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Eric
Hey, it's Eric. Before we begin tonight's episode, just a quick reminder. You're about to hear a few ads.
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That help to support Listen to Sleep. If you'd rather drift off without them.
Eric
You can join Listen to Sleep plus and get every episode ad free plus bonus stories and meditations. Just go to ListenToSleep.com and click on Support to learn more.
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This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance Fiscally responsible Financial Geniuses, Monetary Magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.
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Smart Bed Can I make my site softer?
Eric
Can I make my site firmer?
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Can we sleep cooler?
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Hello friend. Welcome back to Listen to Sleep.
Eric
Tonight's episode is from the Cabin Classics Collection and it's helped many people find.
Narrator
Their way to deep rest.
Eric
Whether this is your first time hearing it or you're an old friend revisiting, I'm glad you're here. You'll find a new episode every Sunday and and a classic like this one during the week. Some of these classics are shorter stories I read twice, a little slower and.
Narrator
Quieter the second time.
Eric
Some are meditations, guided practices that go deeper than the mindfulness I weave into the stories. That deeper work is what the Cabin is all about. It's an intimate space where we meet twice a month, just me and a small community deeply committed to supporting each other as we discover more peace and purpose. Maybe you're in the middle of a big transition, the kind that changes everything and leaves you wondering who you are now. Maybe your old life doesn't fit anymore and you're not sure what comes next, well, then the cabin is for you. It's where we learn to see through the stories we've been telling ourselves, the ones that keep us stuck, anxious, or disconnected from who we really are. You get access to all my mindfulness courses, personal support from me, and most importantly, a community of folks who truly show up for each other. If you're ready for more than sleep stories, if you're ready to write a different story for your life, take the free path assessment@jointhecabin.org in two minutes, you'll see your personalized journey and know exactly where to start the links in the.
Narrator
Show Notes let's take a deep breath in and out.
Eric
Letting go of the.
Narrator
Day, feeling the weight of gravity pulling you deep down into the mattress. Another deep breath in and out. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, no one to be. One more deep breath in with me and out. If you get tired while I'm reading to you, that's okay. Just let yourself drift off. The Tale of the Sleepy Squirrel Once upon a time, in a faraway land nestled between rolling hills and towering mountains lay the Enchanted Forest of Sleep Mountain. The forest was home to all manner of creatures, big and small, who went about their lives under the watchful eye of the forest's most famous resident, a sleepy squirrel named Snorlax. Snorlax was known throughout the forest for his love of naps and his uncanny ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. But what many didn't know was that Snorlax's sleepiness was not just due to laziness, but rather because of the magical adventures he experienced every night in his dreams. One day, as the sun was setting over the forest, Snorlax emerged from his cozy tree hollow, stretched his legs, and let out a big yawn. He looked up at the sky and noticed that the stars were beginning to twinkle. It was time for him to drift off into dreamland. As Snorlax closed his eyes, he felt a warm flow of energy surge through his body. The world around him began to blur.
Eric
And warp until he found himself standing.
