Loading summary
Transcript127 lines
- [00:01]
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.
- [00:29]
LifeLock Ad
This episode is brought to you by LifeLock. It's tax season and we're all a bit tired of numbers. But here's one you need to hear. $16.5 billion. That's how much the IRS flagged for possible identity fraud last year. Now here's a good number. 100 million. That's how many data points LifeLock monitors every second. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed. Save up to 40% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply.
- [00:58]
1-800-Flowers Ad
Spring is here and so are tulips from 1-800-flowers.com but these aren't just any tulips. 1-800-flowers has bright, bold and long lasting tulips grown in rich soil for bigger blooms and sturdier stems, and they're shipped straight from the farm the same day they're picked. Right now, when you buy 15 tulips from 1-800-Flowers, they'll double your bouquet to 30 tulips. Visit 1-800-Flowers, com Spotify to claim this special offer. That's 1-800-Flowers. Com Spotify.
- [01:29]
Thomas
Hey friends. Welcome to Get Sleepy where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. As always, my name's Thomas and I'm your host. Thank you so much for tuning in. Tonight's story was written by Angela and will be read by Nadine, who we haven't heard on the show for a while. I'm sure you'll agree that it's lovely to hear her voice again. Shortly we'll be embarking on a slow paced adventure walking along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan during springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Before that though, if you would love even more Get Sleepy content in your life and amazing perks like ad free episodes, discount on merchandise and early access to news stories, check out our Get Sleepy Premium membership. You can find the link in the description of this episode which has all the info on our membership. It would mean such a lot to have your support as it helps us to keep producing the very best dreamy content and to keep the show available for anyone and everyone wherever they are in the world. One of the favourite perks for our existing members is that every single Thursday we release a brand new Premium exclusive episode. Tomorrow is no different. I'll be reading our story called the Pirate who Couldn't Dream. It's a really charming tale that I think you'll adore, so why not give Premium a try? To find out more about all the perks of Get Sleepy Premium, just visit the link in the description. Thank you all so much. Now, my friends, to give ourselves the best opportunity to drift off to sleep with ease, it's important that we allow ourselves time to transition away from the day, giving both body and mind the space they need to slow down and settle. It's important to remember too, that we are all unique. And that means that each of us has our own process when it comes to settling down, and we can only go at our own pace. It's a bit like if you and I were to climb to the summit of a mountain. We might take different routes to get there, we might walk at different speeds, but we're still reaching the same destination and there's no pressure to get there first. So just make sure you're comfortable in your cozy bed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, using them as a source of relaxation and allowing your body to enjoy this rest that you're already providing it. You can listen to as much or as little of our story as you wish, knowing that it will still be here for you to return to if there's anything you miss. If you feel yourself getting closer to that mountain summit and the promise of good sleep, then continue following the path and enjoy the journey as it carries you to dreamland. For now, simply listen to Nadine's soothing voice and let yourself be transported to the cherry blossoms, ancient temples and historic streets of Kyoto in the heart of Japan. This is where our story begins.
- [06:51]
Nadine
It's a beautiful, pleasant morning in the city of Kyoto, Japan. Your map tells you the city lies northeast of Osaka, close to the shores of Lake Biwa. The skies are a pale shade of blue with fluffy cotton wool clouds, and the spring sun shines high up above. You are wandering along the Philosopher's Path at the edge of a narrow canal. The pathway is named after one of Japan's most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro, who walked the route to the university each.
- [07:46]
Narrator
Day, finding it so relaxing he would.
- [07:51]
Nadine
Stop to meditate on the way. The canal is lined with hundreds of beautiful pink and white cherry blossom trees.
- [08:06]
Narrator
And beyond in the distance to your.
- [08:10]
Nadine
Right, lush green hills provide a spectacular scenic backdrop. Beneath your feet, the cobblestones are hidden.
- [08:25]
Narrator
By a soft petal carpet where, after.
