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Tonight's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to remind you that, no matter what you're going through, you don't have to go it alone.
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Meu desejo é parar de achar que existe um jeito certo de ser mãe.
A gente entende que cada gestação é única e que cada fase pede cuidados diferentes.
Por isso Nestlé Materna desenvolveu uma linha completa de suplementos para acompanhar você em toda a jornada da maternidade.
Desde o apoio à fertilidade para mulheres que estão planejando a gestação...
Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy.
My name's Thomas, and it's my honor to be your host.
Tonight, we're returning to Morocco for another relaxing adventure to conclude our two-part journey.
Don't worry if you haven't heard or finished the first story yet.
You can always listen to this one tonight and return to the other at your leisure.
This time, we're visiting a geological wonder, a rock formation known as Iminifre Natural Bridge.
Thanks again to Kathleen for writing this lovely two-part series that I've had the pleasure of narrating.
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On the premium feed.
Everything is completely ad-free and you'll have access to our entire catalogue of well over a thousand episodes.
Every Thursday, we release a brand new bonus episode exclusive to Premium Members.
Like tomorrow, when Nikki will be talking us through another soothing meditation.
This one is called Dimming Sunlight Yoga Nidra.
It would really mean the world to have your support on Get Sleepy Premium.
So for more information just head to getsleepycom support, and I'll pop the link in the show notes too.
Thank you so much, everyone.
Okay, my friends, let's get nicely settled in for our story now.
Make sure you're comfy and well supported in your bed, with your pillow cradling your head and neck the mattress holding your body with care and softness.
And if you're yet to do so, gently close your eyes, Feel the ease and flow of your breath moving in and out of your body.
Perhaps your breathing is a little slower than before as you relax into the comfort of this moment.
And just notice your body on the bed.
Feel how your weight presses down held and supported by the mattress.
With each breath.
Let your muscles loosen that bit more, particularly in any areas that may still be holding some excess energy or tension from your day.
We often notice this pent-up tension in the shoulders, so make sure they are released and softened with each exhale.
Your jaw will often respond to tension by clenching, so make sure that your jaw is also released and soft.
Are there any other areas where you sense excess energy or tension?
If so, bring your focus there for the next few breaths.
And again, encourage a greater sense of ease and relaxation in those areas.
As you continue to breathe, slowly and steadily, Your body and mind will follow, and you can gently drift towards sleep whilst I tell you tonight's story.
Picture yourself standing before a majestic bridge of stone.
In this quiet, ancient place, you feel the earth's pulse beneath you, calm and strong.
The air around you is filled with the scent of wild thyme and stone warmed by the sun.
Allow yourself to be present, fully aware of your body, your breath, and your surroundings.
This is where our story begins.
Iminifre Natural Bridge is a landmark in Asilao Province, Morocco.
It's a peaceful place, located in the midst of small mountain villages and groves.
As you stand at the edge of the bridge, the evening air seems to pulse.
Whether it's the heat or the cicada song, you're unsure.
The stone beneath your feet feels textured. worn by centuries of natural forces.
Wind, water and the footsteps of those who have passed this way before The limestone arches lie before you, their curves flowing like the breath of the earth itself.
As you take a slow, deliberate step forward, It feels as though you are crossing from one world to another.
The sky above is a shifting canvas of early twilight blues fading into dusky lavender as the daylight slips away.
There is something undeniably special about the soft lilac hues of a sun already set.
You pause for a moment, allowing the beauty of the surrounding landscape to settle into your senses.
Rugged cliffs rise on either side.
Their shadows lengthening as the sun dips behind the mountains.
The valley below, rich with olive groves, stretches out beneath you.
It's like a painting in motion, streaked with the warm hues of the fading light.
With each step, the world seems to fall into a quiet rhythm.
The breeze carries the earthy scent of wild thyme and stone, and the echo of your footsteps mingles with the whispers of the wind.
The limestone beneath you, worn smooth by time, feels at once solid and weightless.
It's as though you are walking on the threshold between two realms the physical world below and the silent, infinite sky above.
The bridge is a natural stone structure, its wide arches shaped by the steady erosion of a river that has long since receded.
Each arch is broad and nearly symmetrical, creating a series of vaults that support the span with rugged elegance.
The stones are a mix of warm ochres and muted oranges, with rough surfaces that bear the marks of wind and water abrasion.
The top of the bridge is flat and surprisingly even. as if shaped by purpose rather than chance.
Though occasional shallow grooves suggest the wear of centuries of rainwater carving paths across its surface.
The width of the bridge allows for steady footing, but the texture is uneven, with small outcrops of stone forming natural steps in places.
The underside reveals intricate patterns of erosion, with small alcoves and channels formed by dripping water.
Its edges are irregular, jagged in some spots, but softened in others where the stone has crumbled or been smoothed by the elements.
Moss and lichen cling to its shaded sides, adding a subtle green hue to the otherwise stark surface.
And while the bridge itself is still, the scenery around it is ever-changing.