Narrator
In a fantastical meadow filled with bright colors and wondrous creatures. He looked around, bewildered, and saw a small rabbit hopping towards him. Hello there, sleepy squirrel. My name is Thumper, and I am here to guide you through the Enchanted Forest. The rabbit exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. Snorlax rubbed his eyes and looked at Thumper in disbelief. Was this really happening? But before he could Ask any questions. Thumper had already hopped away, leaving Snorlax to follow in his wake. As they made their way through the meadow, Snorlax saw all manner of strange and wonderful things. There were flowers that glowed in the dark, trees that swayed to an unheard melody, and birds that sang in languages he had never heard before. As they journeyed deeper into the forest, Snorlax began to feel his eyelids growing heavy. But Thumper encouraged him to keep going, promising that the best was yet to come. And indeed it was. As they crested a hill, Snorlax saw the most incredible sight. A towering castle made entirely of crystal, shimmering in the moonlight. Welcome to the palace of Dreams, Thumper announced. Here is where all your wildest dreams come true. With that, Snorlax was whisked away into a world of pure imagination. He saw himself soaring through the clouds on the back of a giant eagle, exploring underwater kingdoms with mermaids, and even dueling dragons with a sword made of starlight. The adventures were so exhilarating that Snorlax lost track of time. And before he knew it, the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. Thumper appeared at his side once again, his face filled with a mix of amusement and sympathy. Looks like it's time for you to go back to the real world, my friend. But don't worry. You'll be back here again before you know it. Snorlax nodded, feeling both sad and grateful for the experience. He closed his eyes and felt himself being pulled back to his cozy tree hollow, where he drifted into a deep and restful sleep. The next morning, Snorlax awoke feeling more energized than he had in weeks. As he emerged from his tree hollow, he noticed the other animals in the forest looking at him with a newfound respect. Did you hear about Snorlax's incredible dream last night? One of them whispered. He went on the most amazing adventures. Snorlax smiled to himself, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. He knew that the adventures he experienced in his dreams were just as real and important as. As anything he did during the day. And as the days turned into weeks, Snorlax continued to have incredible dreams, filled with magical creatures, fantastic landscapes and epic battles. Each night, he would wake up feeling more rested and inspired than the last. And with each passing day, Snorlax's reputation in the forest grew. He became known not just as a lazy squirrel, but as a dreamer, an adventurer and a storyteller. Every evening, the other animals in the forest would gather around Snorlax's tree hollow, eager to hear the tales of his nightly escapades. And Snorlax would regale them with stories of dragons, fairies and talking animals, each one more fantastical than the last. For Snorlax, the dreams were more than just a way to pass the time. They were a way to connect with the world around him, to explore new horizons, and to inspire others to do the same. As the years went by, Snorlax became a beloved figure in the forest, a symbol of the magic and wonder that could be found in even the most unexpected of places. One particularly memorable night, Snorlax found himself in a land of candy and sweets, where everything was made of sugar and spice. He flew on the back of a cotton candy dragon and sampled the most delicious treats he had ever tasted. As he was about to take a bite of a particularly large lollipop, he was suddenly jolted awake by a loud noise. It took a moment for Snorlax to realize that the noise was coming from inside his tree hollow. He peered outside and saw that it was the sound of a woodpecker hammering away at a nearby tree. Snorlax frowned. He had been so close to finding out what happened next in his candy dream, but he knew he had to focus on the present moment. He took a deep breath and stepped outside, feeling the cool breeze on his face. The forest was alive with activity as the animals went about their daily routines. As he walked through the forest, Snorlax thought about all the amazing adventures he had experienced in his dreams. He knew that they were a reminder of the incredible potential that lay within him and within everyone. He was so lost in thought that he almost didn't notice the figure approaching him through the trees. It was Thumper, the rabbit who had first introduced him to the Enchanted Forest all those years ago. Snorlax, my friend. It's been too long. Thumper exclaimed, hopping up to greet him. Snorlax smiled, happy to see his old friend. It has indeed. I've been having the most incredible dreams lately. I feel like there's so much more to explore and discover. Thumper nodded. There's always more to discover, my friend. But don't forget to take time for the here and now. The present is just as magical as the future. Snorlax nodded, taking Thumper's words to heart. He looked around the forest, at the beauty and wonder that surrounded him, and felt a deep sense of gratitude. The days turned into weeks. The weeks turned into months. Snorlax continued to have incredible dreams, but he Also made a point to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. He spent time with his friends in the forest, watching the sunsets and playing games. He took long walks through the woods, marveling at the changing colors of the leaves and the babbling