← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
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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. The origins of this podcast were once just a dream, and that dream turned into the show you're listening to today. Starting your own business is a dream lots of us share, but too many of us let it remain just a dream. Don't hold yourself back thinking what if I don't have the skills? What if I can't do it alone? Turn those what ifs into why nots with Shopify by your side. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world, from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify helps you find your customers with tools like easy to run email and social media campaigns. And if you ever get stuck or need some assistance, Shopify's award winning customer support is there for you 24 7. So turn those dreams into reality and give them the best shot at success with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com getsleepy Go to shopify.com getsleepy shopify.com getsleepy.
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Hey, it's Tom. I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slumber Studios. It's called Sleepy History and it's exactly what it sounds like. Intriguing stories, people, mysteries and events from history delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. Explore the legend of El Dorado. See what life was like for the Roman gladiators. Uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge. You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History and the same great production quality you've come to know.
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And love from Get Sleepy.
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So check it out and perhaps you'll have another new way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player.
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Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and it's such a pleasure to have your company. Tonight will be Returning to the world Above. Clementine has been to this magical world in the clouds many times before. On one occasion her entire house flew up into the sky and travelled to the world above. This evening we'll see Clementine again, as well as her younger brother Michael and their guide Timothy, as they visit more lands in the world above. A big thanks to Shauna Marie for her wonderfully imaginative writing in this series. It's been a pleasure to narrate all of it and don't worry if you've not heard parts one and two just yet. You can always go back and listen to them another time. Or you might like to become a Get Sleepy Premium member this week and enjoy the full length stitched version of this three part series that we'll be releasing in a few days time. Get Sleepy Premium is the very best way to enjoy the show and every Thursday we release a brand new exclusive bonus episode for our Premium members to enjoy. Tomorrow's bonus is a dreamy meditation called the Starlight within, written and recorded by Nicky, so be sure to join us for that. To find out more about all the perks of being a Get Sleepy Premium member like ad free listening, early access to episodes, discount on merchandise, and plenty more, just visit the link in the description. Thank you so much for your support. Now my friends, as you ease into the comfort and relaxation of the present moment, join me for a few gentle, soothing breaths. Breathe in to the count of five, hold for two, and then back out to the count of seven. On your next deep breath, notice the sensation of your chest and stomach filling with air and the luxurious feeling of letting that air flow back out. As your body relaxes, notice the other areas of your body that move with the breath, even if it's just very subtly. With each exhale of the breath you can let go of tension and you can let go of any thoughts that are getting in the way of the peace and stillness that you deserve to enjoy. It's not always simple to let these things go, but trust that you are safe, comfortable and free of responsibilities here tonight. And as you listen along to our story, any tension or concerns will gradually drift away. For now, you can simply listen to my voice and let your imagination carry you through the extraordinary scenes of our story. It begins in London, where Clementine and her brother Michael are on the train home from school. Michael said, lay heavily on Clementine's shoulder. The train's cabin was alive with the chatter of school children. The lively, weary lot dumped the contents of their school bags onto the train's seats in hope of finding something to munch on. Clementine looked out of the window and smiled. She could smell her younger brother's hair. It was a most delightful scent. Shea butter and coconut oil. His first day at the new school had exhausted him and he was in and out of sleep. He muttered that he wished for another adventure to the world above. And that it had been, in his words, ages. Clementine smiled as she recalled the beginning of their last adventure, going up through the blue sky as their home flew to the world above. She kissed her brother's forehead and gently guided his head onto her lap so he would be more comfortable. Though she couldn't admit it out loud, she felt the same way as Michael. It had been too long since their last visit to the world above. The train's engine roared and the school children mellowed, and Clementine's nose was filled with the scent of the brother she loved so much. With a jitter and a sway, the train gradually moved away from the platform. To Clementine, London was no more than a blur of hurried passersby and yellow leaves. Below the train tracks, people wrapped in their colourful coats. Guests wandered in the autumn breeze, going in and out of coffee shops. The school day was finished. The bells had rung and books had been collected