Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Caravaning in the Peak District

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Starting point is 00:02:58 Tonight we'll follow two friends on an adventure in the Peak District, Derbyshire, in the heart of England. It's a place famed for its natural beauty, a world of hills, valleys, and never-ending countryside. Amy and Michelle will explore the town of Eam before returning to the comforts of their caravan.

Starting point is 00:03:31 They'll sip on hot chocolate and toast marshmallows by the fire before settling in to watch a film. I am delighted to be reading this one for you, as I actually lived in the Peak District for about 15 months a few years ago. and I adored my time up there. Credit goes to Joe Steer for writing this one, and thank you to the lovely listener who requested this story. I really hope you enjoy it.

Starting point is 00:04:09 Before we begin, let's take a few minutes to unwind. Move into a position that feels comfortable to you. Close your eyes as soon as you're ready and take your attention to the rhythm of your breath. Observe the natural cycle of the inhale and exhale, including any pause that might occur between them. Note where you feel it sweeping through the body in your nose, throat, chest and belly. In a moment we'll begin a guided practice, breathing in through the nose and nose and out through

Starting point is 00:05:20 the mouth. We'll breathe in to the count of four, hold for one, and then breathe out for six. Let's begin now. Breathing in, two, three, four, hold, hold, and out, two, three, four, hold, and out, two, three, four, five, six. In again, two, three, four. Hold. And out. Two, three, four, five, six. And one last time, breathing in, two, three, three, four, four, hold. And, and Exhale, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Focusing on the breath can aid the transition from the busyness of the day to the stillness of evening. Now, allow the breath to fade into the background. We're ready to begin tonight's sleepy tale, and there's nothing left to do, but follow my voice to the lush green landscape of Derbyshire, England.

Starting point is 00:07:09 This is where our story begins. Located in the East Midlands, in the Middle of the country, Derbyshire is a region of immense beauty. It's the English countryside, full of colour and character, with a skyline dominated by hills and valleys. Covering an area of over a thousand square miles, it's home to countless natural landmarks. Many of its attractions lie within the Peak District National Park, where the lands have been forged over millions of years. There are soaring mossy peaks and steep limestone valleys, gritstone ridges, plateaus and gorges. Nature lovers visit to take in the natural landmarks, to hike along the trails, and to swim in lakes and rivers.

Starting point is 00:09:01 Some come to wander through the quaint towns and villages that are nestled in the valleys against a backdrop of green mountains. Many take refreshments in the pubs and cafes, resting their weary feet before heading back to their accommodation. The region is home to a plethora of campsites, with every kind of lodging, from homes with grassy tops built into the hillside, to canvas tents Amy and Michelle have come to a campsite near Eam where they'll be staying in a Vardo or caravan also known as a Romani wagon it's essentially a home pulled on four wheels

Starting point is 00:10:08 It's instantly recognizable with its carved wooden frame The dark wood decorated with intricate gold patterns Painted red steps lead up to a central doorway Below a curved roof dressed in bright green canvas A grove of pine trees offer privacy around the back, while the view from the front overlooks vast, open fields. Amy and Michelle were absolutely delighted to see where they were staying when they checked in this morning. It's just what they wanted, charming and cozy, the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring. The two middle-aged women have been friends since high school, but now live some distance apart.

Starting point is 00:11:28 At least once a year, they take a trip away together to reminisce about times past and make new memories. This year, both women found themselves longing to be in nature, which is why they booked a stay in the Hope Valley. Today is the first of a four-day break, which they plan to spend walking, talking, eating, and relaxing. So far, they've only seen the Vardo very briefly. They dropped off their belongings before heading out for the day. They've spent the morning on roads and public footpaths, making their way to the village of Eam. The Hope Valley has some of the best views in the region, in the whole world in fact, according to Amy. They journeyed this morning through a lush and scenic.

Starting point is 00:12:55 landscape, past fields of green and yellow, rolling hills and woodland. It's particularly lovely at this time of year, when the trees are changing their leaves for autumn. Green canopies are made all the more beautiful by tones of yellow, red, brown and orange. Some leaves have fallen and been carried by the wind onto the roads and footpaths where Amy and Michelle wander. They decorate to the ground, forming a natural carpet, one that displays the colours of the season.

