goals for today. Aikosis smiling. Not far from your meeting point is one of Tokyo's largest parks.

The first trees greeting you are the entrance a tall old chestnut. Like faithful parts at the castle's gate, the castles gate they line both sides of a wide footpath. Admiring their imposing stature, you forget for a moment you're in the heart of a city. A few more steps in the shadow of the chestnut trees disappear, revealing a park in full bloom. Now there are trees scattered everywhere in sight, some of them white, others pink, their blossoms contrast beautifully against the blue sky and the perfectly manicured grass. Everything looks brighter. Like your standing in a painting. Noticing your excitement, Aiko pauses.

She knows how inspiring this view is. You can't translate it into words. And the feeling of awe is even more breathtaking for a first-time visitor.