and pushed into school bags. Coats were buttoned up and parents met at the school gate. Young children jumped into puddles in their rain boots while parents stopped on the pavement to chat. And the inhabitants of London collectively dreamed of of hot dinners and large cups of tea. Clementine could feel herself sinking deeper into the train seat. A cool gust of air barreled through the windows and doors. She gently lifted her sleeping brother and moved him to where she had been sitting. The train was empty now. Clementine brushed the sides of the fabric seats as she walked through cabin after cabin. Then, assuming that the train had come to its final stop, she went back in search of Michael. She scratched her head as she looked at his empty seat. Where had Michael gone? Clementine put on her yellow raincoat, buttoned it to her chin, and adjusted her rucksack. Through the window she could see Michael on the platform, standing entirely still. Clementine got off the train and joined him, muttering about bus routes and tea time. But her brother tugged on her sleeve and pointed. And now both children were staring, staring at a giant yellow door, their mouths agape. Look. Michael gasped. Squeezed underneath the letterbox flap was an envelope of the creamiest complexion. And written on the front of the envelope was a simple phrase to C. And M. Clementine glanced around the train station. There was no one except for the occasional train driver and cleaner. But strangely, none of them noticed the giant yellow door. Michael passed the letter to his sister. Though eager, she did her best to open the letter in such a way that the pristine envelope would stay intact. A smile spread across Clementine's lips. As she read the letter out loud. Hello, my two favorite humans. It's Timothy. It's been such a long time. I've missed you both dearly and I need your help. I've mailed you a door portal. Make sure you have everything you need before you close it. See you soon. Your favourite guide, Timothy. The two children had both missed their beloved friend Timothy. He had been Clementine's guide in the world above right from the beginning. This unusual boy had extensive knowledge. He made sure that Clementine and Michael travelled from land to land in the world above with ease and comfort. Michael looked at his sister with pleading eyes and began to beg. He said they would be back before tea time and they hadn't had an adventure in such a long time. Clementine grinned. She pushed the envelope deep into the seams of her coat pocket and took Michael's hand. Do you have the book? Clementine asked, despite knowing the answer. Always. Michael nodded. The children opened the large yellow door and stepped through, hand in. After double and triple checking that they had everything, Clementine closed the door behind them. It shut with a long, exaggerated creak. There was a moment of dimness and a rising excitement that was nearly impossible to quell. And then, whoosh. A gust of wind blew through the children's clothes. Both shielded their eyes with their forearms. There was a familiar brightness, that miraculous blue, that endless sky. And there was the platform, the one in the world above. Clementine looked along the platform with its marble pillars and gold inlay. The ground was covered in candy floss, inches thick. For a good long while, the children went through the familiar ritual of trudging through the sweet, wispy substance. They admired the way their shoes seemed to disappear into the candy floss. Michael bent down and sunk further into the ground. He then proceeded to dump the entire contents of his bag onto the train platform. And there it was. The world above. On the platform, Clementine looked at the familiar sign Pick up point. Usually, before the train arrived, e would greet them. Where was he? Finally, after a moment of pause, there was a huffing and puffing, not of a train, but of a human. More specifically, a boy. Michael tugged on Clementine's trouser leg and as she turned, an undeniable joy filled her from toe to top. It was their guide, Timothy. Michael abandoned his belongings and raced towards the older boy as fast as he could, knee high in candy floss. What ensued was a quick succession of hugs and high fives. Clementine was delighted to see Timothy, but she was still slightly confused. She glanced at the pick up point sign, the barren train tracks, and then looked back at Timothy. Finally she came out with it and asked, where's the train? Timothy chuckled. He said that there was much to explain and that this adventure would be different from all their previous ones. The trains had stopped working due to a magnificent reason. But anyway, said Timothy, there was no time like the present and there was a great deal in store, so they had better get going. Ready? Timothy asked. Michael had begun to wade through the candy floss to collect his belongings, which were strewn across a sunken spot. Clementine twirled a strand of hair around her forefinger and tilted her head in deep thought. She asked Timothy how they were going to travel if the train no longer worked. Timothy's brows raised as he began to pat himself down. Searching for something. He began mumbling to himself, and Michael returned to observe the scene. Aha. Timothy exclaimed. He reached into one of his many pockets and pulled out a translucent bag. Its contents sparkled and shone almost like gemstones. They were bright and flickering like some ethereal flame. Michael's eyes widened. What is it? He asked. Fairy dust, timothy whispered. His wonder was infectious. For a moment the three children stood motionless. Then Timothy pulled the silk bow on top of the bag and pinched between his fingers the smallest amount of golden dust. He sprinkled it over all three of them. The children waited expectantly, and before they knew it, they ascended to a great height. Michael wasted no time performing loops and