Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Beauty of Ubud

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. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and it's my honor to be your host. For the second time this week, tonight's story was written by Joe, and as the title suggests, it's another beauty. We'll join a traveler named Sanyu as he visits the Balinese District of Ubud. And we'll explore this extraordinary part of Indonesia through his curious eyes.

Starting point is 00:01:08 Before that, I'd like to remind you that the best way to listen to the show is on our supporters' feet, Get Sleepy Premium. With over 500 full-length episodes, a weekly bonus episode exclusive to premium supporters, and an entirely ad-free listening experience. Get Sleepy Premium makes a good night's rest even easier to achieve. Not only will you find our regular scheduled episodes and premium bonuses, there's also special long-length stitched versions of some of our most popular series, like the Pocket Family, Beauty and the Beast, and of course, Lily's Rainy Day Bakery. Tomorrow's bonus episode is the last from another ongoing series of Celtic meditations. This one is centered

Starting point is 00:02:08 on the Bellteam celebration from the Wheel of the Year, and it's all about renewal. It would mean the world to have your support, so be sure to join us on the Premium Feed. and feed. You get a 7 day free trial when you first sign up. Go to GetSleepy.com slash support or just follow the link in the show notes. Thanks everyone. Now adventure, let's take a little time to prepare for the journey. Close your eyes when you're ready, and shift into a position that feels easy and comfortable. Bring your attention to your body. As you slowly scan up and down, become aware of the sensations that arise along the way. Notice your breath wherever you feel it. Perhaps in the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe in and out. Now rest your hands gently on your stomach and allow your attention to the point of contact between your palms and stomach.

Starting point is 00:04:15 You might notice the breath moving through your body, lifting and lowering your hands as they rest on your stomach. Enjoy the comfort and peace of this moment. of your own natural breath. And now, let go of everything but the sound of my voice, as we bring to mind the setting of our story. The sun-soaked paradise filled with tropical wildlife and a unique spiritual charm. This is where our story begins. Southeast Asia is home to the largest archipelagic state in the world. Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands, including Bali tonight's destination. This tropical isle is the western most province of the lesser Sunder islands. It's nestled between its neighbours, Lombok and Java. Nicknamed the island of the gods, Bali is a small island with a big reputation. It's famed for its natural beauty.

Starting point is 00:06:40 It boasts turquoise surf and idyllic beaches, with white sand in some places and black sand in others. Along the coastlines is a rugged backdrop of mountains, cliff sides and active volcanoes. active volcanoes. Bali is known for its colorful landscape and the terrorist rice fields on the hillsides. They form carpeted stairways in a kaleidoscope of green, with colors so vivid that they seem almost imagined. Emerald rainforests sit within valleys entirely surrounded by rolling, jade-green hills. Tropical flora is hidden below jungle-like canopies, among grottoes, streams and secluded waterfalls. Tourists flock to this tropical paradise to surf, relax, shop and eat. Many come to see the wildlife or the diverse marine life around the coral reefs. Bali is also a mecca of all things spiritual,

Starting point is 00:08:22 and it attracts many visitors for just that reason. The beauty of the island seems the ideal setting to combine exploration with healing and self-discovery. People seek tranquility in the shrines and temples and in the countless retreats, offering yoga and meditation. Sangu, a traveler in his 20s, has come to the district of Ubud, the beating heart of Balinese culture. It's the most popular area for this reason, and it's a place he's long dreamt of visiting. Sanyu was born in Uganda where his name means joy or happiness. Joy for Sanyu comes from traveling the globe and that Indonesia and he's seen wonderful sights across the islands.

Starting point is 00:09:54 Along the way is her tales of Bali, its friendly people, delicious food and overall atmosphere of easy contentment. So his delight to be here in Ubuut, which is prettier and more peaceful than he'd ever imagined. The District of Ubud comprises several villages which together form the uphill town. It sprawls outwards in every direction among the rice fields, ravines and foottails in the mountains. To the west and northwest are luxury hotels and enjoy views of lush green valleys. They can watch the cyclists who navigate the rice fields on the hypnotic paths that wind throughout.

Starting point is 00:11:23 To the east is an 11th century cave. Its home to the vast remains of a Hindu temple which also has some Buddhist elements. People can wander through the pools and gardens and take in the beauty of the ancient architecture. The area to the south is built up and it's one of the hot alongside cafes and art galleries. People pass through on the journey southwards, on their way to visit the sacred monkey sanctuary. Sun you arrived in Ubud just two days ago. Yet already he's embraced the waves of the island. He woke early this morning and cycled southwards, where he took in the sunrise, cross-legged on the sand. How wonderful it was to begin the day, basking in the salty sea air, and to hear the waves lapping against the shore above the distant sounds of Gamalan Chimes.

