Welcome to get sleepy. The podcast where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. I'm Thomas, your host, and I really do hope you're well tonight. We're about to set out on a morning walk through a beautiful rainy woodland. It is an enriching experience full of blissful sights and joyous sounds. And this story is one I was inspired to write after enjoying a rainy woodland walk of my own a few weeks ago, and those of you who follow Get Sleepy on Instagram may recall a few pictures and videos I shared on that walk.

And now you get to take that journey for yourself in tonight's episode. Have you ever wished that we'd include soothing nature sounds as a background throughout aget sleep episode, for example, maybe you would like to pair tonight's story with the sound of gentle rainfall. Well, now you can we have partnered with the Deep Sleep Sound App to help you create soothing soundscapes that will play in the background while you're listening to get sleep. Here's what you need to do.

Simply download the Deep Sleep Sounds app, choose your preferred sound, and added to the mix by tapping in the circle next to it. For tonight's story, I'd recommend the sound you're hearing right now called light backyard rain. Make sure you go to the controls tab within the deep sleep sounds off and toggle the button to allow background audio. This will mean you can listen to get sleep on the app sounds at the same time and you can control the volume of the specific sounds in the mixtape.

To me, all of this is really exciting because it means you can create the perfect relaxing soundscape to accompany get sleepy episodes. It's the ultimate sleep experience. Simply search the App Store or Google Play for deep sleep sounds or click on the link in the show notes. If you download deep sleep sounds right now, you can continue this sound of soothing rain throughout tonight's story. So let's take a moment now to just make sure we're settled and ready to enjoy this relaxing excursion through beautiful woodland.

Take some time to focus on the breath. Breathing in deeply. For roughly six seconds. Holding for to. And breathing out for five or six. Following that rhythm two or three more times. Until you sense your muscles relaxing and letting go. You can allow your breathing to fall into a natural rhythm. And just enjoy the Stenness. In the same way that the mighty oak stands, still an observation in the middle of a forest. Unmoved by the outer world.

You can just watch over your thoughts. As they harmlessly float by. And as you continue to relax more deeply and ease towards a good night's rest. Let's turn to our story. It begins right where you are now. Snuggled up in your cozy bed. It's early on an autumn morning. The recent change of seasons. Delays don't light a little more each day. However, a muted glow behind the curtains confirms that mourning has arrived. You've spoken up sooner than planned on what is the start of a weekend.

Nevertheless, your body feels suitably rested and your head feels clear. You may as well make the most of your time, you notice a distinct lack of noise outside the usual chorus of birdsong on nearby trees and rooftops seems to be muted today. Instead, there is a blissful stillness near perfect silence. But as your ears tuned in a little deeper, you hear the soft sound of patas on the outer windowsill. You pull back your TV and roll out of bed to inspect further.

Drawing back the curtains, you squint your eyes, preparing for a burst of light. However, your eyes adjust with eyes as they are met by a thick blanket of gray cloud. I'm moving and seemingly endless, the overcast skies bring a persistent drizzle. Broken strings of raindrops ripple down the window panes. You watch as a droplet lands in the center of your gaze, then slowly cascades down to the bottom of the pain. Usually this weather would be a deterrent to outdoor activity, but today something inside you feels different, a prevailing urge to get out and explore.

You enjoy a quick breakfast and a warm cup of coffee. Then you hastily freshen up, get dressed and throw on your waterproof jacket. With a crack of a window, you sense that the outside temperature is quite mild just right. In fact, you won't need to layer up too heavily. However, the prospect of soggy footpaths certainly cause for more robust footwear. You slip your feet into a chunky pair of walking boots and tuck the cuffs of your trousers inside.

As you open the door to head out, you pause and take a moment to appreciate your home. For as much as you were excited to venture in the open air this morning, you feel lucky to have a warm, dry and cozy place to return to later. With a final deep breath, you close the door behind me. The Dampierre instantly invigorates you refreshing rather than cold. The rain is light for now, although scattering of deep potholes suggest there were heavier spells overnight.

In order to get to where you're going, you must first walk through the inhabited areas of town. The roads are quiet. Traffic is notably minimal. The sound of your boots scuffing along the damp pavement stands out and is rarely interrupted. The houses that run on either side of the street provide a subtle sense of inspiration and curiosity. Who might live in the home with the Ivy covid front porch? What might the family in the big Victorian house on the corner be up to this morning?

How long must it have taken to plant all of the colorful flowers in one particularly pretty garden? You can still feeling a rush of energy in your legs. There's an understated comfort in hearing the pattering raindrops on your head, your head and torso feel protected and unfazed in your waterproof cocoon. Just one more left turn now down the narrow alleyway, then you'll be out onto the countryside, footpaths, you sense your feet move a little faster. Your arms swaying spiritedly.

Wide open green planes are just a few steps away. At the end of the alleyway, you pass through a final kissing gate, it opens in a V shaped enclosure and touches all kisses each of two gate posts concerning its cheerful name. As the gate swings shut, you pause, taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings. Cows are huddled together in a field to your right. A hedgerow runs to your left all the way down a sloping path. There is barely a sound in the air, it seems everything is patiently waiting, quietly observing beneath shelter.

