← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
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Thomas
Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and Premium members. If you'd like to listen ad free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalogue, you can try out Premium free for seven days by following the link in the episode notes. Now a quick word from our sponsors. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. It's clear that mental health awareness is growing, but there's still progress to be made. In a recent survey, 26% of Americans said they have avoided seeking mental health support due to fear of judgment. So this Mental Health Awareness Month, let's encourage everyone to take care of their well being and break the stigma. The world is better when people are healthy and happy. Personally, I've always found therapy to be a powerful and positive tool whenever I've chosen to speak to a professional, and that includes my sessions with a BetterHelp therapist a few years ago. BetterHelp is fully online, making therapy affordable and convenient and serving over 5 million people worldwide. We're all better with help, so visit betterhelp.com getsleepy to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelphelp.com getsleepy welcome to get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. As always, my name's Thomas and I'm your host. I'm very excited to bring you tonight's episode. Many of you have joined us on our previous dreamy adventures with Robin Hood. In those stories, you've spent time in his merry company in an imaginary Sherwood Forest of the past. As a repeat visitor to Sherwood, you are always welcomed back like an old friend and tonight will be no exception. Thank you to Alicia Stefan for her wonderful writing of this and all of our Robin Hood tales. I've had the pleasure of recording all four of them for you, and I'll be sure to add the titles and release dates of the others in the episode description should you wish to go back and listen to them. Before we rejoin the welcoming folk in Sherwood Forest, let's take a few moments to settle in and build some restful positive feelings within. And in fact, I have a little anecdote to help us with that. Today I had a couple of builders in doing some work on my house. They're the same guys that recently converted my garage into a studio office space, so I'm well familiar with them by now and in fact one of them was my friend prior to them doing some work. Anyway, you're probably wondering where I'm going with this. So I'll try to get to the point. I was taken by surprise when the chap, who I didn't know prior to them doing some work for me, greeted me this morning and then said, I tell you what, Tom, you always seem to be happy, and not many of our customers seem to be like that. Now, I'm not all that good at taking compliments, especially when they come out of the blue like that, but, wow, did it mean a lot to hear it from someone I still don't really know all that well. And of course, we all present ourselves to others in certain ways that don't always tell a full story of how we might be feeling. There are definitely days when I find it harder to be my usual positive self, but it really did feel nice to know that I come across that way to others and that hopefully it rubs off on them as well. So, apologies, enough of blowing one's own trumpet here. But my point is, the way we act towards others, and particularly the words we share with those people we come into contact with, really can be impactful. Just think about how it feels when someone says something genuine and complimentary about you. Those are the things that we typically hold on to and maybe use to boost ourselves when we need it. And whether he meant to or not, that little interaction this morning really did make my day. It reminded me that it's so important to show others our appreciation for who they are. So tomorrow or in the coming days, I encourage you to share some words of positivity to your friends, family, loved ones or even strangers you might have a short interaction with. It's almost certain to make them feel good, and it'll make you feel good in return, knowing that you've probably just made a positive impact and improved their day. For now, my friends, let me remind you that you are special in so many ways and that you are appreciated, admired and loved for who you are. And as we take that shared appreciation and camaraderie forward into the night, we can join up with a group of merry revellers in Nottinghamshire. You're about to find yourself on a fine May day in the heart of Sherwood Forest. This is where our story begins. A moment ago, you were tucked up in your bed, drifting off to sleep. Now, feeling as if you have sunk pleasantly into a quiet, restful place, you also become aware of a warm light up ahead. As if swimming to the surface of consciousness, you open your eyes to a sunny woodland scene. All around you, the air is fresh and the mood of Mother Nature is bright. Everywhere you Turn. You hear a beautiful chorus of birds. Turning your head, you see that you are once again standing on a familiar road through the forest. You have been here on several prior occasions. At the moment, you are the only person around. But you know that if you follow a certain twisting path into the trees, you will eventually stumble upon someone you know from past adventures. In this same place. You are suffused with happiness to realize that you've been granted a