- [08:30]
Nadine
A slight breeze, the buds have drifted gently to the ground. As the trees stretch their branches across the canal, they almost touch, creating a beautiful blossom archway. You notice that the colors reflect pastel pink in the shallow waters below. Nestled among the tree branches, brown eared baubles and Eurasian tree sparrows search for nectar hidden deep in the buds. As the birds chirp, eager to find their breakfast, you stop for a moment.
- [09:25]
Narrator
Breathing in the delicate scent reminiscent of.
- [09:30]
Nadine
Almond and cotton candy. On the left side of the canal, behind the row of trees, stand two story houses with grey corrugated iron roofs. On your right, a talented artist sits on a fold out stool, painting the sakura, the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, on a canvas in watercolors. Bridges crisscross the canal, allowing you to reach one side from the other. As you do so, you see a large sign. The sign informs you that the hanami, or viewing of the cherry blossoms in Japan has been a national pastime since the 8th century. Throughout the years, different trees have been crossbred to introduce new colors and species. You learn that the trees have a deep meaning to the Japanese people. The fleeting, brief blossoming of the flowers each year represents new beginnings and the transience of everything in life as nature progresses, ever changing and evolving.
- [11:16]
Narrator
As you walk along the petal covered.
- [11:19]
Nadine
Cobblestones, the faint sound of music echoes in the distance. It's a reflective song played on the Charmisen, a traditional three stringed instrument. You stop to listen, closing your eyes, being fully aware of your breath, letting the melody envelop your mind, body and soul. Opening your eyes again, you find the.
- [11:55]
Narrator
Music leading you along a stone pathway.
- [11:59]
Nadine
To a small temple.
- [12:03]
Narrator
It doesn't look much from the outside.
- [12:07]
Nadine
But the rooftop makes you smile. It's wide, brimmed and looks a bit like a hat, the ones you see people wearing on riverboats and in fields to protect their heads from the sun. Two large stone lanterns stand at either side of the entrance.
- [12:35]
Narrator
Instead of entering the temple, you take.
- [12:38]
Nadine
The winding pathway to the enchanting gardens at the rear. The trees are varying shades of green.
- [12:50]
Narrator
With a smattering of pink blossoms.
- [12:56]
Nadine
A koi fish pond flows through the center. The water in the pond is crystal clear, and as you peer into it.
- [13:09]
Narrator
You can just make out the shapes.
- [13:13]
Nadine
Of the orange and white fish as they shimmy left and right beneath the surface. Pretty lotus flowers bob up and down on top of the water.
- [13:29]
Narrator
Every now and again, the breeze blows.
- [13:33]
Nadine
Moving them slightly out of position before drifting back to their natural place of origin. There's a small red wooden bridge Nearby.
- [13:46]
Narrator
Ornamental in design, but sturdy enough to.
- [13:50]
Nadine
Cross.
- [13:53]
Narrator
You step onto it, the wooden.
- [13:56]
Nadine
Slats creaking beneath your feet.
- [14:01]
Narrator
At the other side of the pond, behind a cluster of bushes, are several.
- [14:07]
Nadine
Large stone statues in seated poses. There are also benches on which to sit. You see a rectangular Zen garden to your right and walk towards it.
- [14:28]
Narrator
The garden is sprinkled with small plants.
- [14:31]
Nadine
And several polished stones appear to balance precariously on top of one another. In the middle, you notice a small rake lying on the ground to the side. A sign informs you that raking a Zen garden is often used to put the minds of monks into a meditative state as they find the action of moving the rake back and forth soothing and relaxing. The sign invites visitors to try their hand at raking too. You pick the rake up and slowly begin to make patterns in the sand, feeling a gentle breeze on your face as you move the prongs.
- [15:34]
Narrator
You maneuver it first in straight lines.
- [15:37]
Nadine
Towards you, then make undulating sine wave creations in the other direction. The movement is indeed meditative, and as you find yourself becoming drowsy, you make your way towards a wooden bench tucked beneath a cherry blossom tree. From this viewpoint, you can see the red bridge and the back of the temple.
- [16:11]
Narrator
You sit, enveloping yourself in nature, breathing.
