Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Dreams of Basketball

Starting point is 00:00:00 Before tonight's episode, I want to let you know about our supporters' feed Get Sleepy Premium, the best way to experience the show and get a good night's sleep. With Get Sleepy Premium, everything is ad-free. You'll receive a bonus episode every week, and have full access to our entire back catalogue. Your support really helps, and means so much to us. Simply tap the link in the show notes to learn more. Now, a quick word from our sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you two free episodes each week. Welcome to Get Sleepy.

Starting point is 00:00:41 Where we listen, we relax relax and we get sleepy. As always I'm your host Thomas. Thanks so much for joining us tonight. My cellus will be reading this evening's story where we'll witness the magic of sport. A spontaneous decision to play a game of basketball will bring two new friends together, who otherwise might never have met. You don't need to be a lover of basketball or sports in general to appreciate this story and get a good night's rest from listening. Now then, the day is done, and with it, so too are any and all responsibilities you have to the outside world. This is your time to rest and recharge. So let go of any

Starting point is 00:01:53 resistance to do just that. If it helps then just bring your awareness to your breathing, feeling the air coming in and going out. that are in contact with the mattress below. Feel where the body moves with the gently in and smoothly back out. Notice your body relaxing more and more with each exhale. If thoughts continue to pop up in the mind, don't stress it. That is completely normal and it't feel like you need to take any action whatsoever in dealing with it right now. Allow it to just fade away into the background. And if it's of importance, it will come back to you another time when you're better equipped to take care of it. Let this be your time completely and fully to take care of yourself and to simply relax.

Starting point is 00:04:17 As you continue sinking into bed, let's turn to our story. We begin in a high school gym with a young man named Jaren. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Starting point is 00:04:58 I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. But it wasn't Jess any gem. It was his gem. The floor was wooden and springy, with a few cracks here and there. Everything was Jess as he remembered it, from his middle and high school days.

Starting point is 00:05:22 Jeren hadn't been back here since the last week from his middle and high school days. Jeren hadn't been back here since the last week before his high school graduation. He moved away for college, and had almost forgotten this place that used to be his home, away from home. Now, he was a college sophomore. He got an arrear three day weekend and decided to visit his hometown. His parents had gone out for the evening and he was on the verge of taking a nap while

Starting point is 00:06:04 the house was quiet. But then, he got the urge to visit the old court. He was pleased to find the doors unlocked as he suspected they would be. Back in the day, his hunger to spin every free moment he could on the basketball court inspired him to learn the weekly gym schedule. It hadn't changed once in four years. There was a Saturday night pickle ball session slated for two hours later that day. And Coach Larrington, the PE instructor, tended to come unlock the doors a few hours ahead of game time. That was so he wouldn't have to leave his weakened band practice to let the eager seniors inside.

Starting point is 00:07:10 Basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, and all manner of equipment littered the ground. littered the ground. It was a floor prepared for the kids who would need a variety of activities to use up their energy. Larrington must not have bothered to clean up the chaos left behind by those who were in here the previous afternoon. Jeren picked up a jump rope. He nudged a soccer ball and a couple of bright orange plastic cones out of his way. And stood still, holding the rope. He explored the handles gingerly, feeling the sense of anticipation.

Starting point is 00:08:13 It had been a while since he jumped rope, but he had to give it a try. He gently swung the rope high over his head and felt the cable come to rest on the back of his ankles. Adjusting his grip, he swung the cable up and over and jumped and jumped and jumped again. 4, 5, 6, 7, he counted. He missed number 8. He tried again. He readjusted and swung, he jumped, and jumped, getting into a good rhythm as his feet

Starting point is 00:09:13 tapped the floor. triumph. He got in ten and a row. Now it was time for another ten. This time he passed ten and kept going. He made it to fifteen and then twenty. On and on, the rhythmic jumping continued, all the way to 24. He was on a roll. Soon, he was creeping up on 33. He hit 40 and decided that that was enough with the jump rope. Germann set the rope down, bent over, and let his hands find his knees as he breathed in deeply. Then he remembered that holding them up high was the proper way to help his lungs draw in more air.

