← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. It's wonderful that we talk about mental health more openly these days. However, for many people, asking for help can still feel difficult and intimidating. In fact, BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report surveyed 2,000Americans and revealed that 85% of Americans believe getting support is wise, yet 74% say society discourages people from doing so. It's therefore glaringly obvious that we still have a lot of work to do to ensure everyone knows it's perfectly okay to seek help and try therapy. So maybe we can all encourage those around us that bit more to understand that being open and vulnerable really is a positive thing. BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, and it's a great place to kickstart your therapy journey. Don't let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com getsleepy that's betterhelp.com getsleepy
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this episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace and there it was, the bite you'd been searching for. You sent a message and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for, from a browse to a bike ride this summer. Find more on Facebook.
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Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Tonight's encore episode is, to me, one of the most precious and personal stories we've ever released on Get Sleepy. It was the third story I ever wrote for the show, way back in the very early days. It's about my family's dear pet dog, a gentle, loving, and cherished Labrador that I was really lucky to have in my life for 12 wonderful years. I grew up with her through late childhood and my teens into the first years of adulthood, so this story was a dedication to her love and friendship. For those of you who have pets of your own, perhaps dog owners in particular, you'll understand just how special they are and how they truly become a part of the family. The character in this story, called Lucas, is most definitely based on me. As usual with these older episodes from the archives, the sound quality and my narration style, it's likely to seem a bit different to what you're used to these days, but I hope that doesn't interfere with your enjoyment as you listen along, so just make sure you're comfortable. Take a few deep breaths, easing the air in through your nose and slowly releasing it through pursed lips. Close your eyes and simply follow along. Let's enjoy the story of Cora's Perfect day.
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Sam Cora is an eight year old golden Labrador. She is an excitable, happy and energetic dog that lives in the southeast of England. Her family are made up of Mum and Dad, two elder children and the youngest sibling, Lucas. They adopted her when she was just a few months old and have cared for her with total love and protection ever since. In return, Cora always displays love, loyalty and care towards every one of them. What's more, she is always a most pleasant and friendly dog to all who greet her. It's often said that dogs can read human emotion better than we can ourselves. Labradors are particularly affectionate and empathetic dogs. They're known for being loyal, helpful, highly intelligent, and Cora boasts all of these characteristics. She understands her family completely. She knows if they're tired or full of energy, happy or sad, feeling confident or feeling vulnerable. Their cherished pet always acts accordingly, forever lifting their spirits with her kind, loving nature. When the family first brought Cora home, Lukas was very young and a little afraid. Sometimes he struggled to realize that she was just being playful. She would often snatch his toys or nibble his socks or even jump up on his lap. But over time, the two formed an unconditional bond. They grew up together, discovering all sorts of new adventures along the way and the two became the very best of friends. Now on this day, Cora is a full grown adult Labrador and Lucas is in his early teens. It's the middle of summer and the country is experiencing a spell of glorious warm weather. Hearing the footsteps of her owners, Cora awakes from a restful night's sleep in her cushioned bed. As always, the first act of the day is to trot outside into the garden for a quick look around and other pressing needs. Meanwhile, dad fills her food bowl with a good helping of dried food. A splash of water. Already the sun is glistening on Cora's light golden coat. A cool morning breeze sweeps over the grass and rustles the plush trees and bushes. Cora stands on the lawn and takes a walk. Big stretch. This helps to wake up her muscles after a good night's sleep. With her belly rumbling, Cora hops back inside. She heads straight to her food bowl and swiftly polishes off breakfast. Mum and dad are making their own toast with butter porridge with honey. Chorus stands nearby the worktops, hoping that the odd crumb might drop on the floor. The smell of freshly toasted bread is delectable. But Cora will have to settle for just the one course this morning. With the sound of the morning news resonating from the small kitchen television, a groggy Lucas makes his way downstairs
