foreign to get sleepy the podcast where we listen we relax and we get sleepy I'm your host Thomas thanks for joining us tonight in this episode we have a sleepy retelling of one of Aesop's Fables about an astronomer and the importance of appreciating where you are and what you have let's relax a little bit before starting our story tonight I'm sure we've all spent evenings staring into the empty expanse of outer space looking at those little twinkling lights in the sky and wondering what lies out there in that eternity of stars I absolutely love spending
evenings doing just that comprehending the frankly incomprehensible vastness of space so why not imagine that scene now as you begin along the path to sleep transport yourself back to a Time where you laid comfortably maybe in your garden in a field a hammock or on the beach and gazed at the stars feel the Tranquility of that moment envelop you the peace in realizing how Grand the universe is and perhaps how small and insignificant that made some of the everyday burdens of Life seem [Music] the problems we all face day to day our bats temporary bumps
on a long road [Music] but also as you gaze out beyond our own world just remember that your place within the vast universe is every bit as significant as anything else in existence in this spot you can be at ease you can be yourself completely and fully and you can rest in is here In This Moment staring into space that's our Story begins [Music] once they lived in astronomer who was mesmerized by the night sky he would stay awake all night admiring the constellations sparkling in the darkness overhead he lived in a small village in
ancient Greece where the mountains climbed up from the sea the hillside was dotted with small houses which formed a constellation of Their Own but although he lived in a wonderful place he had a singular passion once he was awakened to the beauty of the night sky it wasn't long before the astronomer cared for nothing else the astronomer lived in a squat White House adorned simply with a bed dresser desk and chair [Music] he didn't need much else because all he did in the house was sleep and record the constellations while sitting at his desk he
had no need for a table or chairs for guests as he rarely entertained a single friend or relative [Music] he had no time for such things when there was always more of the night sky to discover what wonders must still lie above to help people navigate tell the time and read the seasons he thought his dreams all he saw were the stars [Music] he wished he could float into space to get a better look at the pinpricks of light that made up his life's work the little corner of Greece where he lived was blessed with
clear skies and the astronomer wanted to discover as much of them as he could each night he wandered further from the village feet pacing over the rocky ground to see the stars from different viewpoints in the village the town's people farmed gardened and fished every day [Music] all who lived there knew everything about everyone else and so the astronomer felt there was much more possibility in the heavens wanting to take full advantage of his nighttime strolls the astronomer slept in the hot afternoon while his friends and family enjoyed long meals together at night while they
slumbered he wandered the fields alone climbing Rolling Hills and strolling on Rocky paths always gazing Skyward [Music] a storm broke and the rest of the village was waking the astronomer would tuck himself away in the privacy of his home and write down his observations from the night before then he'd Drift Off to Sleep dreaming of the night ahead he was so consumed by the world of galaxies and celestial bodies all the most exciting things the astronomer thought happened at night during the day light illuminated all but when the night sky took over so much remained
a mystery it was a challenge to learn about it all he watched the season's pass through the Stars the landscape changing around him while he slept since he only went out at night the astronomer never noticed the blooming of new flowers in Spring or the sweet earthy scent of autumn someone else had already learned all there was to know about everything on land he thought what hid in the night sky was untapped potential secrets and unanswered questions the astronomer watched artemises hunt in the Stars sought the gods of Olympus in the constellations sometimes under the
glint of the Moon he would visit the Temple of Artemis to pay tribute to the beauty shining in the sky above the temple in his village had an open roof which was perfect for stargazing he barely noticed the architect's marble columns or carved statues as he only cared for the Creations above [Music] one night the astronomer was out for his walk gazing up at the stars as he always did he was admiring the way the big and little dipper fit perfectly together not looking where he was going he tripped over a log and found himself
Tangled in his robes on the ground his neighbor happened to hear the commotion and came out to see what had happened the astronomer chuckled at his clumsiness and gathered himself together [Music] as the neighbor helped him to his feet he said my friend why do you spend so much time looking at the stars when you fail to see what is right in front of you the astronomer laughed he thought of the beauty in the stars and the night sky the joy of gazing at Worlds so far away from his own but perhaps his neighbor was
right maybe he spent too much time looking up at the sky and not enough time enjoying what was given to him on Earth the astronomer returned home and for the first time since he was a child fell asleep at night [Music] he awoke in the morning to the town coming alive the sounds of laughter and quiet chatter rode in the warm breeze outside at first the astronomer felt gloomy what had he missed in the heavens last night but then as he dressed and went outside he smile slowly grew the same neighbor who had helped him
the night before invited him over for breakfast there was delicious soft crusty bread crisp on the outside and doughy on the inside along with hard cheeses and a warm mug of strong coffee how long had it been since the astronomer had eaten freshly baked bread or enjoyed a mug of coffee shared with a friend as they sat and sipped their coffee around the outdoor table the astronomer told the neighbor's wife what had happened the night before when they were finished the couple decided to accompany him on a walk around the village they were determined to
