Listen To Sleep - Quiet Bedtime Stories & Meditations

Episode: Llama Trek to the High Valley – A Peaceful Journey through the Andes
Host: Erik Ireland
Date: December 14, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Erik Ireland gently guides listeners on a meditative, immersive storytelling journey through a daylong llama trek into the Andes. Written in his signature warm, comforting style, Erik—in the voice of “your mountain grandpa”—uses vivid sensory imagery, original characters, and slow, intentional pacing to lull listeners toward deep relaxation and restful sleep. The episode weaves gentle life lessons into its dreamlike narrative, offering reminders about presence, rest, and moving at one’s own pace, all set against the ancient, awe-inspiring backdrop of the South American highlands.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Setting the Meditative Tone

Timestamp: 01:46 – 04:00

• Erik welcomes listeners and sets the stage for relaxation:

  “Let’s take a deep breath in and out. Just letting go of the day… There’s nothing to do, nowhere to go, no one to be. This is your time. Quiet time.”

• The journey begins in a rustic stone guesthouse at dawn, with sensory details (cold stone walls, smell of bread, birdcalls) inviting listeners to fully enter the scene.

2. Meeting Tomas and the Llamas

Timestamp: 07:00 – 12:00

• Tomas, a wise, gentle Andean guide, greets the listener for breakfast in the mountain courtyard. He introduces the llamas:

  "The llamas are ready when you are... No hurry. We have the whole day." (10:15, Tomas)

• Each llama is described vividly, and the lead llama Blanco emerges as a symbol of confidence and trust:

  “That is Blanco. He sets the pace. He always knows the way.” (11:30, Tomas)

• Cielo, a young, affectionate llama, approaches for a gentle touch, grounding listeners in the emotional landscape.

3. The Trek Begins: Stepping into Presence

Timestamp: 12:00 – 23:00

• The journey unfolds through terraces, fields, and into wild mountain landscape. Walking becomes a metaphor for mindful living:

  “Step, breathe. Step, breathe… This is a path made by people who understood that mountains are climbed slowly.”

• Erik emphasizes the wisdom of pacing and tuning into the body:

  “This is something the mountain is already teaching you—how to notice, how to listen to what the body knows before the mind does.” (20:10, Erik)

4. Resting and Reflecting by the Shrine

Timestamp: 23:00 – 30:00

• They pause at an ancient stone shrine with fresh spring water, letting the llamas lead the rhythm of rest:

  “We rest when the animals rest… They know when the body needs to pause.” (24:30, Tomas)

• The segment underlines lessons of patience, humility, and acceptance, as silence and stillness are honored.

5. Stone Forest and Companionable Silence

Timestamp: 30:00 – 38:30

• The group enters a “stone forest,” surreal rock formations described as a “roofless cathedral.”

• Tomas reflects on the nature of the journey:

  "The mountain shows different faces. From below, it looks one way, from here, another. From above, another still. And all of them are true.” (35:15, Tomas)

• Listeners are invited to rest deeply—or simply to notice themselves resting, mirroring the llamas' dozing.

6. Crossing the Meadow: Choosing Your own Rhythm

Timestamp: 38:30 – 48:00

• The landscape softens; the party traverses a golden, wind-swept alpine meadow.

• Tomas hands control of pace to the listener:

  “You set the pace now. The valley is close. You know your own rhythm, and you understand. This last crossing is yours to make as you choose... There is no wrong way.” (42:12, Tomas)

• The moment encourages mindful autonomy, inviting listeners to honor their own tempo and the beauty unfolding around them.

7. Arrival at the High Valley & Evening Rituals

Timestamp: 48:00 – 55:00

• The group reaches a secret valley with an ancient stone circle for camp.
• The evening’s simple rituals—unpacking, spreading out blankets, sharing hot tea—are laden with contentment and gratitude.
• Tomas offers a final, gentle welcome:

  “The valley has held many travelers... Some come to rest, some come to remember, some come to forget. All are welcome.” (50:45, Tomas)

8. Stargazing & the Lull into Sleep

Timestamp: 55:00 – End (~61:00)

• As darkness settles, the group lies beneath an astounding sky—The Southern Cross and Magellanic Clouds above.

  “You lie wrapped in your blankets, looking up, and feel yourself growing smaller and larger at the same time...” (57:00, Erik)

• Erik’s closing words embrace listeners, reminding them of the journey’s deeper gifts:

  “You rested when rest was needed. The journey held you, carried you, brought you here to this valley, to these stones, to this sky... You are held. You are safe. You are exactly where the journey was always leading. Rest well, friend. The mountains will keep watch while you sleep. Good night.” (End)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On starting the day in presence:

  “Through the small window, the first light is just beginning to touch the highest peaks... painting them pale gold against a sky the color of faded indigo.”

• On moving at the mountain’s pace:

  “There is no schedule here, no timeline, but the sun moving across the sky.” (13:45, Narration)

• On what the mountain teaches:

  “How to notice, how to listen to what the body knows before the mind does.” (20:10, Erik)

• On the value of rest:

  “We rest when the animals rest... They know when the body needs to pause. They know.” (24:30, Tomas)

• On the diversity of perspectives:

  “The mountain shows different faces. From below, it looks one way, from here, another. From above, another still. And all of them are true.” (35:15, Tomas)

• On setting your own pace:

  “You set the pace now. The valley is close... There is no wrong way.” (42:12, Tomas)

• On the welcoming embrace of the valley:

  “Some come to rest, some come to remember, some come to forget. All are welcome.” (50:45, Tomas)

• On feeling at home in the cosmos:

  “You are held. You are safe. You are exactly where the journey was always leading." (60:45, Erik)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:46 — Meditative Introduction & Setting
• 07:00 — Meeting Tomas, Breakfast & the Llamas
• 12:00 — Trek Begins
• 23:00 — Shrine Rest Stop
• 30:00 — Stone Forest and Mountain Reflections
• 38:30 — Crossing the Meadow & Autonomy
• 48:00 — Arrival at the High Valley
• 55:00 — Stargazing & Closing Meditation

Tone and Style

Erik Ireland’s narration is gently paced, deeply sensory, and filled with affection and respect for nature and tradition. Dialogue and description flow together seamlessly. The overall tone is soothing, contemplative, and warmly invitational—perfect for bedtime, meditation, or simply finding a moment’s peace.

For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode offers not just a story but an experience: a reminder that peace, presence, and rest are always available, whenever you slow down enough to notice the ground beneath your feet and the stars above your head.