Listen To Sleep - "A Quiet Glow: A Bedtime Story for the Hush Between Seasons"

Hosted by: Erik Ireland
Date: August 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Listen To Sleep offers an original bedtime story crafted and read by Erik Ireland from his mountain cabin. Set in the transitional lull between summer and fall, the story centers on a gentle, reflective journey of a possum named Posy. Through quiet woodland imagery and sensory detail, Erik guides listeners into relaxation and introspection, focusing on themes of quiet belonging, the unseen connections that bind community, and the power of simply being present.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene and Intent (02:14)

• Erik welcomes listeners, inviting them to let go of the day and drift into sleep.
• He establishes the mood by describing the slow hush settling over the mountain as summer wanes:
  • "The grass is so dry, the days are warm but kind of soft at the edges... the forest feels like it's exhaling after a long stretch of sunlight" (02:17)
• The story was inspired by the quiet change of seasons and reflects on feelings of subtle transition.

2. Introduction to Posy the Possum (03:10)

• The story follows Posy, a possum who prefers solitude and staying on the periphery of things.
• Despite her usual tendencies, the annual "turning" gathering in the meadow gently draws her out.

3. Themes of Belonging and Contribution (04:15)

• The "turning" is described not as a ritual with rules, but as a simple communal coming-together:
  • "They just sat together in a big, quiet circle and in their own way, shared something from the year gone by. A small memory, a feeling, a moment they'd held close." (04:30)
• Posy feels she has nothing to offer and has always stayed away, but the hush and coolness in the air nudge her onward.

4. The Journey Through the Forest (06:00–13:20)

• Posy’s walk is full of sensory observation: fading light, the sound of a young fox or the scent of apples, the hush of grasshoppers.
• Erik’s narrative invites listeners to deeply notice nature, echoes of the importance of being present and accepting not knowing:
  • "Maybe she didn't need to know what she would bring. Maybe it was okay just to go. Just to be there." (08:15)

5. Memory, Loss, and Quiet Remembrance (14:00)

• Reaching the creek she hasn’t visited since before her mother died, Posy reflects:
  • "She hadn't realized she'd been missing... Her mother would settle on the wide, flat stone near the bend and hum soft little songs that Posy never learned the words to." (15:40)
• The story tenderly explores grief, memory, and the gentle ways old connections linger.

6. Gathering Small Treasures (17:00)

• Posy instinctively collects small natural items—a feather, bark, an acorn cap, and snakeskin—not for show, but as a wordless expression of her time.
• This act becomes a quiet offering, deeply personal and sincere.

7. The Meadow Gathering: Sharing Without Words (20:15–29:00)

• The animal community sits together, sharing simple objects, each holding silent meaning.
  • "No one called out. There were no greetings, but they had all come. This was the way of the turning." (22:53)
  • Offerings are left in a circle, and no explanations are given.
• When Posy’s turn comes, she leaves her modest bundle and is unexpectedly comforted by the shared silence and acceptance:
  • "The silence held her like it held the others. Not asking, not judging, just being." (28:40)

8. The Gentle Resolution: Ongoing Belonging (30:00–end)

• After the gathering, Posy feels changed—not outwardly, but with a "quiet glow" inside:
  • "It was a warmth that didn't ask for attention, like the warmth of sun soaked stones or the quiet hum of crickets in the tall grass. It didn't need to be seen. It just was." (32:30)
• Over the following days, small tokens begin to appear at her favorite creek spot, signs of growing, unseen community.
• The story closes with Posy settled in her belonging, feeling the subtle, persistent presence of others.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On belonging without grand gestures:
  "Some things are simply meant to be felt." — Erik Ireland (02:25)

• On not needing to have answers:
  "Maybe she didn't need to know what she would bring. Maybe it was okay just to go. Just to be there." (08:15)

• On shared silence:
  "No one spoke. No one nodded. But the silence stretched to hold each moment like it mattered." (25:20)

• On the warmth of connection:
  "It was a warmth that didn't ask for attention, like the warmth of sun soaked stones or the quiet hum of crickets in the tall grass. It didn't need to be seen. It just was." (32:30)

• On the story’s central message:
  "She was part of something now. Not because she tried to be, because she already was." (35:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:14 — Erik introduces the story and sets the meditative tone.
• 03:10 — Introduction to Posy, the possum.
• 04:30 — Description of the "turning" and community gathering.
• 08:15 — Posy's decision to just "go and be there," without a planned offering.
• 15:40 — Reflection on memories of Posy’s mother at the creek.
• 17:00 — Collection of natural treasures for her offering.
• 22:53 — The quiet community circle in the moonlit meadow.
• 28:40 — Posy's offering, held gently in communal silence.
• 32:30 — The sense of warmth and connection that stays with Posy.
• 35:10 — The story closes, reinforcing belonging through gentle presence.

Tone and Style

True to the Listen To Sleep spirit, Erik Ireland’s narration is gentle, unhurried, and deeply comforting. The language is sensory and lyrical, echoing both the precision of nature and the warmth of a cozy fireside. The story is meditative, with themes explored softly and without force—inviting listeners to rest, reflect, and feel welcome just as they are.

Perfect for listeners seeking peace, gentle encouragement, and the comfort of knowing even the quietest offerings are enough.