Starting point is 00:10:29 So he straightened and stretched, resting his hands on the back of his head. After a few minutes of deep breathing, he looked around the gym again. minutes of deep breathing. He looked around the gem again. He remembered the nights he would watch his sister play volleyball from the cold bleachers and how he would use the pinnay to scratch at the faded grey paint at his side. His eyes traced the rows of seats up to the black wall at the highest level. He focused on the painting of the Red Wolverine, the school's mascot in the center of the wall. It was a good mascot. His friend Ray had been the one to dress up in the rubber suit and jump around in a frenzy

Starting point is 00:11:27 to stir up the crowd. His habit of brandishing the fake claws that the opposing team during halftime shows had almost cost him the job, but it was all in good fun. Jaren stretched in bent sideways, slightly curving his arms and spine. It felt good to use these muscles again. Then, he walked calmly over to a free-throw line. A leather basket ball was waiting.

Starting point is 00:12:11 It was a good ball. Not one of the lumpy rubber ones, the little kids, would kick across the court. It wasn't even one of the faded, peeling leather ones that looked like it had been a team favorite 10 years prior. This was game ball quality. Jaren picked it up, then dropped it, and grinned with pleasure as the ball sprung easily off the wooden floor, and back up into his hands. He bounced at a couple more times, shuffled his feet, and twisted his body slightly.

Starting point is 00:12:55 He caught the ball one last time and held it, squared his feet with his shoulders, checked his hand placement, and then looked up to the goal. He shot in one smooth motion. He bent his knees and sprung upward without letting his feet leave the floor. His feet leave the floor. Standing on the balls of his feet, with his legs locked in tight perpendicular form, he brought his bentel bow up to chest level. His right hand was in front and a bit to the left of his face. The ball was inside his palm. He raised them both up just slightly above his head and released before his arm was fully

Starting point is 00:13:53 extended. The ball launched into the air in a perfect dark. Then it plummeted down to the earth below. Swish. Nothing but net. It was a perfect shot, a wave of pleasure, warm, jaren's chest. It was an inexplicable feeling, like the one he got when he was outside his parents' house, and the breeze hit it just the right temperature.

Starting point is 00:14:38 The ball fell, and bounced back toward him, almost like it was returning itself to him. Jaren didn't move. He caught it and repeated his formula. He looked the ball drop and bounced back into his hands. He shuffled his feet, squared them with his shoulders, checked his grip, bent his knees, and fired. This time, what he heard was more of a hollow, boinging sound. It was a mess. The ball bounced off the rim. That was to be expected since

Starting point is 00:15:33 he hadn't taken time to practice for a couple of weeks. Mrs. Brought a completely different feeling, kind of like when he was eating his uncle's mouth-watering black cobbler last Thanksgiving, and a juicy portion fell from his fork to the floor beneath the table. This time, Jermin had to leave the line and catch the ball before he traveled too far. He returned and set himself up again. Then he repeated the formula. Bomm, swish, swish, swish. There it is, he said, sighing with pleasure.

Starting point is 00:16:36 Basketball had been in sport. It was almost as good at it as a sister was at volleyball. She helped carry her team to two state championships, her junior and senior years. The payoff was a choice scholarship. Coach Whit was always so hard on him when it came to making free throws. Often, they were the difference between winning and losing, he'd say. Coach would be laughing at my percentage now, Jaren chuckled to himself.

Starting point is 00:17:30 He returned to the formula. Swish, Bung, swish. It was a relaxing pattern, something you could lose himself in without thinking. It was just muscle memory and repetition, like washing dishes. Jermen was about to launch a final round of free throws. When he heard a heavy metal door close, at the far end of the gem, a new comber had arrived, a lanky guy, dressed in shorts and a tank top,

Starting point is 00:18:19 ambled onto the court. He paused at the baseline to change out of his street shoes into a pair of crisp basketball shoes. Jeren thought he would mine owning a pair of his own. The stranger walked past all the balls and toys on the ground, without even sparing them a glance. His eyes were locked on Jaren. tell by the way he moved. Jaren returned to his free throws. He wasn't sure what this guy wanted, but he knew he'd find out soon enough.

Starting point is 00:19:22 One on one, the newcomer said, as he approached half-court, Jaren caught his rebound and turned back to face him. He shrugged and gave him a nonchalant expression. Sure, he said. The newcomers smiled and introduced himself as Jacks. Jaron gave his name as well. Jacks nodded and walked to the sideline where he slipped out of his backpack and placed it on the bleachers, not far from Jaren's bag. Jack's walked back onto the court and picked up a ball lying just outside the three-point line.

Starting point is 00:20:21 Let me warm up a bit, Jack said. Let me warm up a bit, Jack said. Jared nodded and told him it wasn't a problem. He hadn't finished warming up himself. He moved off the free-throw line and began practicing his jump shot, lay ups and fadeaways. He and Jacks were about to compete for real. There was nothing on the line, but Jaren still wanted to be as ready as possible to put his best foot forward. It was a matter of pride.