return visit to Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest. Looking up, you see the birches and the oaks you have come to know so well. They are sprouting tiny fresh leaves, tentatively showing signs of life after a long winter. The sky is a dazzling blue. It peaks between their mostly bare branches. As if to reassure you that spring has arrived, you stroll away from the well worn cart tracks on the road and plunge into the woods, feeling a comfortable certainty that you know where the small path will lead you. As the undergrowth closes in on the trail, you find yourself reaching to touch the bluebells that stand along the sides. You bend down to pluck just one of them, sending out a silent message to the forest that it will be your only self indulgence. Then you continue, a smile spreading across your face as you drop your hand to the side, letting it delicately hang there. You are not deeply knowledgeable about bird calls, but once again you recognize the adorable chiff chaff piping at you. Its repeating song floats on the air at your back as you continue walking, as if to say, don't worry, I am here. Indeed, you feel you haven't a care in the world. This forest path is the prettiest and the best place you could possibly. Your progress is steady as you recognize familiar parts of the woods. Here is the collection of boulders where you once happened upon a rabbit. There is the spot where a friendly hedgehog once ambled across your path. Up ahead, you see the place where you encountered Robin Hood himself on a tempestuous spring day many months ago, after which you enjoyed a little adventure and a night at his favourite tavern. Each time you visit this forest, it gives you a new gift of fellowship. You are never disappointed. You pass numerous woodland pools full of tadpoles. It's easy to lightly hop over the running waters that sometimes cross your path. But just as the distant roar of the river looms ahead with its little waterfall and its cheerful rapids, you hear voices nearby. Pausing to listen, you wonder who you are about to encounter. The conversation is not loud, but you can discern more than one woman speaking. A musical laugh drifts through the Trees as one of the ladies sings a brief tune. There seems to be a lively disagreement happening, or at very least a joke is being exchanged. Before you can make up your mind or discover more, the party is upon you. There are four riders. One is the delightful Friar Tuck, whom you know from your earlier visits. He is clad in his usual brown robe and wears a typically beatific countenance. You note that in keeping with his love of food, he is finishing off the last few bites of what looks to be a savory pie of some type. There are also two ladies who you have not seen before. They are dressed in pretty gowns with hair carefully braided and coiled. They wear fluttering veils that float on the spring breezes. The fourth rider is so lovely that you feel as if you should bow to her instantly. You know her to be the gracious and beautiful Maid Marian. You saw her once when she arrived to dance at a wedding in Robin Hood's camp. She is even more stunning than you remember. Her own long locks hang in braids that peek out from beneath her veil, which is anchored by a gold circlet on her head. Her dress is perfectly fitted, with sleeves that trail elegantly. Even the way she sits atop her horse is graceful. Friar Tuck is the first to hail you. He hollers jovially in your direction, as if you are a long lost companion. It delights you to be welcomed back to the fold of Robin Hood's merry men, and in such an enthusiastic manner. Friend, where have you been? He cries, dismounting from his sturdy horse. Then, wiping the last traces of pie off his fingers, he reaches out and pats you on the back. The ladies halt, smiling curiously in your direction. You know that Maid Marian will not recognize you as you had been one of the many bystanders when you last saw her. Friar Tuck is quick, however, to make introductions. My dear ladies, this is our friend who journeys here only a few times a year. However, a jollier and more worthy companion could not be found turning back to you. He pats you vigorously on the shoulders with his generous hands. Robin Hood will be so glad to have your company, as we'll be spending the afternoon celebrating May Day at camp. You nod, feeling gratified. You are already looking forward to taking part in whatever festivities lie ahead. Friar Tuck motions that the ladies should continue on horseback, but he takes his own mount by the reins and walks next to you. The progress of your company is quite leisurely, so it is easy for you to keep up. One of the ladies in waiting calls back. That the two of you should collect some wild flowers for them so that they might make mayday reefs. You are happy to comply, feeling that the forest would gladly give up a little of its bounty for such a worthy cause. When you have a good fistful, you stroll next to the two ladies riding behind Marian, and you hand each of them a bunch of blooms. They express their pleasure and say that they will make good use of these treasures upon their arrival. After all, one of them adds with a wink, the Mayday Queen and her attendance must be resplendent. You bask in the warmth of her smile, feeling pleased with your contribution. Friar Tuck breaks into your happy reverie by asking you if you knew that Maid Marian had had oft been crowned the May Queen, and sometimes in very exalted company. At