You lean your hand onto a wooden post and notice the soft and springy feel of the rain covid wood. You take a deep breath and gaze across the landscape. The broader scene is a gloomy haze of Dampierre and cloudy hilltops. In clearer whether this view provides an endless panoramic of green pastures, forestry and hair and their large farmhouses. Today, you can't see much farther than the train tracks just beyond the adjacent fields. It's no bother. It wasn't the views that drew you to come out this morning.

There is a beauty in everything before you, near and far, you decide to enjoy each and every footstep. You tread carefully down the long, straight path, descending slowly towards a short tunnel beneath the train tracks. On the other side, the path is a little bulkier in places, but your boots were made for such terrain you confidently amble and splash through the muddy puddles. From here, you take a ride through a farmer's field, the path slopes upward again, bringing you back out of the valley.

The upper third of the hill rises sharply, testing your resolve. But you power wrong with enthusiasm, not stopping until you reach the top. At the peak of the slope, you pause and turn to look back, you take a moment to rest and catch your breath. The field is clear and the view is spectacular, despite the shrouds of gray skies. You can see that some trees are just beginning to change color as autumn takes hold. As if it were intentional, while you stand here to catch your breath, the rain begins to pour a little stronger.

Your inner voice whispers with encouragement, embrace it. You pull down your hood, close your eyes and lean your head back. Cascading droplets of cool water soak your skin and hair, you stretch out your arms and smile to the sky. Tangles of electricity seem to charge and flow through your body, if only you could bottle this feeling, this fleeting moment of pure invigoration.

You open your eyes and turn your face back to the path ahead. With the rain still pouring, you will come down with a spring in your step. As you cross one final grassy expanse, you see beautiful ancient woodland that awaits just beyond. Passing along the perimeter of this open farmland, the path runs adjacent to the forest sage. A wire fence borders this boggy field on the opposite side of the terrain, drops steeply and is covered with a dense layer of deciduous trees.

With the downpour in full flow, you hear the woodland's beckoning you, a rich, rapturous sound resonates from within. You move off the path for a moment, peering through the plumage that lines the border. The rainfall echoes through this broad capture of beach ash, oaks and conifers. This is, you think, one of nature's most soothing symphonies. You cannot wait to be at the heart of this percussive forrest chamber. Just 100 yards or so ahead, you reach the natural entrance to the forest.

A solitary signpost stands in the ground, leaning ever so slightly to one side. On the front are two arrow shaped yellow way markers that read public footpath. One point straight and the other points left. It feels apposite to continue straight on further from the feelings you have, Travis, to get here deeper into the sea of rain soaked trees. The footpath is littered with the first fallen leaves of autumn, their orange here is a welcome flash of color on a morning dominated by dull grey.

Above you, the canopy of trees blocks out much of the clouded sunlight. As you look up, you see the two majestic chutes swaying in the breeze, heavy droplets of water are flung from branches where rain has collected. You keep your head down, though, your head and face still uncovered. You can't really say why, but it feels uplifting right now to forfeit trainers and shelter. The rushing of rain sounds even more incredible in the surroundings. Like a continual crashing of waves on the shoreline of a Pebble Beach, the trees act as a fragmented shelter, offering a slight reprieve from the lashing rain.

As you tread on with us, putting your boots into the scorching leafy surface, you see somebody walking in your direction. It's an unexpected but pleasant surprise you didn't anticipate seeing another early riser here in this expanse of woodland. She is dressed similarly to you with a light gray raincoat and a good pair of boots. You both smile with a genuine warmth as you reach one another. Oh, a fellow rain lover, she says excitedly. Absolutely, you say.

You stand and discuss the idyllic morning in progress. She points out the incredible smell of the fresh rain on the leaves and root, you observe the beauty of the sound and how it fills you with inspiration. And both of you speak of the invigorating feeling of getting out early on a morning like this. You ask her where the pathway leads. She is well acquainted with these woods and tells you that it runs in a big winding loop around the whole area.

You can lose yourself in nature, but remain guided by the path she philosophizes. You smile once more. How wonderful to feel such an instant connection with a total stranger. With a gleam of appreciation, you paid a fond farewell and wish her a good day. As you walk down, you are left with a delightful sense that fate is on your side today. However brief it may be, the effect of such an encounter with a fellow person further lifts your spirits.

Particularly when they share the same joy and passion as you do for this rainy woodland walk. You're quite sure that both of you will cherish this moment for the rest of the day? You follow the snaking path through the trees, safe in the knowledge that it will circle back to familiar surroundings. Almost subconsciously, you noticed yourself humming the tune of autumn, leaves the melody, fills you with cheer as you watch the occasional soggy leaf fall to the ground.

The forest is abundant with plants of all kinds, beech trees and conifers seem to prevail more than most, but there are many families coexisting here. Every now and then, you veer off of the natural path and crisscross through the spaces between trees. Up close, the finer details of leaves and wrinkled bark exhibit nature's complex artistry. It strikes you just how slender the trunks of conifers are, they saw skywards with equal dexterity to their neighbors and support heavy crowns above.