Starting point is 00:13:55 The subtle smell of rain hangs in the air, and the ground is still wet from a downpour this morning. Amy feels that she can smell autumn, wet leaves, conkers, pine cones and resin. The weather forecast had predicted rain all day, but after an initial, wet spell, it's turned out to be warm and sunny. The grey clouds have all but disappeared, leaving a smattering of thin white clouds and plenty of golden sunshine. People who see the friends walking together

Starting point is 00:14:50 would likely never guess that it's been a whole year since they last saw one another. As is often the way with very close friends, they are instantly comfortable in each other's presence. As you might expect from friends on vacation, their demeanors are relaxed, untroubled, and cheerful. There's a playful quality to their smiles and laughter, reminiscent of children out on some adventure. When they're not catching up on each other's lives, or commenting on their surroundings in this lovely place, they are happy to be quiet and enjoy the moment.

Starting point is 00:15:52 to explore their senses with a friend beside them. Both are grateful that there's enough of a breeze to keep them cool as they walk. They are aptly dressed in their comfiest outdoor wear with hiking boots, trousers and thin woolen jumpers. plus small backpacks containing essentials. It's early afternoon by the time they see the sign, welcoming visitors to the historic village. At a glance, it looks like what they'd expect.

Starting point is 00:16:48 A quaint, sleepy village, full of charm, and character. Quiet roads are flanked with old stone buildings, cottages, shops, pubs and bed and breakfasts. Pavements are bordered with old stone drywall, which looks to have been built centuries ago or more. Buildings look well cared for with painted doors and pretty gardens. Communal lawns appear manicured, flowers watered and benches cleaned.

Starting point is 00:17:41 The local post office glows scarlet in the sunshine, as dazzling in color as if it's just been painted. If it went for the cars parked up beside some buildings, then the friends might have wondered if they'd travelled back in time. With hills on one side and valleys on the other, they feel worlds away from the hustle of modern life. Most of the other people that they've encountered so far look to have been tourists exploring on foot. One couple passed on bicycles before stopping at a cafe. They propped their bikes against the wall and headed inside. They've spotted a few locals. out and about, walking their dogs, and made friendly conversation with a man outside a pup.

Starting point is 00:19:03 He was writing today's specials in chalk on a blackboard, and made a persuasive argument for why they might dine there later. Indeed, the friends might do just that. but only once they've explored a little further. Michelle in particular is keen to see more, having read up on the history of this storied village. She tells Amy about what she's read as the pair wander at a leisurely pace. Eames' history is melancholy, but meaningful.

Starting point is 00:20:00 It gained a reputation as the plague village. In 1665, an outbreak of the bubonic plague struck England. It's come to be known as the Great Plague of London. That same year, the plague reached the village of Eam, when a bundle of infected cloth was sent to a local tailor. The tailor's assistant was the first to pass away, having touched the cloth and contracted the plague. People turned to their church leaders for guidance, as diseased. began spreading around the village. Reverend William Momperson and the minister Thomas Stanley

Starting point is 00:21:04 introduced a range of measures to stop the spread of the disease. This included the decision to quarantine the village voluntarily, to sacrifice themselves so that I, others might live. This resulted in the death of nearly 300 people. Upwards of half the population of the village were lost to plague. But it also undoubtedly saved many more lives by containing the disease and keeping it from spreading further.

Starting point is 00:21:52 The sacrifice made by these brave individuals is honoured on green plaques throughout the village. The names of victims and survivors are on the houses they lived in, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten. Listening to this, Amy points to a plaque and the women cross the road to read what it says. It tells the story of this plague cottage and lists the names of those who lived here. There's a huge juxtaposition between. the building's sad history and the charming stone cottage, which stands two stories high. The stunning front garden is brimming with life. In places it is so abundant that it obscures the cottage behind it.

Starting point is 00:23:10 plants and flowers of every colour have been planted around a path leading to an olive-green door the path is littered with statues of little animals dressed in fine tweed suits and countryside attire One particular white rabbit catches Michelle's eye He's holding out a bouquet of yellow flowers As if presenting it as a gift Amy cooes playfully at a nearby squirrel He is watering the garden In a hat and yellow trench coat

Starting point is 00:24:04 Other ornaments are dotted around the garden, only partially visible between plants and bushes. Some kind of water feature is completely hidden, but the sound of flowing water is unmistakable. The friends share a moment of peace and quiet, leaning against the dry wall that runs around the front. They gaze at the colours of leaves and petals and enjoy the sound of trickling water. It's a beautiful way to commemorate. to the memory of the people who lived here during the Great Plague. That's what Amy says, as she takes change from her pocket, dropping it into a donation box

