Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Stories of the Sun

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 our 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 some of studios. It's called Snuggle, and it features calming stories for kids of all ages.

Starting point is 00:00:48 Whether it's for bedtime, nap time, or just for fun, Snuggle offers a calming world of 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 cozy story to snuggle up with. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy.

Starting point is 00:01:40 Thank you so much for being here, my name's Thomas and I'm your host. Tonight's story will be read by Abby, and it's a continuation of a series we began a fair while back. The first was called Mythology of the Moon, and the second was called Star Law. This third installment is all about the great shining orb that is key to everything we know here on Planet Earth. From celestial chariots to powerful deities, the sun has inspired countless stories and cultures across the world. So as you drift off to sleep tonight, you'll discover a few of these dreamy tales, including

Starting point is 00:02:32 ones from New Zealand and Japan. All three of these mythology stories about our skies were written by Alexandra, and you'll be able to hear a long length stitch of them all this Friday on the Premium Feed. And speaking of which, Get Sleepy Premium is the very best way to listen to the show. As a Premium supporter, you'll have access to our entire catalogue, which is well over 650 episodes. There are tons of extra long stories and series stitches, like the one coming up on Friday, which our premium supporters absolutely love. And perhaps the best thing about premium? it's all completely ad-free. Thursday nights are extra special because that's when we release our weekly premium bonus

Starting point is 00:03:31 episodes. Like tomorrow, when we have a sweet story I'll be reading about a mother and daughter who share a love of singing, they've just moved to a new home in Yorkshire and an unexpected discovery awaits them. The first seven days of your premium subscription are free and you can cancel anytime. So why not give it a try and enjoy the best rest you can get. For more information on all of our plans, visit getSleepy.com-support or just follow the link in the show notes. Thank you all so much for your support.

Starting point is 00:04:18 Now then, make sure you're feeling relaxed and comfortable wherever you are right now. Take a moment to find the perfect position. Then close your eyes and draw a deep breath in through your nose. And back out through your mouth. Try to make the exhale slightly longer than the inhale. This will help you to relax even more. Again, breathing in through your nose. And out through your mouth. If you like, take a few more so deep breaths just like this.

Starting point is 00:05:33 And when you're ready, you can feel the sun on your face. It's a pleasant, gentle warmth. As the warm sensation spreads across your skin, you feel your face, soften and relax. Let it happen without resistance. Relax your forehead, your eyes, your cheeks and your mouth and jaw. This sense of relaxation will gradually through the rest of your body, guiding you towards a deep sleep. It's just a matter of time. But for now, our hand over to Abby, as we begin our story. Your standing on a beautiful rooftop terrace. The sun is shining brightly in the faded orange tiles beneath your feet, seem to radiate

Starting point is 00:07:37 warmth. Your skin tingles in the heat, and your muscles feel loose and relaxed. As you stand here bathing in the sunlight, a feeling of sleepy relaxation flows through you. It's like a warm shower starting at the top of your head and spreading slowly through your body. It would be nice to sit down, you think, and rest for a while. You walk slowly across the terrace, which is lined with allows, palms and other potted plants.

Starting point is 00:08:24 On the other side, there's a large awning with some furniture underneath, including a table and chairs. You step into the shade of the awning. The contrast feels wonderful, like entering the cool water of a swimming pool. You're about to sit down when you notice something on the table, a large, hard-back book. It looks old and time-weathered. You pull the book towards you and sit down on one of the cushion chairs. There's no title on the cover, and no name, just a painting of a golden sun, its rays spiraling outward. As you brush your fingers over the cover, you realise that it's textured.

Starting point is 00:09:16 The outline of the sun is slightly raised and you can feel the bumpy edges. the bumpy edges. You slowly trace a finger around the circumference of the sun and then each ray in turn. It's so soothing like a kind of tactile hypnosis. Your finger moves automatically round and round. Then you decide to lift the cover. You're curious about the contents of this mysterious book. The pages are thick and have a familiar musty scent that reminds you of the library. As you turn them carefully, you find other images of the sun. One depicts an amber sun being pulled through the sky by a chariot. At the front are several majestic golden horses with fiery mains. Another image shows the Egyptian god Ra, who has the head of a falcon.

Starting point is 00:10:30 Just above him is a red orb that represents the sun. This must be a book about sun mythology you realise. You realise? These are representations of the sun and sun gods in different cultures. You'd like to know more, so you turn back to the beginning of the book. Skimming over the introduction, you see that it's an overview of sun myths across the world. The sun shines on us all," says the book. It always has, long before humanity came into existence, and it will continue to shine for billions of years to come. Our ancestors saw the sun as a godlike force influencing every aspect of life on earth. Thanks to the sun we have planets, seasons, light and warmth.