brooks, and even started to explore new areas of the forest that he had never been to before. And as he closed his eyes each night, he knew that he would continue to journey through the fantastical realms of his dreams. But he also knew that the magic of the forest was just as real, just as beautiful as and just as worthy of his attention. For Snorlax, the tale of the sleepy squirrel was not just a story about a magical forest, but a reminder of the incredible potential that lay within all of us. It was a reminder to embrace both the dreams and the present moment, to seek out the beauty and wonder that surround us, and to never stop exploring. And so, in the Enchanted Forest of Sleep Mountain, Snorlax continued to dream and to live with a heart full of wonder and a soul full of. Of adventure. Once upon a time, in a far away land nestled between rolling hills and towering mountains, lay the Enchanted Forest of Sleep Mountain. The forest was home to all manner of creatures, big and small, who went about their lives under the watchful eye of the forest's most famous resident, a sleepy squirrel named Snorlax. Snorlax was known throughout the forest for his love of naps and his uncanny ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. But what many didn't know was that Snorlax's sleepiness was not just due to laziness, but rather because of the magical adventures he experienced every night in his dreams. One day, as the sun was setting over the forest, Snorlax emerged from his cozy tree hollow, stretched his legs and let out a big yawn. He looked up at the sky, noticing that the stars were beginning to twinkle. It was time for him to drift off into dreamland. As Snorlax closed his eyes, he felt a warm flow of energy surge through his body. The world around him began to blur and warp until he found himself standing in a fantastical meadow filled with bright colors and wondrous creatures. He looked around, bewildered, and saw a small rabbit hopping towards him. Hello there, sleepy squirrel. My name is Thumper, and I'm here to guide you through the Enchanted forest. The rabbit exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. Snorlax rubbed his eyes and looked at Thumper in disbelief. Was this really happening? But before he could ask any questions, Thumper had already hopped away, leaving Snorlax to follow in his wake. As they made their way through the meadow, Snorlax saw all manner of strange and wonderful things. There were flowers that glowed in the dark, trees that swayed to an unheard melody, and birds that sang in languages he had never heard before. As they journeyed deeper into the forest, Snorlax began to feel his eyelids growing heavy. But Thumper encouraged him to keep going, promising that the best was yet to come. And indeed it was. As they crested a hill, Snorlax saw the most incredible sight. A towering castle made entirely of crystal, shimmering in the moonlight. Welcome to the palace of dreams, Thumper announced. Here is where all your wildest dreams come true. With that, Snorlax was whisked away into a world of pure imagination. He saw himself soaring through the clouds on the back of a giant eagle, exploring underwater kingdoms with mermaids and even dueling dragons with a sword made of starlight. The adventures were so exhilarating that Snorlax lost track of time. And before he knew it, the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. Bumper appeared at his side once again, his face filled with a mix of amusement and sympathy. Looks like it's time for you to go back to the real world, my friend. But don't worry. You'll be back here again before you know it. Snorlax nodded, feeling both sad and grateful for the experience. He closed his eyes and felt himself being pulled back to his cozy tree hollow, where he drifted into a deep and restful sleep. The next morning, Snorlax awoke feeling more energized than he had in weeks. As he emerged from his tree hollow, he noticed the other animals in the forest looking at him with a newfound respect. Did you hear about Snorlax's incredible dream last night? One of them whispered. He went on the most amazing adventures. Snorlax smiled to himself, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. He knew that the adventures he experienced in his dreams were just as real and important as anything he did during the day. As the days turned into weeks, Snorlax continued to have incredible dreams, filled with magical creatures, fantastic landscapes, and epic battles. Each night, he would wake up feeling more rested and inspired than the last. And with each passing day, Snorlax's reputation in the forest grew. He became known not just as a lazy squirrel, but as a dreamer, an adventurer, and a storyteller. Every evening, the other animals in the forest would gather round Snorlax's tree hollow, eager to hear the tales of his nightly escapades, and Snorlax would regale them with stories of dragons, fairies, and talking animals, each one more fantastical than the last. For Snorlax, the dreams were more than just a way to pass the time. They were a way to connect with the world around him, to explore new horizons and to inspire others to do the same. And as the years went by, Snorlax became a beloved figure in the forest, A symbol of the magic and wonder that could be found in even the most unexpected of places. One particularly memorable night, Snorlax found himself in a land of candy and sweets, where everything was made of sugar and spice. He flew on the back of a cotton candy dragon and sampled the most delicious treats he had ever tasted. As he was about to take a bite of a particularly large lollipop, he was suddenly jolted awake by a loud noise. It took a moment for