As you wander, the stars begin to appear overhead one by one, their distant light flickering like quiet witnesses to your journey.
Each step is sure and steady, guided by the natural grooves in the rock beneath your feet.
You walk slowly as the breeze flows through the bridge's hollows.
Looking down, you see the river below, glistening in the fading light.
It flows swiftly but quietly, its surface glimmering like silver as it snakes through the rugged canyon.
You pause for a moment, imagining those who have crossed this bridge long before you.
Travelers, pilgrims, perhaps even mystics, each finding a path between the rocky crevices.
As you reach the midpoint of the bridge, a sense of tranquility washes over you.
Here, the rock shelters you on either side, creating a natural cradle of stone that rises high above.
You are nestled between earth and sky, with only the gentle rush of water and the occasional whisper of wind for company.
As you stand, still feeling the quiet pulse of this ancient place, a flock of birds takes flight from a hidden grove nearby.
They rise together, their dark silhouettes dancing against the deepening sky.
You watch them disappear into the distance, following invisible currents through the air.
Their journey seems endless boundless, as if they too are drawn forward by something outside of time.
It makes you think of freedom and connection.
Even in their apparent randomness, the birds' movements feel purposeful, guided by forces unseen.
Their flight is a reminder of the vastness of the world and the invisible threads that tie all journeys together.
Watching them vanish into the horizon stirs a sense of longing.
It's as if their flight mirrors the human desire to move, to explore and to belong to something greater, even if we cannot name it.
Taking a slow, deep breath.
You close your eyes and let yourself become one with the sounds around you.
The cool, mineral-rich air fills your lungs, grounding you even as you feel lighter and more at peace.
In this place, it's easy to forget the worries of daily life.
Here time moves differently, marked not by minutes or hours, but by the subtle shifts of color in the sky and nature's rhythms.
You stand there for a while, breathing in the cool air.
When you open your eyes, you gaze over the valley below.
The moon's light blankets the landscape, casting a delicate silver glow over the river winding through the canyon.
Shadows stretch and bend along the cliffs, creating a world of shapes and textures that shift with each passing cloud.
As you linger, breathing in the scents around you.
You inhale the faint spice of wild herbs, the damp earthy fragrance of the moss-covered rocks and the cool freshness of nearby water.
Each breath grounds you, filling you with the essence of this place.
The breeze moves lightly across your skin.
It carries the scent of the river below and the rustle of leaves which cling to the cracks of the rock.
You make your way down to the river and find a large, flat rock by the water's edge.
It's the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea that you packed for this journey.
Settling in, you reach into your bag and retrieve the small thermos of chamomile tea.
You unscrew the lid and pour the warm, fragrant liquid into the cup.
The steam rises into the cool night air, along with the soothing, floral scent of chamomile.
You wrap your hands around her cup, letting the warmth seep into your fingers.
It spreads through your hands and travels up your arms, bringing comfort to your whole body.
Each sip brings a deeper sense of calm.
As you're savoring the warmth of the chamomile tea, you hear a faint rhythmic tapping coming from somewhere further down the trail.
It is subtle, almost hidden beneath the sounds of the river and the rustle of the evening breeze.
Curiosity stirs within you.
The sound is steady and purposeful, as if someone is working with great focus and it beckons you to follow.
You gather your things and walk towards the source, each step on the uneven stones, filling you with anticipation.
Rounding a bend in the path, you come across a man who is chiseling into the stone's walls.
His face is half-hidden in the shadow, but he appears to be carving symbols into the rock.
His movements are practiced and slow.
Sensing your presence, the man pauses as you approach.
He turns, and the firelight catches his face.
A face etched with years of wisdom.
His gaze is calm, yet intense, his eyes reflecting the light of the fire beside him.
He gives you a small nod, acknowledging your arrival, but saying nothing.
After a moment, he gestures to a patch of ground by the fire, inviting you to sit.
You settle down and feel how the warmth of the flames contrasts with the cool night air.
The fire casts flickering shadows across the rock walls.
A comfortable silence stretches between you.
It's as if he's waiting for you to understand something without words.
Finally, he speaks.
His voice is low and steady, like the murmur of the river.
He asks if you've come here in search of anything in particular.
His question hangs in the air, and you find yourself caught off guard, uncertain how to answer.
You came to the bridge for its beauty, its mystery.
But now, in his presence, the journey feels like something more.
Something meaningful, yet undefined.
The man nods slowly, reading the hesitation in your expression, and tells you a story of the bridge.
It once marked the meeting place of nomads and seekers, those who carried offerings to honor the river and ask for blessings on their journeys.
Each marking, he explains, is a prayer left by those who came before, a trace of their hopes carved into the stone.
His words sink in deeply, as though they reach a place within you that has long awaited this moment of discovery.
Here, he says, you can leave a piece of your journey, too.
Moved by his story, you find yourself stretching for a small stone or a token to leave.
But the man stops you, shaking his head.