Starting point is 00:25:15 aimed at supporting the garden. The friends continue on their way, past many more historic buildings. They walk slowly, stopping again and again to read commemorative plaques on the walls of buildings. Having learnt about Eames's troubling past, Michelle had worried that the atmosphere might be morbid. But now that she's here, she sees that it's nothing of. the sort. While the plexivoka mood of quiet contemplation, it's sweet and uplifting rather than somber. It's clear that the villagers who live in Eam today are very proud of its history and their brave ancestors. You can see this in how the historic buildings are so cared for

Starting point is 00:26:32 and the way that people's stories are commemorated on the sides of houses. This uplifting mood even stretches to the churchyard where the pea-green grass is peppered with headstones. It's a grassy island, bordered by trees of every kind, with the old stone church positioned at its centre. The friends wander through, reading inscriptions on headstones, learning about the lives of those who lived in the village. They study the autumn. flowers that spring up around them, including bright yellow chrysanthemums and snow-white anemone. Eventually, they come to a familiar headstone. Its photograph was displayed on the welcome sign to the

Starting point is 00:27:50 village. It's almost as tall as the nearby pine trees, every inch of its surface decorated in Celtic knots and spirals. A protective iron railing encircles the headstone, which Michelle has come across in her research into Eam. The so-called Celtic cross is the pride of the village. It's Anglo-Saxon, made in the 8th century. It's thought to have been made in the Kingdom of Marcia, one of seven kingdoms that England and was split into at the time. Originally, it was located along a nearby cart track,

Starting point is 00:28:54 but was moved to the churchyard in the 14th century or before. There's something quite moving to both of the women about being able to get close to such an artifact. to see patterns that were sculpted over a millennia ago, glowing in the sunshine of the 21st century. The atmosphere in the churchyard is so blissfully peaceful that the friends unconsciously hush their voices. Speaking in near whispers, they both agree that it's about as lovely a resting place that anyone could wish for. Next, they wander into the open church, where thick stone walls block out the sounds outside.

Starting point is 00:30:05 The friend's footsteps punctuate the stillness, echoing between the floor tiles and the sky-high ceiling. Most of the people that they've read about today would have worshipped here at the Church of St. Lawrence. Knowing this stirs their emotions. it fosters a sense of empathy with these people of the past the friends stroll slowly along the central aisle where the congregation would have queued to take holy communion Michelle admires the stained glass windows above the altar

Starting point is 00:31:04 and wonders about the people who might have done the same before her. Amy notes the mahogany pews, where the villagers would have sat and listened to sermons. It's here that Thomas Stanley and William Mompesson offered courage and comfort from the Jacobian pulpit. Features like the pulpit remain as they were, while other things have been added in more recent years. Stained glass windows tell of the plague in pictures, immortalising the bravery of the rectors and villagers. A chair believed to have belonged to Mompesson is on display at the side of the altar. An open book is on show within a glass cabinet so that the friends can read what's written across its pages. Medieval handwriting lists the name of every little.

Starting point is 00:32:31 local who passed away as a result of the plague. There are family names that the women recognize beside a colourful border outlined in thick gold. At the top right of the page, the first letter of the introduction, is far larger and more colourful than the rest of the text. A red and gold letter H is as much artwork as it is writing, with an image of the church painted within its frame. Once the friends are satisfied that they've explored the building, they wander out into the churchyard. it takes a few moments for their senses to adjust to the glow of daylight and the sound of birds and to the breeze

Starting point is 00:33:42 Amy notes as they leave the churchyard that the daylight almost seems to make the surrounding nature smell better She suspects that it might be a trick of the mind, being that the colours look so vivid in the afternoon sunlight. These gorgeous colours are on full display as the friends continue on their way through the village. They pass cottages and houses, bordered by emerald-coloured hedges

Starting point is 00:34:28 and they walk along road sides peppered with multi-coloured trees. Soon, nature takes centre stage as the friends walk upwards and away from the village centre. They travel away from buildings into the countryside on a path bordered by fields and farmland. This is exactly what the women had longed for

Starting point is 00:35:08 when they talked about wanting to reconnect with nature. Other than the odd farmhouse and a country manor, it's entirely the domain of flora, and fauna. In parts, they walk in the shade of soaring trees, which block out the sound of any traffic or people. Eam is occasionally visible in glimpses through gaps in the tree line on the hills that rise above it.