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his eyes still half closed. Suffering the brightness of the summer morning, Cora greets him with a wagging tail. His face immediately lights up as he crouches down and strokes Cora's soft, fluffy fur. He gives her a gentleman heartfelt squeeze. Hello, girl. What a good dog you are. I think we ought to take a long walk by the river today. Just the mere mention of a walk has Cora springing up and down with excitement. Not just yet. I need to have my breakfast first. Lucas pours himself a bowl of his favourite cereal and a glass of apple juice. He heads into the lounge to watch a spot of telly. Cora follows eagerly, but sits just outside of the lounge door. In here, the carpet is a navy blue colour and Mum doesn't much like Cora walking on it. Her whitish fur moults in the heat and can stand out like a sore thumb on the carpet. Once breakfast is done, it's time to explore. Lukas walks into the utility room and rattles Cora's collar and and lead with this, the golden lab rushes in to meet her best friend and leaps into the air, unable to contain her excitement. Calm down, calm down. Lucas cries as he tries to hold her still. I can't get your collar on if you're jumping around this much. After a minute or so, Cora finally manages to relax long enough for Lucas to clip her collar on. Subtly, he reaches into the box of dog treats, rewards for Cora along the route. With her tail wagging like a pendulum in overdrive, the pair set off towards the nearby meadows. Walking through the alleyways, Cora tries to pull ahead. She knows the fields are getting closer and can't wait to explore the sights and smells. Lukas gently pulls back on her lead to slow her down, but it's not long before the shaded paths open up to an expansive green meadow. Lukas loves to play a game with Cora. At this point, he asks her to sit down so that he can unclip her collar. Then he tells her to stay and he walks ahead. Glancing over his shoulder, he sees Cora trying to hold back her desire to run. Then, after 25 yards or so, Lukas turns, looks back and slaps his knees with a cry of come here, girl. Cora bolts off the mark and sprints towards him, whooshing past as if crossing the finish line of a 100 meter race. She then slows her pace and turns back to meet Lukas, who decides that her patience and obedience warrants a treat. He flicks a biscuit into the air and Cora leaps and catches the treat in her mouth. The two of them walk towards the nearby river, breathing in the fresh air and appreciating the nature around them. The meadow has a couple of regularly used paths. In the center, the grass is long and untamed upon every visit. Cora loves to run into the long grass for a sniff around. It's full of all sorts of insects and creatures. The grass rises to almost double the height of the four legged hound, meaning Lukas sometimes loses sight of her. Cora, where are you? This way. Sometimes he has to shout a few times, but inevitably, Cora always reappears. She bounds through the long grass, springing up and down like a dolphin on the ocean surface. The grass feels so soft and springy on her furry skin. It's great fun to run through and always a relief to see Lukas waiting for her at the end of the field. After all this exploring, Cora is feeling a bit hot and bothered. Therefore, Lukas guides her through a shaded thicket which then opens up to the riverbank. It's always a tense moment for Cora as she waits to see if the tide is in or out. If it's out, there's no way Lucas will let her clamber through the mud to reach the water. However, if it's in, then she knows that she can go for a paddle and cool her body. Today, she's in luck. As they stride up to the top of the bank, the glistening water becomes visible. With this, Cora looks to Lucas for his approval and he says, hmm. Go on then. Go for a swim. Mere seconds later, Cora is flying through the air, ears flapping in the wind, paws stretched out wide, waiting for the exhilarating moment of crashing into the cool water. Paddling along with the gentle current, Cora feels a wonderful sense of weightlessness. Her body cools down in the refreshing river. Seeing as dogs do not sweat, instead letting off their body heat by panting, a dip in the water is all the more invigorating. Lukas chuckles as he sees his pet floating along, body immersed, only her head visible out of the water. When Cora eventually climbs out, her fur is heavy with the liquid. She