Starting point is 00:13:10 From the beach he rode northwards to a nearby waterfall, beautifully set in jungle-like wilderness. He parked his bike and strode towards the falls. At just after 7, he was the only one there. Sanyu walked towards the sound of running water until eventually he came to the knee-deep pool. The falls were enclosed within a tranquil cove with high walls of bright mossy green. He waded in without hesitation, standing below the white foamy veil. The carton of cool, fresh water flowed over him. It was an invigorating experience and certainly refreshing, a moment that left him feeling present and alive. Afterwards he swam through the basin, he floated on his back, gazing at the sky, and he listened to

Starting point is 00:14:50 the birds as they sang their morning song. incredibly calm. Time spent in nature soothed his senses and he felt deeply connected to land and water. It was a beautiful start to the day. Now, is here in the centre of Ubud, ready to explore Balinese culture. Is changed into shorts and a t-shirt and comfortable walking sandals. Sun's plan is to wander through the market located at the centre of the Yubu district. He'll take in the sights and sample the food, eating like a local. Other tourists that he's met along his travels have spoken highly of this busy central market. They've gushed about the craftsmanship of the hand-waving bags and the colourful wooden artwork. The colours, in fact, are what Sanyu notices first.

Starting point is 00:16:33 They jump off the stalls and the products. There are hand-painted wallets, mosaic-style pottery and handmade scarves of patterned silk. Dresses and sorongs display tropical prints in beside rows of hats and coloured woven bags. The stores themselves are also eye-catching. Many have umbrellas raised at their front, opened to display triangles of colour. They are fixed above the stands, jutting into the walkway, to shelter the products and customers below. Luckily, it's April in Bali's dry season. So the umbrellas offer shade from the sunshine rather than shelter from the rain. Bali is beautiful in April, with cloudless blue skies and lovely warm weather. Sanyu chose to come now for this very reason.

Starting point is 00:18:19 It's warm and wonderful, and only just in season. The benefit of this is that it's relatively quiet. The temples and beaches aren't crowded with tourists and it's possible to have a waterfall to yourself. The market of Ubud has a fair few customers meandering happily with bags full of shopping. Occasionally, mopeds ride up and down the streets, as do cyclists weaving seamlessly between the flow of foot traffic. Balinese locals work at the stores, sitting happily and chatting to customers. Some crochet, carve wood or paint whenever they aren't needed elsewhere. Others sip tea and burn incense as they work, which is why the whole market smells like sandalwood and lemongrass. Some of the products on sale are the usual sunglasses, bracelets and typical souvenirs,

Starting point is 00:20:00 while other items seem uniquely barlinies. Wood and wall hangings are shaped like surfboards, with words and pictures carved on their front. welcome, written at its centre, beside an etching of palm trees on a long stretch of sand. Below, there are bowls shaped like the island. Knots and grains swell beautifully through their wooden surface. The friendly saleswoman tells Sanyu that they are handcrafted, made from the mahogany of local trees. Further along, there's a table of hand drums. They remind Sarnu of other drums his scene back home.

Starting point is 00:21:15 He likes the colours around the base. The drums are decorated with docked painting, orange, yellow and turquoise markings form wave-like swells and balls of sunlight. Nearby landscapes of the island are celebrated on canvas, brought to life in oil paint. One scene depicts a lovely waterfall, similar to the one Sun you bathed in this morning. The white curtain of water contrasts strikingly against the mossy green walls of a secluded cove. Another painting catches Sanyu's eye and he recognizes the hallmarks of a Hindu temple. The building stands out among green surroundings. Its brick work painted in brightest orange. It rises upwards like a thin step pyramid. The temple is all native decorated and has a golden door at the center.

Starting point is 00:22:54 Over 85% of Balinese people identify as Hindu, unlike the majority of Indonesians who are Muslim. Bilanese Hinduism combines Hindu and Buddhist beliefs alongside traditions of the indigenous community. Gods and goddesses are thought to be present in all things, including the nature that's so abundant on the island. A tree, for instance, might be home to a spirit, as might a cloth, a bowl, or an animal. Nature is important to the people of Bali and deeply entwined with spiritual philosophy. Sanya can see this from the market stalls. There are ornamental burders beside carvings of monkeys.