Starting point is 00:21:09 He watched Jack's as he practiced. This guy was good. He started by training jumper after jumper, going around the world, or around the perimeter of the three-point line. Then he switched to driving and shooting off his triple, practicing crossovers, Sharon couldn't see any flaws in his form or shot choices and he handled the ball well. No carries or double dribbles. He never even walked or even lost the ball on tricky crossovers. This was going to be a game.

Starting point is 00:22:10 After he'd worked up a light sweat, Jeren felt ready. Let's check up, he said. Jack's nodded. Jeren gave him the game quality ball Jack's knotted. Jeren gave him the game quality ball and told him to shoot to see who would get the ball first. If Jack's made it.

Starting point is 00:22:49 Jaren took a turn. He made it too. Jack smiled. Let's go again, I guess, he said. They both made their shots again. Go further out, Jaren suggested. Jack's missed. Jaren didn't. It was his ball. Make it take it. Jaren asked. Make it take it, Jaren asked. Jack's nodded. This meant Jaren would keep possession of the ball each time he scored. Possession wouldn't go to Jack's until he stopped Jaren and took the ball or Jaren made

Starting point is 00:23:40 a mistake and turned the ball over. One's in twos, Jack's asked. Sharon agreed. Every shot below the three-point line would count as one point. Everything outside the line would count as two points. This was the best way to play. It made the game more interesting. Jaren passed the ball to Jacks and he returned it in the ritual checkup and now the ball was live. Jaron launched to his right and Jacks followed him.

Starting point is 00:24:31 He shifted his defense of stance to Jaron's right, but not too much just in case it was a faint. It was Jaron drew the ball between his legs to switch to his left hand and charged left. Jacks followed. Justice Jacks began to cut off Jeren's leftward drive. Jeren switched hands again. This time, dribbling the ball behind his back to his right. He dribbled sideways and stepped right one more time to create a bit more space and jump for a mid-range shot.

Starting point is 00:25:23 Jacks was just a little too late to block, the shot was good. Jack's called the rebound, passed the ball back and complimented Sharon when he shot. Sharon nodded and checked up again. This time he dribbled forward, rocking left and then right and then left again. He wanted to keep Jack's guessing. The movement wasn't enough to trick Jack's, but Jarin hoped it would keep him too preoccupied to catch his real motive. Then Jarin launched his whole body to the left. Only he didn't move away from Jacks. He came towards them. He was careful to keep the ball out of his opponent's reach. Jacks didn't

Starting point is 00:26:29 see it coming, but he was a good defender. He lined his body up with Jarrins at a sharp angle. He placed a hand on Jarrins' hip to brace himself for the impact and made it harder for Jaren to move away. Jack's new ball was out of reach, so he didn't waste his time or balance lunging for it. He cut his feet planted and waited for Jaren's next move. His feet planted and waited for Jaren's next move. Jaren was already in motion, keeping the ball in his left hand. He half spun back towards his right, but it was another faint. He felt Jack's moving with him and sharply cut off the spin. He brought the ball back to the left and drove. Jacks was cut off guard, but he was fast. He recovered almost in time to cut off the drive, but Jaron wasn't finished. He bounced the ball behind his back

Starting point is 00:27:50 and switched to his right hand, shuffled his feet right, and then drove hard for the basket. Jacks couldn't recover, It was an easy layup. Jaren returned to the top of the key. Nice point, Jack said. The word sounded mechanical. Jacks was complimenting him, but his mind was on the game. He hadn't given up. Jaron checked the ball and started again.

Starting point is 00:28:32 He scored two more times before Jack stopped him on the fifth possession with a strong block. Jack's took possession, dribbled the ball behind the three-point line, and fired. Swish. What are we going to, he acts calmly, as if he weren't losing. 15. Jaren suggested, Jack's agreed. He checked the ball, and immediately drove. Jaren followed,

Starting point is 00:29:18 but Jack stopped on a dime and hopped backwards, keeping his dribble live. time and hop backwards, keeping his dribble live. He created at least two feet of space between them and was behind the three-point line again. He fired. The ball went in. They were tied. The game continued, both players were good in their own ways. Jacks was a stronger shooter, and he handled the ball well enough to consistently catch

Starting point is 00:29:57 his defender off guard and take open shots. Jaren was a shifty ball handler. He created perfect angles to drive the ball in for a layup or jump shot. They both made their shots almost every time they got a decent opening. So they quickly realized putting up a strong defense was the key for either player to win. It was Game Point. Jaren and Jack's were tied.