Snorlax to realize that the noise was coming from outside his tree hollow. He peered outside and saw that it was the sound of a woodpecker hammering away at a nearby tree. Snorlax frowned. He had been so close to finding out what happened next in his candy dream, but he knew he had to focus on the present moment. He took a deep breath and stepped outside, feeling the cool breeze on his face. The forest was alive with activity as the animals went about their daily routines. As he walked through the forest, Snorlax thought about all the amazing adventures he had experienced in his dreams. He knew that they were a reminder of the incredible potential that lay within him and within everyone. He was so lost in thought that he almost did didn't notice the figure approaching him through the trees. It was Thumper, the rabbit who had first introduced him to the Enchanted Forest all those years ago. Snorlax, my friend, it's been too long. Thumper exclaimed, hopping up to greet him. Snorlax smiled, happy to see his old friend. It has indeed. I've been having the most incredible dreams lately. I feel like there's so much more to explore and discover. Bumper nodded. There is always more to discover, my friend. But don't forget to take time for the here and now. The present is just as magical as the future. Snorlax nodded, taking Thumper's words to heart. He looked around the forest at the beauty and wonder that surrounded him, and felt a deep sense of gratitude. The days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Snorlax continued to have incredible dreams, but he also made a point to appreciate the beauty of the present moment, he spent time with his friends in the forest, watching the sunsets and playing games. He took long walks through the woods, marveling at the changing colors of the leaves and the babbling brooks. And he even started to explore new areas of the forest that he had never been to before. And as he closed his eyes each night, he knew that he would continue to journey through the fantastical realms of his dreams. But he also knew that the magic of the forest was just as real, just as beautiful, and just as worthy of his attention. For Snorlax, the tale of the Sleepy squirrel was not just a story about a magical forest, but a reminder of the incredible potential that lay within all of us. It was a reminder to embrace both the dreams and the present moment, to seek out the beauty and wonder that surround us, and to never stop exploring. And so, in the Enchanted Forest of Sleep Mountain, Snorlax continued to dream and to live with a heart full of wonder and a soul full of adventure. Good night.
Host: Erik Ireland
Date: January 22, 2026
In this classic episode from "Listen To Sleep," Erik Ireland gently narrates the original bedtime story, "The Tale of the Sleepy Squirrel," designed to foster relaxation, rest, and a sense of wonder. Set in the enchanted Sleep Mountain forest, the story follows Snorlax, a famously sleepy squirrel, whose magical dreams inspire not only himself but also his entire woodland community. Woven throughout are themes of embracing dreams, finding meaning in the present moment, and celebrating inner potential.
"Maybe you're in the middle of a big transition, the kind that changes everything and leaves you wondering who you are now... It's where we learn to see through the stories we've been telling ourselves." (03:14)
"Letting go of the day, feeling the weight of gravity pulling you deep down into the mattress." (04:14)
Transition to Dreamland:
Arrival in the Dream Meadow:
"Hello there, sleepy squirrel. My name is Thumper, and I am here to guide you through the Enchanted Forest." (07:12)
Wonders Seen in the Meadow:
Entering the Castle:
"Welcome to the Palace of Dreams. Here is where all your wildest dreams come true." (07:50)
Magical Adventures Unfold:
Dawn Brings Return:
"Looks like it's time for you to go back to the real world, my friend. But don't worry. You'll be back here again before you know it." (09:18)
Waking with Newfound Energy:
"For Snorlax, the dreams were more than just a way to pass the time. They were a way to connect with the world around him, to explore new horizons, and to inspire others to do the same." (11:08)
"There's always more to discover, my friend. But don't forget to take time for the here and now. The present is just as magical as the future." (14:30)
"The tale of the sleepy squirrel was not just a story about a magical forest, but a reminder of the incredible potential that lay within all of us. It was a reminder to embrace both the dreams and the present moment, to seek out the beauty and wonder that surround us, and to never stop exploring." (16:30)
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 01:51 | Welcome & Cabin Classics intro | | 03:14 | Reflections on personal growth and community | | 04:01 | Guided breathwork for settling in | | 04:32 | The Tale of the Sleepy Squirrel begins | | 07:05 | Snorlax meets Thumper in dreamland | | 07:50 | Arrival at the Palace of Dreams | | 09:18 | Snorlax returns to the waking world | | 10:54 | Dreams as real as daily life | | 13:15 | Candy dream & woodpecker interruption | | 14:30 | Thumper’s wisdom about the present moment | | 16:30 | Final message: balancing dreams & living |
This "Cabin Classic" gently reminds listeners that rest, imagination, and presence are deeply interwoven. Through the whimsical lens of Snorlax and his magical dreams, Erik Ireland encourages us to value both our inner explorations and the simple joys around us, all in the service of deeper rest and richer living.
Perfect for:
Anyone seeking comfort, peace, and soulful guidance at bedtime, and for those who wish to cultivate wonder in both dreams and waking life.