stops still after a few steps and Lukas quickly backs away. She shakes her body at a rapid rate, letting off a huge spray of murky river water. Lukas manages to stand clear enough that just a few drops land on his arms and legs. Are you done, Cora? He asks. She looks back with a grin and carries on along the bank. After another half a mile of walking along the river, Lucas takes Cora down a lane that leads to a farm trail. This farm is open to the public and boasts a vast array of animals. Firstly, the path runs adjacent to a field of sheep. As Cora trots past with excitement, many of the sheep shyly retreat. Cora can't quite understand why they wouldn't want to play with her. If it wasn't for the fence, she'd be enjoying a game of chase with them in no time. Further along, the path crosses a tractor trail and continues through a latched gate. Here, the pair are greeted by a majestic white horse overlooking the five foot fence and gently swaying its coarse tail. Lukas slowly walks up to the horse who bows its head to greet him. He softly brushes his hand over its smooth face. Feeling a warm sense of connection. Cora affectionately peers into the horse's eyes and she too feels the loving nature of this magnificent animal permeating through her. This is a moment in time. Three different species, all reciprocating endearment for one another. Lucas and Cora continue their stroll through the plush green trees and bushes. They see goats, pigs, chickens and cows around the rest of the farm trail. By the time they get home, they're both feeling a bit worn out. The temperature in the sun is slightly overbearing by now. Therefore, Lucas and Cora join dad in the garden, picking a shady spot to kick back and relax. Lucas lays on a reclining garden chair whilst Cora sets herself down just to the side of him. An hour or so of snoozing ensues. A warm breeze washes over them, the shade thinning as the sun slowly engulfs the south facing garden. Lucas sits up and gently wakes Cora from her slumber. Feeling refreshed, Lucas asks his dad if he would bowl him a few balls so that he can practice his batting ahead of a cricket match next week. They use a tennis ball in the garden, making sure fences, plants and windows don't end up damaged. Cora acts as a fielder, catching and retrieving the ball from wherever Lucas hits it to. She brings it straight back to dad and hands it over with her tail wagging. Girl Cora. He exclaims. She loves being praised for helping out. As the afternoon rolls on, the family are in and out of the house. Cora spends her time napping, exploring sights and smells and accompanying Mum with the housework. She's rewarded with the occasional head massage and belly rub. She tries to show her appreciation, licking Mum's hand with her Somewhat smelly tongue. Oh, thanks Cora. Now I smell of dog breath. Quip's mum. Cora grins and strolls off into the garden to carry on her day. Come five o', clock, it's time for Cora to have her dinnertime meal. Mum has had the slow cooker on all afternoon. The herbs, spices and veg all cooking in the pot has sent a mouth watering smell drifting through the whole house. Cora, of course, wishes that she could try some of the human food. But alas, she is presented with her usual. As Mum places the bowl down in front of her, Cora looks up with sweet eyes. Her heartwarming stare is just enough to persuade Mum to make the food even tastier. She pours a splash of gravy over the dried food. What an amazing smell. This is Cora's absolute favorite treat. It makes her ordinary meal twice as scrumptious and she can't help but just scoff it all down in quick time. With her stomach satisfied, Cora joins Dad as he waters the garden. The colorful flowers are so thankful for the quenching cool. Water lilies, dandelions, carnations and many more make up this beautifully kept backyard. It's a very peaceful and relaxing place to be as the evening sets in. A little later, Cora is taken for a quick walk around the block with Mum. Then, as the sun sets and the sky darkens, she and Lucas lay together on the cool grass. They stare up at the night sky. Cora rests her head on Lucas's belly as he softly tickles her behind the ear. Hundreds of stars appear and the moon provides a gentle glow over the town. For Cora, this is the perfect end to a wonderful day. It just goes to show how the simple pleasures can mean so much. Around 10 o', clock, it's time for Cora to set her head down for the night. Lukas gives her a biscuit and makes sure her water bowl is full. Good night, Carl. Thanks for all the fun we shared today. Cora rubs her head against his leg, showing her affection and gratitude for Lucas. He closes the utility door and the room turns to darkness. Cora settles down full of happiness. She knows that she is loved, cared for and truly a part of the family. What more could she possibly wish for?