Starting point is 00:24:13 A decorative elephant hangs on a wall. It's a bright pink hue with patterns of teal. It looks every bit the sacred animal with golden glitter on its tusks. Inch is away is a circular hanging, the om symbol carved within a flower. The Om symbol carved within a flower. Sanyu has learnt about the Om already. It's a sacred syllable thought to represent the essence of the universe. Om is often recited at the start and end of prayers and in practices of yoga, chanting and meditation. Exploring the market is like exploring the island. It gives insight into what Bali is about.

Starting point is 00:25:32 To Sanju, it seems to be a wonderful paradox. Bali is loud, yet peaceful, busy yet still. There's a laid back energy that feels calm and restful and a carefree spirit permeates the air. This feeling is amplified by the sound of music emerging from a stall that son you approaches. A young man sits before a wall of ukulele. They're like tiny guitars of every color. The man's expression is fixed in an easy smile as he strums away on a bamboo ukulele. The sound reminds Sarnu a little of a banjo, only its sweeter and dainty are in pitch and tambour. The notes are gentle, as if the musicians fingers only grace each string. Sanyu recognizes the music. It's an altered version of a modern pop song.

Starting point is 00:27:13 The tempo is much slower, so it's suited to the a better form of advertising than the sweet melodies which echo from this place. Tantalizing smells are equally effective, alerting sun you to a nearby cafe. His appetite is stirred by the smell of baking bread, freshly ground coffee and other delicacies that he can't quite identify. He follows these scents out of the market and along the pavement that runs beside the road. He passes various buildings of different shapes and sizes. There are supermarkets, restaurants, salons and spars. Each building is surrounded with thriving greenery, lawns, gardens, flowers and plants in decorative pots. The town is filled with trees. They line the pavements and the edges of roads with lush green canopies that hang above

Starting point is 00:28:55 the traffic. The trees grow between buildings and before shopfronts and restaurants. Their shade forming beautiful patterns on the sun-soaked ground. Sarnu arrives at a charming little cafe, with vines hanging down from a glass-walled porchway. Tables and chairs are positioned along the front, and around the side, there are soaring yucker plants. Sanyu admires their emerald, sword-shaped leaves, spilling outwards. He takes a seat at an empty table, directly beside one such plant. There, he browses the colorful menu, with a selection of dishes written down its center.

Starting point is 00:30:12 The menu has a border of bright green leaves dotted in places with crimson flowers. Just moments later, the waitress arrives. Sanyu orders a bowl of a saivrute and a plate of pancakes with whipped cream and chocolate. To drink, he orders fresh coconut water, served from within the coconut shell. While he's waiting for his food, he takes in his surroundings, including the customers dining around him. A lady sits nearby, taking mindful sips of her warm green tea. Elsewhere, a couple share a large fruit platter as they look over the pages of a travel book on Bali. Music plays from inside the cafe, slow, easy rhythms like the tune of the ukulele. The beat seems to match the movement of the breeze and the gentle sway of leaves and branches. Equally, it suited to the footsteps of the waitress, who almost waltzes towards Sarnu's table. His drink is the first thing to be placed

Starting point is 00:32:11 before him, a large green coconut that's been carefully cracked open. A straw has been inserted below the makeshift lid beside a decorative flower wedged into place. Next, he is presented with his Asaibo. It's as much a work of art as a meal to be eaten. Sarnu begins with a sip from the coconut, lifting the Alexa to quench his thirst. Then he turns to the Asai, exquisitely presented in a handmade wooden bowl. fruits and seeds have been arranged on its surface, creating a layered circle. The outside layer is formed of strawberry slices, then there's white shredded coconut and crunchy granola. At the center of the bowl is a bright yellow mango, expertly sliced to appear like a flower. Below the toppings is the palt assai, which is revealed as sarnu scoops up her mouthful.

Starting point is 00:34:11 It's been pureed to the texture of luxurious ice cream, and it's a striking shade of deep dark purple. Sanyu enjoys every single mouthful in between sips of his coconut water. The bitter asai is balanced by the sweetness of the fruit toppings and honey to granola. Sun you remembers something he read about Ubud. Apparently the town gets its name from the word for medicine. People originally came to Elbut for herbs and plants with healing properties. As Sanyu eats his meal, he understands why. The food is delicious, but also nourishing and restorative. It feels wonderful to eat something so fresh

Starting point is 00:35:33 and colourful, something made from natural ingredients, though it's as much a dessert as a brunch or breakfast, the same is true of the next dish he eats, a plate of bowl, which the waitress takes with a beaming smile. Three warm pancakes have been layered on a plate and adorned with a crown of thick whipped cream. Beside the pancake is a part of chocolate sauce and slices of banana that seem to have been caramelized. Sarnu takes the part of warm chocolate and pours it over the cream topped pancakes. He watches mesmerized as it trickles downwards, spilling between the layers and onto the banana. The luxurious dark chocolate reflects light like a mirror as it coats the sides of the golden pancakes.