Starting point is 00:35:53 Elsewhere, the road turns to where the trees are sparsely planted, revealing vast rolling hills at either side. In one, there are white sheep dotted around the grass, grazing, sleeping, or relaxing in the warmth. It takes the women about 20 minutes before they arrive at their destination. Montpason's well is another piece of Eames's heritage, a water well named after the famous reverent. In the 17th century, when the village was quarantined, the townsfolk would bring coins, up to the well.

Starting point is 00:36:56 The well is essentially a hole in the ground and Momperson filled it with vinegar to clean the coins. The sterilized money would be left in the well for merchants outside the village to come and collect. This was payment for the much-needed produce that was left on marked rocks for the ailing villages. The friends study the historic well

Starting point is 00:37:34 through the thin guardrail that surrounds its three sides. At the back, it's positioned against the drywall, with undulating fields stretching out behind it. The well is set within a paved square frame. It's a square hole, partly covered by a roof. Bronze and silver coins glisten beneath its surface, like pieces of treasure hidden in the water. to what's written on the nearby information board, people have taken to using it as

Starting point is 00:38:29 a wishing well. And so the women each take out a coin and stand in silence as they make their secret wishes. throwing their coins into the water, they stand arm in arm and pose for a selfie. They angle the camera to show the well behind them and the lush green hills and blue sky in the background. Hours later, when they're back at the campsite, they review. view the picture, along with others that they've taken. They sit side by side on chairs facing the caravan,

Starting point is 00:39:30 beside a blazing campfire encircled by stones. It's only early evening, but the sky looks pitch black, and this makes the fire seem even brighter and more colourful. Flames of orange gold dance about a mound of wooden logs, appearing reddish in places like autumn leaves. The caravan looks even cosier than before, illuminated as it is in the light of the fire. Painted gold patterns sparkle like stars on its wooden panels, while the green canvas roof is the colour of jade.

Starting point is 00:40:31 the evening air is cooler than it was but having pulled on their fleecy jackets the friends barely notice they are toasty and warm beside the blazing fire that pops and crackles against the quiet both women are tired having walked for miles but they're in good spirits as they look through the photographs amy is delighted by the picture at the well their smiles are radiant and their complexions glowing They ponder that it's likely the result of exercise, being outside in nature, or maybe getting some sunshine. Though when they see that they look the same in the photo of them eating dinner inside the pub, they decide it's because they are so happy to be together. They ate at the pub where they'd chatted to the man

Starting point is 00:42:02 who they'd seen writing specials on the chalkboard outside. He was serving behind the bar when they ordered dinner and gave them such a warm welcome, you'd think they were old friends. The women dined on good country food, made with seasonal vegetables and fresh local produce. Their meals were warming, hearty, and exactly what they needed,

Starting point is 00:42:43 after the excursion of the day and the return wall, still left to do. Other photographs show nature along their route, including close-ups of autumn leaves and chestnut-coloured conkers. Others showcase the beauty of Eam. There's a few pictures of the plague house and its life. lovely garden, its pretty flowers and amusing ornaments. The friends chuckle at pictures of the squirrel watering the garden in his bright yellow trench coat. There's the Celtic cross in the grassy churchyard and a shot of Amy on a bench in the village green.

Starting point is 00:43:47 There's one of a cottage that was particularly attractive. It's stone front, hidden beneath a blanket of ivy. The last photograph shows the inside of the caravan, where the friends will shortly retire into comfort. It's every bit as charming as you might explain. like something you might see in a storybook or fairy tale. Its horseshoe-shaped ceiling is wallpapered with creamy flowers and latticed with thin beams set evenly across it.

Starting point is 00:44:40 One of these beams displays decorative bunting, a colourful archway, a colourful archway. above the bed. The bed takes up the back half of the Vardo. It's positioned widthways with storage cabinets below. The doors of these cabinets are cream in colour and have floral designs painted red at their centre. Cozy wooden benches in the front half of the wagon display the same color scheme of red and cream. They are opposite one another, adjoining the bed frame sideways, with an array of comfy cushions scattered across them.

Starting point is 00:45:43 A tray of refreshments has been kindly prepared. provided, and left atop a chest of drawers. There's tea bags, coffee, and sachets of hot chocolate, a large bottle of water, and a thermos of cold milk, and also a packet of large marshmallows and a pair of long forks to toast them in the food. fire. Seeing this now, both of the friends have the same idea. Amy brings out the tray, setting it down on the gravel near the fire. She pours sachets of hot chocolate into

Starting point is 00:46:41 porcelain mugs and places the marshmallows atop the forks for toasting. Meanwhile, Michelle rustles through her backpack, retrieving a portable gas stove and a tall, narrow pan. Amy pours water into the pan, while her friend fixes the stove top, to the canister. Once she's sure that the stove is on level ground, Michelle turns the handle that sparks a flame. It's blue at first, then yellow like the campfire, partly hidden from view once the pan is on top.