- [16:17]
Nadine
In and out again gently for three rounds of breath carried along on the breeze.
- [16:30]
Narrator
The sound of chanting transports you to.
- [16:34]
Nadine
Another space and time. You listen to the voices for a while, imagining life at the temple in days of old, before exiting the gardens and continuing your journey along the philosopher's path.
- [16:57]
Narrator
After a few minutes of walking, you.
- [17:01]
Nadine
Find yourself in one of Kyoto's most historic districts. Traditional mature houses crafted from wood line the streets. Their sizes are deceptive, as they are narrow on the outside, yet extend for up to 20 meters in length. Inside, the houses used to belong to merchants who would come to the city to trade. As you look along the pedestrian street.
- [17:39]
Narrator
You imagine that aside from the shops.
- [17:43]
Nadine
And restaurants here today, it must look.
- [17:47]
Narrator
Much the same as it did centuries.
- [17:49]
Nadine
Ago, when Kyoto was Japan's ancient capital. The shop windows along the street are artfully decorated, many with displays of the sakura, cherry blossom. Souvenirs and candies are arranged neatly next to Japanese anime characters and quirky cartoon kittens. On your right, a small shop sells hand painted fans, and next door, elegant pottery designs depict scenes of the Japanese countryside. Seven wooden tubs sit at the front.
- [18:40]
Narrator
Of a small food shop, filled to.
- [18:43]
Nadine
The brim with pickles, shogo in turnips and kamonasso aubergines or eggplants.
- [18:54]
Narrator
Bright red.
- [18:55]
Nadine
Lanterns with black calligraphy hang lazily outside restaurants, swaying back and forth as menus show photographs of dishes served inside. As you continue to wander slowly along the charming cobbled street, a small courtyard to the left catches your eye. The place looks intriguing, with trickling rock like water features against the walls and a hammock positioned beneath a Japanese maple tree in the center. You open the gate and enter the.
- [19:40]
Narrator
Courtyard, stopping to listen to the sound.
- [19:44]
Nadine
Of water from the fountains. You feel the sound fully relaxing your mind.
- [19:56]
Narrator
The maple tree is adorned with twinkling yellow lights and hooked to the branches.
- [20:04]
Nadine
You see tiny paper parasols in a range of colours. There's a wooden shop at the back of the courtyard with the door partially open. Through the window you see an elderly.
- [20:24]
Narrator
Man in a blue shirt and white.
- [20:27]
Nadine
Apron crafting larger versions of the paper parasols. You recognize them as the same ones carried by locals at celebrations and by women dressed in traditional kimonos as they walk the streets of Kyoto. Three of them are on display by the door. The washi paper they are made of.
- [20:58]
Narrator
Is thick to the touch, like a type of parchment, and each one is.
- [21:06]
Nadine
Hand painted with Japanese poetry, landscapes, flowers or birds.
- [21:16]
Narrator
The workshop is dimly lit and the.
- [21:20]
Nadine
Sound of the street fades away as you step inside. The place is how you always imagined an artist's studio would be.
- [21:34]
Narrator
Sun dried washi paper is stacked in.
- [21:38]
Nadine
Layers on an old wooden table.
- [21:43]
Narrator
Behind shelves on the wall are lined with pots of powdered paint and brushes.
- [21:51]
Nadine
In different shapes and sizes. The man is just about to create a new parasol and invites you to watch his process. He explains that the parasols or umbrellas.
- [22:10]
Narrator
Are called wagasa, made in a traditional.
- [22:14]
Nadine
Kyoto style, and that they are used to protect one from evil spirits and.
- [22:22]
Narrator
Shade one from the.
- [22:26]
Nadine
You sit down.
- [22:27]
Narrator
On a stool and smile as he.
- [22:31]
Nadine
Expertly handcrafts the spokes for the parasol, made from bamboo sourced from a nearby forest. Then he shapes the pieces by hand until they are the desired length and width before soaking them in water and taking them outside to dry in the sun. He then begins to create the parasol and handle. The washi paper, he tells you, comes from the fibres of the gampy tree, which can be found just outside the city.