Starting point is 00:37:14 Sign new savers each delicate mouthful of the chocolate-covered pancakes. chocolate covered pancakes. The cream and chocolate make a great combination, and the molasses, but soft and fruity. When his plate is clear, he leans back in his chair. He sips from his coconut, feeling happy and satisfied. Sanyu hasn't decided on where he'll visit next. His content to go where his feet take him. So that's what he does after paying and thanking the waitress for his truly scrumptious meal. He simply places one foot before the other, continuing along the road that brought him to

Starting point is 00:38:41 the cafe. It's late afternoon and the sun beams brightly in and as your sky. Sun you is grateful for the gentle breeze. It calls his skin which is warmed by the sunshine. He enjoys these feelings as he walks onwards, absorbing the surroundings of Ubud town. He has a rough idea of his current location and knows that his south of the market. So he isn't surprised when he sees a sign for the famous monkey forest just ahead on the pathway. Sanyu had planned to visit the sanctuary during his stay in Ubud, and this seems like the perfect opportunity.

Starting point is 00:39:57 He said countless stories about the beauty of this place, and the free roaming monkeys that reside there. Though he's also been advised to keep his belongings hidden, as these mischievous creatures are expert thieves. He follows the path that winds downhill behind a few tourists heading the same way. Everyone strolls at the same easy pace and they all wear the same awe-filled expressions. This is especially true as they arrive at the sanctuary, a vast and vibrant rainforest. Sanyu pauses beside the entrance, inhaling the magic of the trees around him. The air is thick with fresh woodland scents. Each inhale feels healing and restorative. And as he breathes out, he is filled with a sense of peace. Sanyu is reminded of his reading and the Balinese principle of Trihita Karana. This relates to the three components of well-being. Harmony with gods, among humans, and with nature.

Starting point is 00:42:10 These Hindus believe that these three things lead to a harmonious life. The forest embodies this principle, combining three Hindu temples and a stunning nature reserve. have. Sanyu pauses to read an information board, keen to learn more about the monkeys and their habitat. The forest he reads covers 30 acres. It includes over 180 species of plants and trees, and the area is home to about 600 macaques, known locally as the Balinese Longtailed Monkey. The Monkey Forest is one of Bali's most famous attractions, welcoming up to 15,000 visitors each month. The Maccax have grown used to human company. In general, they pay visitors little to no attention as they traverse the paths across the Hilly Woodland. Sanyu can hear the monkeys already. Their high-pitched squeaks punctuate the air against the backdrop of crickets and

Starting point is 00:43:49 diverse bad life. He can see one now from his position near the entrance to the sanctuary. The monkey is sitting upright on a wooden handrail that runs beside the walkway. Its furry brown legs droop down, relaxed, its head moving from side to side. The creature's overall demeanor is one of relaxed non-chalance. It seems more than happy to watch the world pass. Sun you is amused by its human-like posture. It reminds him of a person relaxing on a seat. He also lacks the idea of the monkeys watching their visitors, just as the humans have come to see them.

Starting point is 00:45:13 Sarnu smiles as he passes this, he notes its features. The monkey's exposed underside is a pale shade of grey. Its outer coat is a darker brown hue, though its sparkles and glitters when it catches the sunlight. Its long tail is a mixture of these colours and droops down behind the railings. This particular monkey has a patch of golden fur right on its head, like a crown. And it has hazel green eyes on a pinkish grey face with solid white markings arched above them. Sanya suspects that this monkey is a male, as it has a moustache of fuzzy white fur. The moustache matches its white whiskers, resulting in a somewhat distinguished look. This sighting, of course, is the first of many as monkeys roam happily throughout the forest. It's the perfect environment where they can thrive, and it's like no other place that Sarnu has visited.