this, Marion turns and gives him a chiding expression, rolling her eyes a little. Tuck boasts too readily of my past honours, she says wryly. Then, with a meaningful look at the friar, she adds, we all know how ingloriously my first day as the May Queen ended at this. Friar Tuck issues a jolly laugh that rolls through the forest, and the ladies giggle down delicately, in agreement. Your curiosity is now piqued, and you ask what they are referring to. This, of course, was Friar Tuck's aim, as he does love to tell a good yarn. But the tale is briefly delayed as you reach a gurgling waterfall, one that you've come to know from your past visits. The small river isn't running particularly high, and the horses are easily able to pick their way across this place, which is rather shallow. You and Friar Tuck hop from stone to stone. You soon reach the other side without even getting your feet wet. This gives you a sense of satisfaction, as if you have acquired a skill unique to special visitors in Sherwood Forest. And now you are briefly distracted from thinking about the promised tale. This is because you know that beyond the tangle of bramble and gorse bushes, you will soon see the clearing where Robin Hood's camp is tucked away. You hear a bird call, then another, and another. You realize that these musical sounds are separate from the birdsong you've been hearing so far. They are made by a human voice. And before you can think further, a sprightly young man jumps down out of a nearby tree, calling out a greeting. He is dressed in Lincoln green, but you already know that he must be part of Robin Hood's company simply because he is so close to the hideaway. Puffing now with a bit too much exertion, Friar Tuck answers his hello, asking him where the ale is being served. The man laughs with good nature and assures the friar that the ale is just now beginning to flow and that the good times are nigh. Falling in step with a polite greeting to Marion and her ladies, he puts his arm around Tuck's shoulder and grins. You are quickly introduced as you've not had the pleasure of this man's company before. His name is Will Scarlett, and you are immediately won over by his easy smile and his mischievous air. You listen with interest as he and Tuck exchange jokes. Will strides easily towards the camp, but he shortens his steps so as to not outpace the friar, who is obviously much less fit. Meanwhile, the ladies urge their horses to pick up their pace as they near the edge of the camp. They are eager to arrive and are met by a raucous cheer and a smattering of applause. Both of the handmaidens gladly jump down from their horses with unaffected delight at their arrival. Meanwhile, Marian maintains a sort of majestic gravity, nodding to people as she rides her horse into the clearing. Her countenance appears to shine upon everyone present, striking them with an awe that causes them to look shy and put on their best behavior. And then Robin appears. He claps Friar Tuck and Will Scarlet on the shoulders and loudly thanks them for bringing to him his beautiful sweetheart. At this, Miriam purses her lips somewhat derisively and slides down from her horse, letting one of Robin's men lead it away. Robin steps up in front of her and sweeps into a fancy bow, lifting his head rakishly to kiss her elegant hand. Marion stands there with her veil fluttering in the breeze. For a moment you cannot read her expression as she and Robin stare at each other. Then, all at once, she bursts into sweet laughter, clapping her other hand to the side of her face. Her voice peels through the glen, inspiring smiles on all who are working and talking nearby. Oh, Robin, she says. You are ever pretending to be the fine gentleman, but I know you too well. Robin doesn't argue with this. Instead he grins as if to own up to the accusation. One of Marion's ladies appears at her side and offers to take her to a private place where she can freshen up. Marion graciously accepts. As she walks away, she calls out, robin, behave yourself until I return. At this, he stands up and swivels in your direction, his self satisfied smile quickly changing into an expression of honest delight. Friend, you have finally returned to us, he says. You feel yourself blush with pleasure at this welcome. It is rather nice to to fill such a part of the gathering. A kind lady with a wrinkled apron busily ushers you to the fire, where you are handed a cup of something to drink and enthusiastically greeted by more of Robin's men. At this point, you find Tuck and Will Scarlet appearing on either side of you, and Tuck begins to speak again. He says he must recount the aforementioned tale of how Marion was the May Queen not so long ago at the Gamwell estate. When he says this, he nods at Will Scarlett. You cannot predict what role Will is going to play in this tale, but you see that he is part of the story. It all started on a Mayday a few years ago, tuck offers in a dramatic voice, leaning in your direction. At that time, young Will here was known as William Gamwell, and his father hosted one of the finest May Day celebrations in these parts. Friar Tuck stops here and and takes a large swig of ale for dramatic effect. Then he continues, lady Marian was well known to be the kindest and most beautiful young woman in any nearby noble family. And she was crowned May Queen. As was traditional for the celebration, she was draped in flowers and seated to preside over the festivities. There was dancing, there was feasting, there was