circling Clementine and Timothy, but eventually his excitement simmered down, and as the children soared over the many lands in the World above, Timothy explained why he needed the siblings help. Recently, the trains in the world above had become confused. They were doubling back on themselves and travelling every which way. Something phenomenal had occurred, said Timothy. Something that had not happened in many years. The magical malfunction. There were new worlds everywhere, and Timothy had been asked to help explore them. Remember, he said to Michael, the book will help. Michael, being the silly boy that he was, had pushed the World above book down the front of his jumper for safekeeping. He rolled on his back in midair and flicked through the magnificent book. A small line of printed text spread across the top of one of its empty pages. It read, so you've made it. There is such a lot to explore. Take care of each other and be sure to listen to Timothy. I'll be as helpful as I can. Also, I hear that flying is superb all year round in the World above. The three children flew past many known lands in search of those that were unknown. As Clementine looked down at the colorful assortment of lands below them. She thought back to her first trip to the world above, how her umbrella had carried her up and up, away from the streets of London. From a great height, London and the world above were almost indistinguishable. Clementine smiled as the wind whipped her long hair to and fro. All those lives, she thought to herself. All those people. She closed her eyes, enjoying the relaxing sensation of a warm breeze rushing past her face, until she heard Timothy's voice. There, he said, pointing to an unusual patch of grey. It was a new land. The three children gradually descended until they gently landed in the middle of a street. They wondered who they should consult as a guide. Michael suggested going into the nearest building, but they all agreed that it looked like a school. He suggested another and another. In fact, they all looked like schools. Men and women passed by, all with thick glasses resting on their noses. They slouched over as they walked. Clementine was the first to approach someone, a young woman in a long navy robe with white ruffles at its collar. Where are we? Asked Clementine. The woman adjusted her ruffles. Her sour expression was replaced with a slight smile. The Land of the Thinkers, of course, said the woman. She squinted at the three children and said she thought that everyone in the Land of the Thinkers wore glasses, but she'd have to think about it some more. The children asked where they could find out more about the Land of the Thinkers. The woman directed them to the Think Hub in Think Tower and said that she was happy to help. She added that her name was Thinker 15,253,000, 578. Michael said he didn't have a pen to write down her name, and all of a sudden the woman's name appeared across the top of a page in the World Above Book. Michael whispered thank you into the book and began to walk in the general direction of where the woman had pointed. Awestruck by the appearance of the land, the children whispered quietly to each other. Though everything was prim and proper and had its place, the land seemed to have a distinct set of troubles. For instance, though the grass was cut in an orderly fashion, large groups of gardeners convened on public greenery, thinking about the best way to cut the hedges, and the architecture was unusual. The edges of the buildings jutted out onto the streets in squarish shapes. Unsure of where to look first, the children thought it best to go inside Think Tower. It was a tall structure, somewhat like a lighthouse. The stairs wrapped around the centre of the tower and were illuminated by an array of unusual light fixtures. Clementine could hardly contain a smile as she climbed the stairs. Students sat on various steps, thinking in the most unusual positions. Some were in handstands and some lay on the steps. Others leaned, foreheads pressed on the wall. The children formed themselves into funny shapes before shuffling past so as not to disturb the students. Up and up they went, twirling around the tower before finally arriving. Think Hub was a glorious library with decadent light fixtures, Persian rugs, and mahogany floors and bookcases. The room was decorated wall to wall in brown and red. Instead of a quiet section, in one corner of the room there was a small sign which read Thinking out Loud. Students and academics of all kinds sat in sunken leather chairs, muttering to themselves. The three children were fascinated by this land. Michael hugged the world above book close to his chest, and it began to buzz as if electric and motorised. He sped over to the nearest table and gently placed down the Excited as it had done so many times before, its pages began to flick back and forth. Each thick, creamy page flopped against the next until the book finally settled on an empty page, and in the familiar storybook font, words appeared. Clementine read them out. Between shelf numbers 9 and 10, you will find a very helpful machine. It calls itself thinkertron 2000. Have fun. Clementine had barely uttered the last word before Timothy had gone in search of the machine. The siblings found him crouching on the floor, petting some sort of metal structure. Timothy beamed and handed the machine a penny. As Clementine stepped closer, she realized that the structure was indeed a robot. The three children sat in a half circle around the machine and listened to him speak. Its lovely to speak to humans from the world below, said Thinkatron2000. I never thought I would, but now that I have, I'll think about it some more. What would you like me to think about for you? The children had a wonderful time speaking to Thinkatron 2000. They asked him all kinds of questions, some of which were very silly. Finally, they asked the