Starting point is 00:47:11 This forest has trees of every kind, each abundant with bright green leaves. Many are 40 feet tall and with their canopies so high up, the leaves seem as far away as stars. Sanyu's favourites are the Banyan trees. Krishna, a major deity, is often portrayed resting on a banyan leaf. These massive trees fan out like umbrellas, with aerial roots hanging down from their branches. And among them are the muckacks, male and female, infants and seniors. Some walk on all fours along the wooden walkways, or scurry happily across the green forest floor. Others relax, lounging on roots and branches, enjoying a rest among leafy green canopies. Sani sees a monkey swinging through the air, leaping between the roots of the giant banyan trees. He also notes a mother sitting on a boulder, sweetly cradling an infant in her arms. The sanctuary is built on undulating land with a deep ravine running through the grounds. There are slopes and stairways near the path, allowing access to the stream below.

Starting point is 00:49:27 Sanya enjoys the sound of running water, which becomes louder and fuller the further down he walks. It reminds him of the waterfall from earlier this morning and the sound of the waves as he watched the sunrise. Most magical of all is the ravine crossing, also known as the Dragon Bridge. Brickham Bridge. This old stone bridge has been expertly sculpted with dragons at its ends. These magnificent creatures wear elaborate headdresses, and their scales are adorned with a myriad of jewels. Like the various sculptures and statues of monkeys scattered throughout the forest, the bridge

Starting point is 00:50:38 is covered with a layer of green moss. This only adds to its aura and mystique, that ancient stillness that seems to resonate from the stone. Patens of sunlight flicker across its surface, where the rays break through the forest canopy. But most of the bridge rests in the shade of the bridge, like curtains falling from the sky. The roots sway gently in the afternoon breeze and wherever monkeys have leapt across them. A large muckack sits on the bridge, right on the head of an ornate stone dragon. He pays Sanyu no attention. A pair of monkeys pass by, heading in the opposite direction. Others move freely across the stone and along the roots beside the bridge. Aside from the monkeys, there's no one else here. Sun you take a moment to pause on the bridge.

Starting point is 00:52:30 He watches the stream through a gap in the tree roots, following its journey as it flows down the ripples. It's as if the sounds are washing his mind clean. Sun you feels as if he's fallen into a postcard, or one of those paintings on sale at the market. He feels uniquely present, his conscious of every sight and sound, as well as the deeper sensations in his own body. Again, he experiences that sense of connection and the ground beneath his feet. It's as if he's become like a banhian tree with roots spilling out. He somehow feels more tethered to the land he walks on and more connected to the water, nature and the spirit of Bali. A pair of small monkeys sit nearby facing each other.

Starting point is 00:54:25 sit nearby facing each other. One is grooming the other's beige coat and meticulously picking through each section of fur. The other waits patiently, his head bent forward and his tail calmed over the side of the bridge. When Sarnu leaves, this is still ongoing. He has the impression that they'll be there for a while. But they pass him just a few minutes later on his journey upwards to where the ground levels out. And he sees them again on the flat stone path, among a crowd that have gathered around a man. The monkeys are feasting on a

Starting point is 00:55:28 banquet of fruits and vegetables, corn, sweet potato, cucumber and coconut. Sanya's eyes follow a monkey who nibbles happily on a cob of golden corn. When he's finished eating, he quickly grabs another, taking it with him as he wanders towards a wall. The monkey then leaps over a low iron gate, which leads to the main temple. Entrance is forbidden, except for those in prayer. But the resident monkeys go where they choose. But the resident monkeys go where they choose. Sanyu watches from behind the gate as a man in white robes, lights sticks of incense. He places them before an altar of ancient mossy stone near offerings of bright crimson flowers. The man pauses before the altar, praying silently. The smell of incense wafts towards Sanyu. Its sandalwood and lemongrass, the same sense of the market.

Starting point is 00:57:18 Sanyu is struck by a realization as he notes the appearance of the temple in the background. Its bright orange brickwork looks strangely familiar, rising upwards like a thin step pyramid. Though his view is obscured, he can make out some details, an elaborate stone framework and carvings of lions. He can also see a doorway of decorative gold glittering and otherworldly where it catches the sunlight. Sun Uriirises that it's the temple he saw earlier in the market, the one painted in oil on canvas. Only now, it's alive with sound and colour, and the movements of monkeys roaming around the stone in a leisurely manner. around the stone in a leisurely manner. This is a moment that Sarnu will remember many months and years into the future. For him, it captures the essence of Bali, the spiritual world and the natural world,

Starting point is 00:59:12 so beautifully combined. Later, he'll return to the market and he'll purchase the painting of the orange temple. It will hang on his walls for a long time to come. of this treasured moment, and the peace he felt here in Ugoot. ... ... 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 01:00:56 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. ... you ... ... ... ... you ... ... you … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … you you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Beauty of Ubud

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