drinking. At this, Tuck and Scarlet both raised their eyebrows at each other and laugh raucously. There was much revelry, Tuck says, when he's regained his composure. But most importantly, there was an archery contest. Tuck and Will Scarlet nod at each other. This must be an important plot point. And you have a feeling you know why. The friar goes on. Men from far and wide entered themselves into this competition, for the prize was to sit on the dais with Lady Marian for the afternoon. Naturally, every unmarried man present desired such a thing. Everyone sitting within earshot nods, as if this is the most obvious thing in the world. And you have to agree, tuck continues, young Gamwell here. Now, our young Will Scarlet, he was a good shot, but he was no competition for a certain mischievous archer who appeared unrecognized by any man. At this, Tuck raises his eyebrows suggestively and Will laughs into his mug. Then Will says, tis true, I am a fair shot, but there are some who are peerless. What most people present did not observe was that the anonymous archer was none other than our very own Robin Hood, who had a secret standing friendship of a special sort with Lady Marian. This pronouncement from the friar is made with much import. You sense that this is so, you may understand. It is a love affair between the two of them. You nod to indicate that you grasp his meaning. In exchange, he bobs his head in satisfaction well, he continues, it seems that all would go well. But a certain jealous rival for Lady Marion's affections discerned Robin's identity while he was competing with. Without saying a word to anyone, the traitor quickly slipped out of the celebration and rode madly to Nottingham. Once there, he demanded an audience with the detestable and dishonest Sheriff and told him that the outlaw Robin Hood was currently to be found on the Gamwell lands. The Sheriff had long yearned to capture al Robin, so he gathered a party of his men and set out immediately for the May Day celebration, which was soon coming to an end. He didn't want to miss his chance to capture the auto who'd so often embarrassed and eluded him. Meanwhile, Robin and Will here had accompanied Lady Marion as she travelled homeward along with a few of Robin's men. They wanted to see her there safely. Of course, this is highly understandable and you nod in unison with Tuck and Will as they both sip from their mugs. At that moment you look around the circle and see a few other celebrants gladly hanging on Tuck's every word. They have the look of people who are listening to a familiar and much beloved story. You have the feeling that the action in the tale is about to pick up, so you lean in to make sure you can hear everything. As you do this, you are dimly aware of the camp springing to life in the background. You hear the twang of instruments being casually tuned somewhere nearby and a peal of feminine laughter rolling through the glen and the whinny of a horse drifts on the air. You are filled with a sense of well being and happy anticipation of what is still to come. And then Friar Tuck resumes his story. As I was saying, Robin, Will and some of the men were headed home with Lady Marian and all seemed well. After a fine May Day celebration, however, a surprise lay in wait for them. The assembled company grins with delight. They appear to know what the surprise was. Tuck continues along the way, who should meet with them but the Sheriff of Nottingham and his worthless men. The group listening to the story all mutter at each other and shake their heads with disapproval. You know well what their opinion of the Sheriff is. Having allowed them the appropriate commentary, Friar Tuck resumes the story. Naturally, the Sheriff demanded that Robin Hood surrender himself, but of course, none of his company would have it. In fact, not the least of the resistance came from the good, good Lady Marion herself. Her eyes flashed with defiance and she told the Sheriff that he would not be seizing Robin that day or any other A small cheer goes up around the fire as the listeners rejoice in her bravery. You can see from their reaction that they respect the lady greatly. Will Scarlet picks up the tale here as Friar Tuck takes a long drink from his mug. I will attest myself, as Tuck was not present, that Lady Marion directed her own spectacular archery at the Sheriff's men. She halted one of them by shooting an arrow straight in his shoulder. And the Merry Men demonstrated their usual skill, subduing the Sheriff's men long enough for Robin and Marian to be whisked away into the forest. Then Will hangs his head in an aspect of dramatic regret and adds, but as the lesser fighter, I foolishly stumbled and allowed myself to be captured. The crowd murmurs with great sympathy. They are obviously on Will's side. He takes a deep breath and continues. The Sheriff's party was diminished and floundering, but they dragged me back to Nottingham and threw me in a cell that I might be judged and punished for my defense of Robin. There is a respectful silence around the fire as all the listeners reflect an appropriate level of concern. Tuck breaks the gloomy mood by cheerfully offering a welcome plot twist. Never fear, he says. As a humble man of God, I was able to disguise myself and arrive at the prison claiming to be Will's confessor. Once I was inside, I unlocked the gate, allowing Robin and his men to to launch an assault on the jail. So it was that our dear Will was soon freed and we were able to bundle