Starting point is 00:11:37 So it's no wonder that there are solar deities in just about every culture. In ancient Egypt, Ra was the most powerful of all gods. The sun god ruled over the universe he had created. Similarly, in ancient Mesopotamia, an area that includes modern day Raq, the solar deity, YouTube, was believed to watch over the world. He was responsible for divine justice. There are similar sun gods in other cultures too, who are often associated with creation, power, order and light. His beliefs are reflected in the many myths about the sun which come from all

Starting point is 00:12:28 over the world. Folk lore explains why there is day and night or how the sun came to be. Ancient civilizations also speculated about the movement of the sun. Back then, the sun's journey across the sky must have seen magical. There was only one way to explain it, a vehicle or vessel of some kind. A common element in myths and artworks is the sun traveling across the sky in a vessel. Neolithic rock carvings are believed to depict the sun in a boat. Solar barges also appear in Bronze Age artifacts across Europe and in Egyptian myths. In other cultures, the sun was believed to travel in a horse-drawn chariot. The Hindu sun-god, Suria, is one example.

Starting point is 00:13:32 The Greek gods, Helios and Apollo also cross the sky in golden chariots. In one famous myth, Helios allows his son to borrow his chariot for the day, but the young man drives it too close to the earth, scorching the land and creating deserts in Africa. After reading this, you look up from the book for a moment and let the information sink in. Already you're starting to understand the significance of Sun Myths. In the days before scientific discoveries people used myths to make sense of the world

Starting point is 00:14:18 around them. And it's amazing you think there are common elements in these stories, even though they come from such different distant cultures. From Egypt to Scandinavia, people looked up at the sun and imagined it travelling in a boat. You'd like to learn more about these myths, but there are hundreds of pages in this book, and so many fascinating stories to choose from, you're not sure where to begin. After pondering for a moment, you decide to let the book choose for you. You close it with a soft thud, then let the book fall open again on a random page. The title of the story is The Slowing of the Sun.

Starting point is 00:15:18 It's a Maori myth from New Zealand. Years and years ago the days were short. People would wake up at sunrise and rush to start their daily tasks. The fishermen hurried to their boats at the first hint of light. They had to make the most of the sunlight while it lasted. Often by the time the fisherman returned to shore, the sun was already setting. The day was over and all too soon everyone was back in bed, eagerly awaiting the next sunrise. One night, a young man named Maui lay awake in bed. He'd had the most wonderful day, roaming the land and swimming in the sea with his brothers, if only it had lasted longer.

Starting point is 00:16:23 Maui drifted in and out of sleep. He's thoughts of the sun merging into dreams of the moon and stars. Through the open window came the sounds of the ocean waves, the night breeze moving through the trees, and at last the dawn chorus of the birds. As Maui gradually woke up, his heart full of gratitude for the new day, an idea came to him. He looked out of the window and saw the sky slowly filling with golden light, and he smiled to himself. That morning he called his brothers for a meeting. Just like everyone else, they too wished for longer days

Starting point is 00:17:17 and often grumbled about the early sunset. Maui knew his brothers would be willing to help him. Maui knew his brothers would be willing to help him. I have an idea, he told them, a way to slow the sun. His brothers laughed, but they were curious spirit, a god who moved between the underworld and the sky. So in a way he was just like other living creatures. If a bird could be hunted, an elizard could be trapped in a net, so too could the sun. All they needed to do was make a net, the biggest, strongest net ever created. Then, they would have to wait patiently, just like hunters, and choose their moment. Sunrise would be best, said Maui. At dawn, the sun was still close to the earth, so he would be easier

Starting point is 00:18:27 to catch. And what then? asked one of the brothers. Let's say we catch the sun, and we have him in our net, what next? Maui smiled and told him not to worry, he would find a way to slow the sun. The others were still a little skeptical, but they knew their brother well. He was clever and full of tricks. If anyone was capable of capturing and taming the sun, it would be him. Right away Maui and his brothers began to work on the net, weaving it out of flags. They worked in the sunlight, then by the flame of the campfire, pausing only to eat and sleep.

Starting point is 00:19:20 Sometimes they were helped by others in the village. They would sit together in a huge circle, weaving and weaving until their hands grew tired in their eyelids heavy. The others were mystified. They couldn't understand why Maui was making such an enormous net. Perhaps they thought he planned to catch all the fish of the sea at once so they could have a big feast. Whatever the reason they trusted him, Maui always used his cunning for good and he had helped the community so many times. After a week of hard work, the net was complete. It was enormous, and the ropes were thick and strong, but it was surprisingly light.