Starting point is 00:47:41 Now, the women begin toasting marshmallows, holding long metal forks towards the flames. The warmth of the fire wraps around them like a blanket, and the sounds of it crackling become louder and more soothing. It's been such a long time since either of them did this since they sat around a campfire beneath a star-studded sky to laugh over memories, to share thoughts and feelings all while turning the forks in their hands. They watch as the marshmallows begin to change shape, their insides slowly melting into a creamy

Starting point is 00:48:48 goo. Their white surfaces become charred around the edges, turning a dappled golden brown where they've been toasted. Once they look ready, the women pull the forks back. They have to wait a minute for the marshmallows to cool down. They smile and laugh with the glee of children, delighting in the anticipation of what they're about to eat. The friends fall into silence as they take their first bites.

Starting point is 00:49:39 They savour every mouthful of their delicious treats. The marshmallows are gooey, almost buttery in texture, with a taste that's reminiscent of caramelised sugar. It's a flavour that evokes me. memories and feelings of comfort, which only enriches the moment further. They repeat the process a few more times before folding the packet closed to be saved for future evenings. By then, the water is boiling in the pan, so Michelle turns off. the gas and pours the water into the mugs.

Starting point is 00:50:39 Amy takes a spoon and stirs the drinks, adding a dash of milk to make it cooler and creamier. And so, the friends relax, sipping hot cocoa and gazing into the flames of. their golden campfire. They remain here until the flames die down and the fire is reduced to ashes and embers. Having finished their hot drinks, they both feel ready to go inside and watch a movie beneath the covers.

Starting point is 00:51:32 Ows can be heard hooting in the night time as they tidy up their things and head inside. They go up the steps and lock the front door behind them. Amy draws the curtains at the front of the wagon. Michelle has to climb onto the bed to close the oven. other curtains against the wooden back wall. They are almost comically short, but more than enough for the tiny window, and she has to keep herself low to avoid the curved ceiling. The quirky surroundings of the Vardo's interior only add to the feelings of the Vardo's interior

Starting point is 00:52:29 only add to the feelings of coziness within, and even more so, once they're under the thick duvet that scrunches as it's moved. Amy reaches up to a tiny black box that's fixed on the ceiling above their pillows. She presses the power by, button, and it wears to life, emitting light from a lens at its front.

Starting point is 00:53:10 Michelle leans forward to where the screen is rolled up and hidden from sight behind a wooden beam. She unravels the white vinyl until it's fully extended, before reperson. positioning herself. Amy taps away on the screen of her phone, selecting the movie that they've already decided on. And moments later, the film is projected onto the makeshift cinema screen at the end of the bed.

Starting point is 00:53:56 They've chosen an old classic. that they both loved as teenagers, one that they've seen many times over. Some parts are so familiar that they can recite them line for line. Sometimes they laugh because they know what's about to happen. At points, they get distracted. and end up talking instead of watching, just like they used to do at slumber parties when they were younger. By the time the credits are rolling, they feel decades younger, and about as content as it's possible to be.

Starting point is 00:54:56 And it's with these feelings of peace and contentment that the friends find themselves ready for sleep. Both can feel themselves beginning to doze, their bodies becoming heavy and sinking into the mattress. More adventures await them Come sunrise tomorrow But right now It's time to rest

Starting point is 00:55:36 Beneath the cozy, warm bedding So they turn off the lights And say their good nights They close their eyes and soon drift off to sleep. You know, you know, Thank you. You know,

Starting point is 00:57:20 ...you know... ...you know. ...Oh... ...this... ...that... ...there... ...the... ...the...

Starting point is 00:57:32 ...and... ...that... ...and... ...you... You know, ...andtta... ...toe... ...there...

Starting point is 00:57:58 ...their... ...the... ...that... ...that... ...the... ...the... ...the... ...and...

Starting point is 00:58:22 ...to... ...would... ...the... ...the... You know, So, you know, Thank you.

Starting point is 00:58:55 You know, Oh, Oh. Thank you. So, you know, So, you know,

Starting point is 00:59:33 Thank you. You know, Thank you.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Caravaning in the Peak District

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