Yet impressively, their trunks are often half as thick as their counterparts. You remember reading about forests that are left to their own devices, trees that obtain plenty of exposure to sunlight at their leafy grounds will reap the nutritional benefits. That means that there is natural competition to thrive. However, the trees also work together, understanding that variety is healthy, there is strength in numbers. If a tree is in peril, signals are sent out to warn its neighbors of a threat.

They can then act to protect themselves. But in addition, close neighbors will share their own energy resources to aid a tree that is in need. A wonderful example of selflessness in nature. Life moves slowly here, far slower than us humans can comprehend. But there is no doubt about it, the forest is very much alive. The trees communicate with chemical signals and possibly even subtle vibrations through their roots, Fungi plays its vital role in helping the plants to obtain water and nutrients.

The earth itself is full of countless microscopic life forms. Insects and animals make their homes in discreet burrows nest and hollowed bark. There is exponentially more life in this patch of woodland. And they are human beings on the entire planet. And today, you sense celebration in the air after enduring the dry, hot summer months, running on purpose stored water reserves. The trees are finally rewarded with this satiating downpour. This is the beauty of rain. You think we take it for granted sometimes or even reject its presence, but the changing seasons are part of the order of life here.

The rain restores balance. And it is cherished just as much as the glorious summer sunlight. Regeneration continues. On ground level, Holly Bushes leaned on sturdier counterparts. Dots of red berries stand out against the deep green spiky leaves. Hardy found plants power at knee height, thriving in the moist conditions. You brush your fingers over there, soft, broad leaves. The water collected on top sprays and scatters as you gently ruffle the fronds. Those seemingly flimsy to the touch, you know, the phone plants will survive anything.

It's common knowledge by now that these incredibly tolerant perennials date back far beyond most species on Earth, long predating dinosaurs even. With the rain still rushing, you sense that the footpath has looked around to its final stretch. The path is wider here, letting in more light, and as you pan your gaze from side to side, a glistening site stops you in your tracks. To your left, there is a glorious beech tree with a particularly shiny, smooth bark.

The light is catching it perfectly illuminating the rushing waterfall atop sails its surface. You move closer and pay upwards. From its crown all the way down to the Ritz, this peach tree elegantly transports the refreshing water. It cascades in such lawless motion. It is like you are watching a manmade water fountain. This is no accident or coincidence. Beech trees love to indulge in an ample drink whenever the opportunity presents itself. They cleverly open up their lives in a way that doesn't just absorb sunlight, but also catches and collects rainwater.

From here, it runs along the twigs and branches, eventually uniting into the river like flow you see before you. When light reflects on the bank as it is now, it is a real spectacle to watch. You gently press your palm against its surface, the texture is cool, sleek, satisfying. Your hand intercepts the boundless water flow. It rushes over your skin, massaging the backs of your hands and fingers. And for a brief moment, you feel an energy, a connection.

From one life form to another, you and the beautiful beach tree are acquainted. With a deep breath in, you accept the gratifying energies of the forest. And as you breathe out, you gift back your own. With contentment, it is time to say goodbye to the woodland for today. You continue up the path until you reach the same signpost that welcomed your arrival. You depart the cover of the trees and listen as the parting echoes of rain fade away.

At more of a casual pace, now, you stroll back through the open countryside. Up and down the increasingly saturated slopes toward the urban areas of town. The skies are still thick with cloud and the wet weather appears to be setting for the day. As you cross over the fields, you spot a flock of sheep. They stare back at you looking surprised to see you out in this heavy rainfall. Well, maybe it's your bright green jacket that holds their attention.

Similarly to a dog after a river swim. Several of the sheep fervently shake off their damp woolen coats, water sprays out from their fluffy bodies, creating a mist around them. You've never witnessed this amusing behavior from sheep before, and you can't help but chuckle. Another reward for your determination to get out this morning, you think? Sightings of fellow Ramblas remain few and far between as you head back into town. Perhaps you might inspire onlookers to get outside this morning to.

But then perhaps not. Finally, you reach your home and step into the warm. You slip off your boots and your raincoat, leaving them by the front door to dry off. You enjoy a quick snack to satisfy your appetite. Then you run yourself a nice hot bath. This time, it is the feeling of warm water on your skin, bringing you a sense of contentment. With nothing much to be done, the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

It's the perfect day to be indoors to appreciate the simplicity of home life. And to rest. After your bath, you put on your coziest loungewear, brew a steaming cup of tea and snuggle up on your sofa. Now your weary legs can relax once more. The sound of raindrops continue to patter on the wind. It feels good to be in the warm. Immersed in the serenity of your home, you decide to listen to a tale from one of your favorite storytellers.

With your eyes closed, you hear the somber tone of the narrator's voice. The subtle nuances as they speak bring a familiar sense of calm. The words fill your mind with dreamy imagery. And eventually you drift into a peaceful afternoon, Dozhd.