Starting point is 00:20:19 Together, Maui and his brothers were able to carry it easily. That night they chanted a prayer of protection and then set off with Maui leading the way. The plan was to head east to the sun's resting place and to catch him as soon as he awoke. The group of men walked slowly across the moonlit fields carrying the net. Some of the ropes trailed over the ground rustling softly as they brushed through the grass. Listening to this soothing almost hypnotic sound, Maui was lulled into a state of calm. Despite the challenger head he felt relaxed and confident. Besides he had a secret weapon. When the brothers arrived at the cave in the east the sky was still dark and spangled

Starting point is 00:21:27 with stars. The cave was known to be the entrance to the underworld. Somewhere deep inside, the sun was fast asleep, but not for much longer. The brothers followed Maui's orders, after painting their skin with clay to protect themselves from the heat of the sun, the men got into position around the entrance to the cave. They each held a part of the net, grasping the ropes tightly in their hands.

Starting point is 00:22:07 When I give the order, said Maui, throw the net. His brothers nodded. They stood by the cave, waiting for the first hint of light, or the first sensation of warmth. The sky was still pitch black. They waited and waited. And then, Maui felt it. The humid night air was becoming warmer and warmer. The humid night air was becoming warmer and warmer. He could feel the prickle of heat, first on his hands, then spreading up his arms. Peering into the darkness of the cave, and then to a fiery gold. At last the sun appeared at the cave's entrance. He moved slowly as he was still very sleepy, having just woken up. Now, said Maui, moving in unison, he and his brothers through the net swiftly, with

Starting point is 00:23:37 all their strength, it covered the sun completely. In his confused, sleepy state, the sun twisted and turned, trying to free himself from the net. The brothers held on tightly to the ropes as Mary tried to reason with the sun. He begged him to move more slowly in the sky, to give the people on earth more daylight. But the sun wouldn't listen. He continued to struggle in the net, moving from side to side. Maui's brothers urged him to do something. Their arms were tired and they were dripping in sweat. They couldn't hold on for much longer. So Maui reached into his pocket and took out his secret weapon, a jawbone. It had belonged to one of his ancestors and it was filled with ancient magic. There was no stronger weapon in the world.

Starting point is 00:24:53 Maui lifted the jawbone high above his head, then brought it crashing down on the sun. One blow was enough. Dazed, the sun stopped moving. The men breathed the collective sigh of relief and loosened their grip on the net. Once the sun had recovered, he agreed to listen to Maui, and in the end, the young man convinced him. From now on, the sun would slow down. People would have enough daylight to do all their work, and still have time left over. Maui and his brothers returned home as heroes and when they got back they still had hours of golden sunlight to look forward to. At the end of the tale you look up from the page, you give yourself a moment to let the story sink in. Like many other myths, it is a story about the power of the sun and its influence on

Starting point is 00:26:18 our lives. But amazingly, Maui takes on the sun and wins. Perhaps this myth reveals a fantasy, our desire to control the elements. What could be more magical than that? As you start to turn the pages once more, you find yourself slipping into a relaxed, dreamy state. There's a sun lounger on the terrace, half in the sun, half in the shade. Maybe you'll take a nap there later.

Starting point is 00:27:06 But you'd like to continue reading for just a little longer. One more myth you decide. Towards the back of the book, a colourful page catches your attention. It's a beautiful Japanese painting of a woman with long black hair. She wears a flowing pink robe and all around her head a shining rays of gold like a halo. You wonder if she's a goddess. then you notice the caption beneath the painting. In small print it says, Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, and a major deity in the Shinto religion.

Starting point is 00:28:01 Turning the page, you realise that there's a myth about this goddess entitled Amaterasu and the cave. You begin to read. Amaterasu was the goddess of the sun. She ruled over a realm in the clouds above the sea. Known as the high celestial plane, it was the home to many gods and spirits. The goddess lived a peaceful existence, watching over heaven and earth. But every now and then, her peace was disturbed by her little brother, the storm god. He loved to play tricks on her and to find new ways to tease her.