- [23:16]
Narrator
He demonstrates the toughness of the paper by pulling it at either side and.
- [23:23]
Nadine
Says that it's the same paper that people use for the ancient craft of origami. He goes on to trim it, then coat it with linseed oil to make it waterproof before placing it outside with the other pieces to dry. The final stage is the painting. The old man smiles, perching his glasses firmly on his nose as he brings in a complete parasol, ready to decorate. He asks you to pick out three colors from the shelf, which you do. Then he deposits a large catalogue of sorts onto the tabletop. Opening the thick bound book, you see that it is filled with intricate designs. There are mountains, lakes, birds and torii gates, the red ones you see at the entrance to ancient shrines. You ask if he sketched all the drawings himself, and he nods, encouraging you to pick one of the designs. One in particular captures your attention.
- [25:06]
Narrator
It's a simple design, dotted with pink.
- [25:10]
Nadine
Cherry blossoms with a tall wooden tiered pagoda in the middle.
- [25:18]
Narrator
The man smiles, saying that this is.
- [25:22]
Nadine
One of his favourites to paint. He turns towards the shelf to select three brushes and fills an empty glass jar with water from the tap in the corner sink.
- [25:40]
Narrator
You watch as he dips the first slender brush into the powdered paint.
- [25:48]
Nadine
You are mesmerized by his skill and his steady hand as he expertly paints the blossoms with delicate dabs of pastel pink onto the paper. At regular intervals, he cleans the brush in the water, creating kaleidoscope swirls of colour in the liquid, before beginning to work on the deep brown tones of the wooden pagoda.
- [26:21]
Narrator
As you sit on the stool, watching.
- [26:25]
Nadine
The mastery of the brushstrokes, you completely.
- [26:29]
Narrator
Lose track of time, fully immersed, relaxed.
- [26:36]
Nadine
And enjoying the meditative experience.
- [26:42]
Narrator
After the parasol is completed, he takes.
- [26:46]
Nadine
It outside for the paint to dry and invites you to join him for.
- [26:52]
Narrator
A cup of tea.
- [26:55]
Nadine
The old man wipes his hands on his apron, no longer a brilliant white, now speckled with paint.
- [27:06]
Narrator
And he tells.
- [27:07]
Nadine
You the art of parasol making has been in his family for many generations.
- [27:15]
Narrator
He explains that not many people are.
- [27:19]
Nadine
Interested in learning how the parasols are made. You are the first to visit his studio in quite a while, and for.
- [27:30]
Narrator
That he is grateful.
- [27:34]
Nadine
The pair of you sit on comfortable cushioned chairs amongst the twinkling lights in.
- [27:41]
Narrator
The courtyard, sipping the refreshing drink as water trickles from the fountain. After a while, the man says he must continue working, but welcomes you to.
- [27:57]
Nadine
Stay for as long as you like. You thank him for the tea and his company, but say you will continue your journey as you have more of the city you wish to see.
- [28:13]
Narrator
He nods and smiles.
- [28:17]
Nadine
Before you leave, he hands you a finished parasol painted in your chosen design. It's a true work of art, with pink cherry blossoms and the tiered pagoda.
- [28:34]
Narrator
On the panels you offer to pay, but he insists it is a gift.
- [28:42]
Nadine
And you are welcome to come back anytime. You are grateful for his teaching and generosity, and accept the parasol graciously, with both hands, as is customary. As you depart the courtyard to continue your walk, your new parasol shades you from the sun. At the end of the street stands dark wooden pagoda.
- [29:16]
Narrator
It's tiered, towering several stories high, and.
- [29:22]
Nadine
You realize it is identical to the one painted on your parasol. As fate would have it, today is one of its rare open days, so you enter to see what lies within. A sign at the entrance tells you.
- [29:45]
Narrator
That the temple was constructed by Prince.
- [29:48]
Nadine
Shotoku after being inspired to build it during a dream. The walls of the interior are etched with wooden carvings, which feel smooth yet slightly jagged to the touch where they have chipped and worn over time.