He hands you his chisel, worn and polished by years of use, and points to a small space on the wall.
The act, he explains, is about presence. about marking the journey in a way that only you can.
With the tool in hand, you feel the weight of the stone beneath its metal edge.
And with a deep breath, you begin to carve.
It is a simple line, a symbol of your own choosing.
It feels like an act of connection, as if you are leaving a small part of yourself, woven into the fabric of this place.
When you are finished, you hand the chisel back a quiet sense of fulfillment settling over you.
The man nods, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Then he slowly walks away, starting on his own way back home, perhaps leaving you alone with a small remnant of your journey.
Adjusting your eyes to the firelight, you notice a narrow path off to the side, partially hidden in the shadows.
It calls to you, and with a steady step, you move towards it. curiosity guiding you forward.
The path winds along the edges of the limestone cliffs, which drops steeply to the valley below.
After a while, the trail levels out, leading you to a small alcove nestled within the rock face.
You step into this sheltered space and the air grows warmer, filled with the faint earthy scent of damp soil and ancient stone.
You sit, leaning back against the stone.
From here you can see out over the valley, the moonlight spilling across the landscape like a silver river.
Shadows shift and dance across the rocks and you find yourself mesmerized by the play of light and dark.
You feel as if you are witnessing something sacred, something that has unfolded in this valley night after night for as long as there have been stars in the sky.
The river the bridge spans is believed to carry spiritual energy, and the bridge itself may be considered a threshold.
For those who live nearby crossing, it could be a quiet act of reverence, a movement from one state of being to another.
And many believe that water holds deep spiritual meaning, representing cleansing, transformation or renewal.
The Imanifree Bridge.
Standing over the river may be seen as a guardian of these sacred energies, offering a passage for both the physical and the spiritual journey.
There is no rush and no sense of past or future, only the present moment.
You feel your breath slowing and your heartbeat steadying, as if your body is aligning itself with the rhythm of the land.
There is a peace here.
A quiet joy that fills you, born of simply existing, of being part of this ancient world.
Gradually, you rise, feeling as though you have received a gift from this place.
You continue along the path And, as you do, the trail leads you down towards the river, winding through clusters of wildflowers.
Their petals are pale, glowing faintly in the silvery moonlight.
The fragrance of these blossoms fills the air, mingling with the scent of the earth, creating an atmosphere that is both grounding and ethereal.
You reach the river's edge, where the water flows quietly, reflecting the stars above in a rippling liquid mirror.
Kneeling down, you dip your fingers into the cool water, feeling its current like to be tugging against your skin.
The sensation is soothing, a reminder of the endless flow of time and the cycles that shape the world.
The water here has trickled down from distant mountains, carving its way through valleys and canyons.
Its journey is as old as the bridge above.
As you sit by the river watching the starlit reflections dance across its surface, the moon rises higher.
It casts its light over the rocks and water, bathing the landscape in an otherworldly glow.
You rise, feeling the pull of the path that will take you back across the bridge.
The walk back feels different.
It's as if the landscape has subtly shifted, revealing new facets, new textures, as you make your way up the trail.
The air is cool against your skin, carrying with it the scent of wild herbs and the faint metallic tang of the stone.
The stars scattered across the sky seemed to beckon you silent, ancient witnesses to the world's unfolding.
You gaze upward, entranced by their brilliance, their light reaching across the vastness of time and space.
How many souls have looked up at them, seeking meaning, guidance, or solace?
The stars, though distant, feel intimately close.
They speak to you in a language older than words.
Their constant flicker, a gentle reassurance that everything is as it should be.
In this moment, the stars are not cold or unreachable.
They are warm inviting, part of the same pulse that flows through you and the land beneath your feet.
There is no separation, only connection, a silent communion between you, the bridge, the earth and the stars above you slowly walk on.
When you reach the other side, the sense of peace and calm remains with you, a warmth that fills you as you leave the bridge behind.
You look back once more, taking in the sight of the ancient stone archway silhouetted against the star-filled sky.
As you begin the walk back to your resting place, the night around you seems to deepen the path, softening underfoot as if welcoming you back.
In the distance, the slopes of the hills blend with the darkness, creating a seamless horizon.
You are calm, filled with a renewed connection to the earth, knowing that tonight you have been part of something vast and enduring.
Finally, you arrive at your resting place, a guesthouse in the nearby village.
You settle down, and the familiar feeling of your bed wraps around you like an embrace.
As you lie down, you feel the weight of the day dissolve.
But the quiet presence of the stones, the bridge and the moonlit valley are still within you, lingering like a gentle touch.
You breathe deeply, letting your body soften into the mattress.
And with your eyes closed, the memories of this night flow back to you.
The mountain valley, the winding river, the ancient bridge, all held in an eternal peace.
You feel your breath slowing and your muscles relaxing. as the memories fill you with calm.
They're a reminder that you are always connected, always part of something greater.
And with this thought, you let yourself drift into a deep and restful sleep.
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