him away into the woods. The people around the fire raise their mugs and cheer in unison. It is clearly their favourite part of the story. Will beams at Tuck and the friar plaps him jovially on the back, making his tankard of ale slosh over just a bit. Then one of the other listeners around the fire pipes up, asking, and what of the Lady Marion? You've not explained what consequences she suffered for shooting at the Sheriff's man. With a knowing grin, the person sits down. You can guess that he already knows this part of the story as well, but he wants it told regardless. Friar Tuck nods several times and then adds, well, sir, if you were one of the Sheriff's brave fighters and you were incapacitated by the arrow of a lady, would you make that widely known? Tuck continues, saying, Will had become an outlaw living with Robin's men. However, the Lady Marion was able to continue as she did before. The Sheriff was too shamefaced to own up to the fact that she bested his man on the road. But her allegiance to Robin Hood is well known in these parts, and every suitor who comes to court her goes away well and truly disappointed. The entire company at the fireside nods approvingly and Tuck turns his head as if to seek out the lady in question. He says, our good Marian no longer spends her May days with villagers engaging in public celebrations. Instead, she comes into the forest to celebrate with those who love her best. A cheer goes up again and the small crowd seems to see this as a cue to disperse. After all, the harpist Alan O'Dale is striking up a tune with his fellow musicians. It seems that merriment is about to commence. A motherly looking lady appears nearby offering to refill your drink, and you thank her gratefully. Then you swivel to face away from the fire and watch as a few couples jump into the centre of the clearing and begin to dance joyfully. They prove to be inspiration for the musicians, who quickly come together in a cheerful tune that makes the dancers well with delight. A little further across the clearing, you see a boy scaling a tree to attach long ribbons at the top. His mother calls out instructions to him from the ground as his friends laugh and chide him. He is trying very hard to properly set up a maypole, you can see that. But it's easier for the spectators on the ground to direct him than it is for the boy to properly do the job. Despite the challenge, he gets the maypole ready and quickly shimmies down the trunk of the tree to polite applause from the onlookers. He bows in mock gratitude for the acknowledgment. A commotion goes up around you and mugs are raised in the air. You follow everyone's gaze and see that Lady Marian has emerged from one of the shelters nearby. Her hair flows loose in generous waves and her veil has been traded for a delicate crown of flowers. Little girls from the camp are skipping ahead of her, laying a path of flower petals. The smallest among them cannot resist repeatedly turning around to gaze shyly at the maid, slowing her progress and causing her ladies to stop behind her and wait. But they are very good natured about the delay as they are in no hurry and they find the petite flower attendants. Adorable, wearing his own rather ridiculous crown of flowers. Robin appears in front of her and bows to her once again. Then Miriam puts her left hand in his right hand and they begin to laugh and dance. She picks up the hem of her long dress in her free hand and they spin to dizzily in a circle as the camp comes to life around them. Everyone is ready to celebrate the end of a long winter and the bounty of the summer to come. You feel cozy and happy in your place. There is a smell of wood smoke and lovely things cooking. The warmth of the fire makes a perfect contrast with the increasing coolness of the spring evening. As dusk falls, some of the younger men and women take the ends of the maypole ribbons and begin weaving in and out, around and around, creating the perfect pattern on the tree trunk up above. With each rotation around the center, they place their own layer of beauty atop the natural stateliness of the trunk. Crisscross, in and out they go, laughing, calling out to each other and making jokes. You are mesmerized as the ribbons work their way downward on the maypole. When it is wrapped tight and the dancers can no longer circle the middle, you exhale a breath that you didn't even realize you were holding. It's like the end of a meditation. As night falls, the party is in full swing. There is food, there is song. There are drinks flowing endlessly. Stories are swapped by the fire. And you feel once again that you would like to stay here forever with Robin, Lady Marian, and the merry men and women. The bonfire crackles, and the happy voices of the revellers begin to feel like a tapestry of sound. In the shadows, the forest settles around the camp like a protective wall of stillness. Robin Hood's hideaway is a bubble of safety and warmth that envelops you and protects you. Its embrace invites you to fall deeper into a dream. You yield to that drowsy impulse, leaning sideways and propping your head on an impossibly soft blanket that someone has left there. Closing your eyes, you feel as if you can see stars dancing in the darkness. They form a circle in your mind's eye and begin to rotate, weaving in and out like the dancers around a maypole. You smile to yourself, feeling an inexpressible joy. And then, slowly, your marvelous dream of Sherwood Forest continues while you slumber.