Starting point is 00:30:39 It was Jaren's ball. At this point both players were tired. They'd shown each other their best moves, and they'd been running hard for 15 minutes. Jaren was right-handed. Jack said figure that out early in the game, and generally expected him to go right. But he also knew by now that Jeren wasn't afraid to go left and he could finish her point with his left hand almost as easily as he could with his right. Which way would Jeren go? He tripled right, Jack stayed with him.

Starting point is 00:31:28 Jeren tripled backward, he crossed left, right, between his legs, shifted left, and then back right. He was trying to knock Jack's off balance. It wasn't working. Jack's was staying with him, maintaining the near perfect separation of space, almost as if they are connected by an invisible thread. Nye the player was giving in, trickery wasn't going to work. Jaron committed, he dribbled right, Jacks was right there. Jaron lifted his upper body mid-dribble as if he were going to shoot, but Jacks didn't

Starting point is 00:32:23 fall for the faint. Jaren pulled backward. He was on the right-hand side of the goal now. He reset, tested the waters with a few more crossovers, and then tried left. Jack's followed. Jaren went for it. He picked up his dribble, shifted his feet back to the right and passed the ball behind his back to his right hand. Jack's was prepared. He jumped, ready to block.

Starting point is 00:33:05 Jaren jumped and then leaned forward, almost as if he intended to lie down on a soft bed. He extended his arm and flipped the ball up towards the basket with a near perfect finger roll. Jack's blocking hand barely missed. The ball went in. Jaren won. The ball fell from the net and bounced harmlessly away from the duo. Good game, Jack said first with his hand extended. Jaren shook his hand.

Starting point is 00:33:56 You too, you're good. I haven't had to go that hard against anyone in a while. Same, Jack's replied. The two laughed like old friends. It reminded Sharon of the times. He used to laugh with kids he'd known back when he played in this gym all the time. I'd say run it back, Jaren said, but I feel like I'm done, to be honest.

Starting point is 00:34:33 Jack suggested they meet for another game some time. He was from a nearby town and was just visiting his grandmother, but he'd be back periodically throughout the year. As they walked to the sideline to grab their belongings, Jeren explained that he was visiting too, and was just home from college for the weekend. Jack's ass where he went and smiled when Sharon gave him the name of his school. Jack's went to the same college. Wow, Sharon said, we definitely need to meet for another game. The two new friends exchanged phone numbers and started changing into their street shoes. While they gathered their things, they talked about their hometowns and their amateur baseball career highlights. Jackson Jaron would probably have played against each other in high school, except

Starting point is 00:35:47 Jack's school was bigger and sorted in a different division. They were walking to the parking lot now, basketball shoes and hand, and back-back slumber cross their shoulders. Jeren promised to text when he got back to school. Jack said he'd reply and they could meet up. Jeren was happy about how today had gone. He may have plenty of friends since adjusting to his new school. But the excitement of meeting someone new, who we genuinely liked never got old. Jack's pooled a keychain from his pocket.

Starting point is 00:36:37 Um, this way, he gestured with his free hand. hand. He was pointing in the opposite direction of Jeren's car, Jeren nodded and extended his hand. It was cool playing with you, he said. Next time you're going to lose again. Jack's laugh shook Jaren's hand and said goodbye. Jaren drove back to his parents' house, feeling content and relaxed. When he got home, he went straight to the shower. His parents were still out. They probably be back in another couple of hours, plenty of time to wash up and take a nap. The water was hot and refreshing. Nothing compared to a steamy shower with his favorite body wash and conditioner after a hard game.

Starting point is 00:37:56 Twenty minutes later, he opened the foggy glass door and climbed out onto a soft bath mat. He dried himself off, massaged a leave-in conditioner through his hair and put on a styling cap to protect his hair and make sure it wouldn't dry out while he slapped. and make sure it wouldn't dry out why he slept. Then, he pulled on his favorite t-shirt and honed his laundry to his room. Five minutes later, his clothes were put away and Jaren was burrowed deep into his sheets, and favorite comforter.

Starting point is 00:38:53 He rested his head on his soft pillows, and felt so relaxed. for a few blissful moments before he nodded off. Everything was just as it had been when he was still a kid without a care in the world. And with that, he drifted peacefully off to sleep. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room.

Starting point is 00:43:38 I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go.

Starting point is 00:43:59 I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... you you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Dreams of Basketball

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