- [30:11]
Narrator
You continue to move slowly around the.
- [30:14]
Nadine
Room and find yourself wondering how old the artwork is. Then you climb the stairs, stopping to pause at the beautiful yet fading antique paintings and statues on the first floor. You have the place all to yourself and are grateful to see all these years of history without any distractions. On the upper floor outside. From the balcony, you see the city of Kyoto laid out before you, the patchwork of grey rooftops, wooden houses, and pretty parks blanketed with cherry blossoms. Green mountain peaks stand tall in the distance, and above, an airplane flies high, leaving a trail of white in the cobalt blue sky. You notice the sun's warmth on your skin and feel like you could stay in this still, quiet moment forever. Sitting down on the wooden deck, you stretch out your legs. Closing your eyes, you reminisce about your.
- [31:51]
Narrator
Day and how you began your journey.
- [31:55]
Nadine
Hours ago on the Philosopher's path. You are reminded of watching the koi fish swimming in the temple garden. Without a care in the world.
- [32:11]
Narrator
Your.
- [32:12]
Nadine
Mind drifts to the old man, the talented artisan of Kyoto in his workshop, and the pleasure it brought you watching him create and paint the parasol. After what feels like hours, you decide to continue to one more destination, so you make your way back down the stairs to the street. The sky is now a dusky blue.
- [32:47]
Narrator
With wispy purple clouds forming.
- [32:51]
Nadine
The street on which you walked earlier is now quiet, and golden lanterns cast a mystical light on the cobblestones. The upper windows and balconies are illuminated, and many of the shops are closing up for the evening. You turn to your left down a narrow alleyway where one small restaurant appears to be open. Locals sit at the white tiled counter with steaming hot bowls of noodles in front of them. You watch as they feast expertly on the contents with chopsticks, every mouthful punctuated with chatter to a neighbouring friend or the chef.
- [33:46]
Narrator
You can hear the sound of music.
- [33:48]
Nadine
Lingering in the evening air and glasses clinking to signify the end of the working day. At the end of the alleyway, you turn the corner to your right and realize you have arrived at your destination. You have been told that this park is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms at dusk, a hidden gem which not many people know about. You walk slowly through a gate along a winding pathway. Evergreen trees stand tall at either side in the grass, the soles of your.
- [34:36]
Narrator
Shoes crunch on tiny stones, and with every footstep, small white lanterns light up.
- [34:45]
Nadine
Around you, edging the pathway.
- [34:51]
Narrator
As you walk, the landscape around you.
- [34:54]
Nadine
Begins to change, the trees turning from green to pink. The further along the pathway you travel, the denser the cherry blossom trees become.
- [35:12]
Narrator
Looking around you, you can see people sitting on blankets beneath lanterns, hanging from.
- [35:19]
Nadine
Trees, reading books or talking softly with friends. The ambiance is relaxed and you decide to stay a while. You find a blanket that's been left for visitors. It's cream coloured and resting under a cherry blossom tree at the edge of the park. Although you're in the heart of Kyoto, this place feels like its own secret.
- [35:56]
Narrator
World, far away from the city.
- [36:03]
Nadine
Nighttime slowly creeping in as the sun begins to set. Lying down on the blanket, you look up at the cherry blossom tree with its branches laid out above and let your eyes follow the journey of a.
- [36:27]
Narrator
Tiny petal as it slowly falls, swaying.
- [36:32]
Nadine
From side to side and coming to land on your hand. The petal feels as smooth as fine silk. It has a darker pink stripe near.
- [36:48]
Narrator
Where the center of the flower would be.
- [36:54]
Nadine
You place the petal on top of your parasol beside you and take a deep breath in, inhaling the delicate floral scent as you think of your day and everything you have seen and discovered in Kyoto. You find your eyelids slowly closing and your body fully relaxing on the blanket.
- [37:28]
Narrator
In the warm evening air. And slowly the lanterns on the tree.
- [37:40]
Nadine
Branches begin to flicker in the night as you drift off into a peaceful, dreamy sleep.