robot what they should know about the Land of the thinkers. Thinkatron 2000 was perplexed by the question. There was so much to know. He told the children that the land was growing by the day and that the most interesting people they would ever meet were from the Land of the Thinkers. The inhabitants of this new land hoped to explore their home. Well, they were thinking about it. The robot paused and told the children that he was hungry. Timothy was out of pennies. So the three left the robot to roam the bookcases in hopes of finding something to munch on. They all thanked the robot by giving him a pat on his head, and off he went. On their way out of the Think Tower, the children whispered about their discussion with Thinkatron 2000. Timothy said that every time he found a penny he would think of the robot. Look, said Clementine. As they stepped, a young woman with thick glasses sat on a bench and waved. It was Thinker 15,253,578. On her lap were three brown parcels tied up with pale string. She told the children that it wouldn't be right to leave without receiving a gift. To Michael she gave a pair of glasses to Timothy, a pocket sized first edition Thinkatron, and to Clementine she gifted a compass. The woman smiled and said, it's so you can always find a way back to us. Have a wonderful adventure and think with your brain, not your ankle. They all laughed heartily. Michael and Clementine made room in their bags for their gifts. Timothy pinched the smallest amount of fairy dust between his fingers and sprinkled it over himself and his two two travelling companions. And soon they rose to such a height that the land of the thinkers was once again no more than a patch of grey. As they flew, Michael and Timothy talked about Michael's day at sea school and all the wondrous things that could be found in the world above. Book Clementine decided to fly off on her own, descending so low she could skim the tips of her fingers on the sea. She inhaled the smoke smell of the salty water. For a long while, she relaxed into the sensation of water in her palms and wind in her hair. Then she peered into the water and saw something shimmer. She was sure she was looking at her own reflection, but then she glimpsed a smile. With a splash, Clementine landed in the water. Timothy and Michael giggled as they lowered themselves nearer to the sea. In the water, Clementine was now eye to eye with a woman. Her long sandy hair was pink. Timothy and Michael were speechless, struck by her beauty. It was Clementine who noticed that the woman had a silver tail fin. You're a mermaid, said Clementine. The woman giggled and nodded. She turned her back and told Clementine to hold on. The mermaid swam at a great speed while Timothy and Michael followed. From above, the scenery was endless sky and sea and the occasional glimmers of creatures who were not quite human. Soon the sound of sailor lingo could be heard in gruff, strong voices as well as the sound of laughter and men shouting orders and something heavy being dropped into the sea. And there was the ship. The mermaid waved at one of the sailors aboard the huge vessel, and they lowered a small boat so Clementine could climb on. Michael and Timothy flew up to the crow's nest to see if they could spot anything further out. With such charm, the ship swayed proudly in the sea, flags to the sky, tight sails and dark worn wood. As a group of sailors lifted the boat that Clementine was in up to the deck, the captain came into view. His hands were clasped behind his back as he spoke to his crew. Clementine knew he was a good captain from the simple fact that barnacles had been dutifully scrubbed off the sides of the ship. The captain threw back his head and laughed at Michael and Timothy in the crow's nest, taking turns at using his favourite telescope. As he smiled, his golden tooth glinted in the midday sun. The Mermaid was perched at the front of the ship and wrung the seawater out of her long pink hair. One by one, the crew abandoned their stations and walked towards her. Coral. They called out. Clementine gathered that coral and the crew were friendly. The dark wooden deck was so clean you could eat off it, and the ship was decorated with touches of gold and navy. Every fixture and detail was a reminder of the sea or some magical mythology the captain, crew and the mermaid knew well. Clementine shook the captain's hand and explained that she was touring the new lands with her younger brother, Michael and their guide, Timothy. Stroking his full white beard, the captain adjusted his uniform. He noticed Michael and Clementine's clothes and discerned that they were not of this land. Clementine explained that they were from the land below. The captains smiled and said that everyone aboard had quite a bit in common. Adventure was in their bones, and they all longed to travel to seas and lands beyond the ones they already knew. Straightening his back slightly, the captain introduced himself. Captain Peter, at your service. Clementine felt it most appropriate to copy him, so she too straightened her back and introduced herself. Captain Peter slapped his knee and wheezed with laughter. He said that she and the other children were free to roam the ship for as long as they liked, but they would be docking in a new land by sunrise. Captain Peter realised that Clementine must be hungry after her long journey. He told her that tonight's meal would be fish and chips, and if she was desperate, there was a jar of freshly baked shortbread in the pantry. Clementine nodded, and off she went in search of some food. The shortbread was quite lovely. Sweet, crumbly, buttery perfection. Seeing that the fairy dust had Worn off, Clementine climbed up the crow's nest and shared the other bricks of shortbread with her brother. And Timothy, a kind member of the crew, found a set of clothing that fit superbly and hung Clementine's wet clothes over a nearby