Starting point is 00:28:52 One day he went too far. After yet another prank, the goddess decided she'd had enough of her brother's behaviour. She left the palace and walked through the heavens until she reached a cave deep in the woods. It was a place she knew well as she used to play there as a child. At last, she said to herself, some peace and quiet. Her brother would never find her here. Once she was inside, she used an enormous boulder to seal up the cave entrance. Then she settled down to rest, making herself comfortable on the mossy ground. The cave wasn't completely dark as the goddess

Starting point is 00:29:46 shone with her own night, but it was just dark and quiet enough to make her feel drowsy. She soon drifted off, sinking into a well-deserved sleep. But while the goddess slept, the rest of the world remained awake. Where had the sun gone? Without the goddess to light up the days, gods and humans lived in perpetual night. Cropps withered, and no one left the house without a lantern, in case they bumped into a night spirit. All kinds of strange creatures had come out at their hiding places.

Starting point is 00:30:36 Up in the clouds, the gods were concerned. They had a meeting at court to decide what to do about the missing sun goddess. Firstly, they all agreed that the goddess's brother should be banished from the heavens, at least for a little while until he had learned his lesson. He was to blame for the son's disappearance. The storm god usually sulked whenever he was told off, but this time he surprised the council of gods. He bowed deeply and apologized.

Starting point is 00:31:19 Although he didn't know how to bring back the sunlight. He might be able to help. He told the gods that his sister was probably in the forest cave. It was her favorite hiding place back when they were children. The sun goddess didn't know that he knew about the cave, but he had done his best to discover all her secrets. The other gods tutted in disapproval. It was no wonder that the brother and sister were always squabbling. Still, they were grateful to the storm god for this piece of information, who was a star, at least. They set off at once, the procession of gods walked through the darkened heavens, carrying golden lanterns to light the way.

Starting point is 00:32:18 They entered the forest, summoning fireflies for extra light and followed the directions the storm got had given them. A silver stream twisted this way and that until it disappeared into the clouds below. And just beyond was a cave sealed by a border. This must be the place. One of the gods called her name. Amaterasu, are you there? There was no reply from within the cave. But then another god pointed to a crack between the border and the cave. But then, another god pointed to a crack between the boulder and the cave entrance. A sliver of golden light was just visible, emanating from within. The sun goddess

Starting point is 00:33:17 must be inside. The gods discussed what to do next. They knew she could be stubborn, but maybe there was a way to tempt her out. The god of wisdom had an idea. There was something the sun goddess couldn't resist, a party, and he thought of a trick that just might work. So the gods decorated the trees with sparkling jewels and hanging lanterns and placed a splendid mirror in front of the cave. The goddess of laughter began to dance, and the others all joined in, spinning and swaying through the trees while heavily music filled the air.

Starting point is 00:34:15 Inside the cave, the sun goddess began to stir. She rubbed her eyes sleepily, wondering what was going on outside. The forest was usually so quiet with no sounds apart from crickets and birdsong. Where was the music coming from. She knew it might be another one of her brother's tricks, but their music was irresistible. She could hear divine flutes and strings mixed with song and laughter. The sun goddess got up and slowly moved the boulder away from the entrance so she could pier outside. And to her astonishment, she found herself staring at a goddess, a beautiful woman who looked just like her radiating light. The sun goddess was hypnotized by her own reflection, but then

Starting point is 00:35:32 all of a sudden she was pulled away from the mirror and away from the cave. She found herself in sunlit woods, surrounded by gods in colorful costumes. While one of them sealed the cave's entrance, the others cheered, rejoicing at the return of the sun goddess. At last, the long night was over. The gods continued their party, singing and dancing through the trees, and as the goddess danced among them, heaven and earth were showered in sunlight. After reading the final lines of the story, you smile to yourself and close the book.

Starting point is 00:36:38 What a beautiful myth you think. And just like the story of Maui, it's a tale of tricking the sun. Again, you find yourself reflecting on these remarkable similarities between stories from different parts of the world. You'd like to read more and think about what it all means. But right now, you're ready to take a break. The chair you're sitting on is comfy, but the sun-lounger a few feet away looks even comfy. After reading stories about the sun, this is the perfect place to be, you think, relaxing on a sunny terrace.

Starting point is 00:37:46 You walk towards the sun-lounger and move it slightly so there's just the right amount of shade. Then you lie down, stretching out and making yourself comfortable. The material of the lounger supports your body completely and your neck and head are so relaxed. It feels as though your whole body is warmed by the sun, but at the same time you're also protected by the shade of the awning. You let out a deep, contented sigh and close your eyes. You're vaguely aware of the sunlight behind your eyelids. It's like a soft amber glow, relaxing you further and loving you into sleep. And just moments later you feel yourself drifting off into golden dreams. I'm going to do a little bit of the same thing.

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Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Stories of the Sun

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