beam. His sailor accent was undeniable. Those should dry by the time we dock, he said softly. Clementine watched the crew adjust the sails and sit around in groups, chatting to one another. Captain Peter remained at the helm of the ship, steering steadily, and the sky went through its familiar motions of blue to orange to pink, and eventually to black. The crow's nest was unusually spacious, so after the children had the their fill of fish and chips, they stretched out on their backs. There were so many stars. At first the children tried to count them, but there were, oh, so many. Too many for three little children to count. So they were content with just gazing, watching the stars flicker against a blanket of darkness. The children had found a wad of fabric in the crow's nest, most likely used to repair the ship's sails. They kicked off their shoes and snuggled close to one another as they gradually felt themselves taken by sleep. From below, the crew watched the children. The sailor who had gone given Clementine a fresh set of clothes began to gently sing a sea shanty, and the melodies of the crew overlapped like gentle waves. All the while the children slept. The sea was calm, and the ship swayed with the ebb and flow of the ocean. Though the land was new, Captain Peter seemed to be well acquainted with the sea, swaying from side to side, soothed by the voices of their fellow sailors. Clementine, Timothy, and Michael dreamed of shortbread biscuits, mermaids, fresh air, and open seas. When they awoke early the next morning, the ship had docked. Heavy footsteps could be heard on the deck from above. The children watched the crew offload, barrel after barrel, whistling and chatting. Coral, the mermaid, still sat in the very same spot, enjoying some amusing conversation with Captain Peter. Refreshed after a good night's sleep, the children made their way over to join them. Coral said her goodbyes and dived back into the sea. And it was time for the children to say their goodbyes, too. Timothy asked what land they had docked in. Captain Peter laughed as he walked away, and over his shoulder he called out, the land of the teddy bears. Michael was beside himself with excitement. He opened the World above book, and three tags fell. One read, I belong to Michael. Another, I belong to Clementine, and the third, I belong to Timothy. Feeling all the more curious, the three children made their way off the ship from the Corner of her eye, Clementine spotted a hand waving at them. It was the sailor who had given her a fresh pair of clothes. Clementine smiled with gratitude. Her clothing from the day before was neatly folded up in her rucksack. And the kind sailor had been right. They were dry through and through. The land of the Teddy Bears was quite unlike any town the children had ever visited. Everything was made of fabric and of course there were teddies everywhere they looked. Teddies posting letters, walking across the street and holding hands as they wandered through. Big teddies, little teddies, slim teddies, wide teddies. And not just teddies. On the corner of the street stood a tall, familiar figure. It was Frederick, the bookshelf. Frederick had a bookshop in London, the very shop that gave Clementine the World above book. And that was how Clementine was transported to the World above for the very first time. Michael, Timothy and Clementine crossed the road with a group of teddy bear children. Clementine tapped Frederick on the back. The bookshop owner turned around and greeted each child politely. He explained that his baby boy had dreamed just been born, and he'd returned to the World above to find a perfect gift. Michael tilted his head at Frederick and asked him why he was dressed like that. The bookshop owner was wearing a long green robe with a massive hood and brown fabric boots. Frederick chuckled and explained that a very long time ago, before he was a bookshop owner, he was a wizard. Though he was born and raised in the World above, he had taken up residence in a small bookshop in London. Michael pulled the tags out of his pocket and asked Frederick what they were for. Ah. Frederick exclaimed. He pointed to at the rows of teddies in the nearby shop window and they all peered inside. The windows were clean and the slightest bit steamy. Frederick explained that the teddies in the shop were special because they could only be made real in the hands of their destined owner. He led the children towards the shop entrance and as the door swung open, a golden bell rang overhead. The shop was not so big that you. You could get lost in it, but it was certainly large enough to fit small teddies of all different kinds and colours. Frederick picked up a grey teddy with green eyes and a green bow around its neck. The teddy asked if Frederick was going to take him home. Frederick smiled and said yes. He gestured for the children to do the same. Timothy found a yellow teddy bear with brown eyes and a pin on his chest that read Travelling Companion. Michael found a brown teddy with hazel eyes. When he picked it up and gave it a hug, the teddy bear chuckled. Clementine wandered through the rows of teddy bears. In the very last aisle was a brown teddy with black eyes and a yellow raincoat. Clementine picked the teddy off the floor and kissed it on top of its head. It came to life so straight away. Hello, Clementine, said the teddy. Remember, it's almost time to go home. Frederick helped the children tie their tags onto the teddy bears so they wouldn't get lost. The four were just about to say goodbye when Timothy groaned. He was all out of fairy dust, and they couldn't use the train. It had a mind of its own, and no one knew what to do. Not to worry, frederick said. Before heading back to the world below, Frederick would consult his wizard friends to see if they could fix the train in the world above, and in the meantime, he would transport the children home.