help him experience everything they loved about their hometown they set off together to walk down the lane doesn't the soft Earth feel wonderful Beneath Your Feet they asked him can you smell the fresh bread and coffee all the other villagers are enjoying this morning the astronomers senses were delighted by the aroma of breakfast and he noticed how the Earth was slightly soft but still firm beneath his feet cushioning each step he took in all the hours he had spent wandering he'd never realized how wonderful it could be if he had paid so much attention to
the ground the night before perhaps he never would have tripped they walked past a woman selling fruit from a little stand I haven't seen you in a while the fruit seller called to the astronomer waving him over let's share some fresh juice together she squeezed oranges into a cup they let off the delicate and enticing floral scent of orange blossoms [Music] when he took his first sip the cool Sweet Taste of the juice filled his mouth yes the stars at night are beautiful but you can't drink the Stars he mused to himself [Music] in that
moment the astronomer thought the glittering constellations only looked half as sweet as this Earthly Delight when the neighbors told the fruit seller of their mission to help him see the beauty of the town she said they must go and visit her niece's Garden for if you were enjoying the Wonders on Earth was the best place in town to do so [Music] I'll show you the way she said closing up her stall in favor of a new adventure [Music] as they walked down the lane more and more of their neighbors came out to join them they
weren't used to seeing the astronomer out and about during the day [Music] so they each had a spot they wanted to show him the astronomer couldn't remember the last time he'd been around so many people he had opted for The Quiet of night rather than the noises of daytime but now that he was truly listening he could hear the music in his friends voices when the group arrived at the niece's Garden she welcomed them with open arms what an honor to have the great astronomer in my garden for the very first time she sat with
a smile together he and the town's people admired the flowers [Music] the niece pointed to a bunch of red blooms growing around a wooden archway these are special wildflowers created by Aphrodite she told him the astronomer stood under the arch admiring the red and green mixing with the brown wood overhead flowers smelt Piney and a little sweet he enjoyed them immensely next they looked at a patch of beautiful purple irises when the astronomer appeared at them closely he could see the white circles surrounding the yellow Center that gave the flower its distinctive name [Music] they
gazed at orange lilies and white orchids immersing themselves in the fresh and fragrant air of the garden when it was time to leave the niece decided to join the rest of her neighbors on their walk around the village watching the astronomer experiencing these Pleasures for the first time was reminding everyone just how wonderful life on Earth could be [Music] the astronomer strolled in the middle of the group as they left the center of the village and continued down the road to the Temple of Apollo the pillars of the temple glittered in the sunlight the astronomer
noticed the change underfoot as he stepped from the dark path to the Temple's marble floor the heat of the day was growing and he appreciated the cool ground beneath him and the roof above it was quite different from the Temple of Artemis ether ether he took a moment to stand still his feet pressed into the marble and a gentle breeze wound its way through the pillars keeping him cool in the shade of the Temple [Music] the other townspeople around him in explored her building admiring the statues and carvings on the walls he enjoyed her feeling
of staying still while the world moved around him perhaps he needs knots always be in motion he thought sometimes it was best to take a break from work and study and just enjoy existing in the moment when he was ready he walked slowly around the walls of the Temple admiring the details the great artists and Architects had embedded them into this special place which was used for Community Gatherings and for paying homage to the Gods when the sun rose higher in the sky the group left the temple and gathered in the Shaded Village Square for
lunch they each shared what they had soft cheeses left over bread from the morning roasted barley and juicy olives [Music] the astronomer relished each burst of flavor in his mouth before he had hurried through meals stealing bites in between long periods of stargazing now he appreciated taking the time to savor these delicious foods how have I never taken the time to really experience this before he wandered he ate slowly enjoying the sweet and salty tastes intermingled on his tongue I'm noticing how the crunchy barley and soft cheese complemented each other perfectly when they'd finished the
main course the fruit seller fetched a basket of her produce for dessert the villagers drizzled the different fruits with honey making them even sweeter and more decadent the astronomer took a bite of each Lighting in the rich flavors after the meal the people lazily walked back to their homes for a nap they waved goodbye to each other promised to visit again soon sleep during the day was one thing the astronomer was used to but when he got home and lay down on his bed he couldn't fall asleep instead he paid attention to the soft sound
of his breath moving in and out of his body he listened to the gentle twittering of birds outside accompanied by the soft buzzing of bees [Music] through the open window he smelled the flowers in the garden a light gust of wind brought in all the delightful Aromas of how spices and Greenery he lay there resting his body senses to immerse himself in the world around him [Music] as the sun drifted lower in the sky the astronomer heard a knock at the door his neighbors had come to fetch him there was one more thing they wanted
to show him this evening together they walked the winding path up the mountain next to the Village the path was narrower here and the parade of townsfolk carried blankets and baskets on their heads the evening Breeze rustled the shrubs around them and birds followed along above wondering where the procession of villages was going [Music] the astronomer watched the clicking heels of the woman in front of him and had the footsteps of The Man Behind his senses felt alive and heightened in a way he had never experienced before even at night [Music] when they reached a
plateau they spread out the blankets and unpacked the food looking around he realized everyone had brought all of the finest things in their pantries the farmer took out fresh vegetables and meats the fishermen unpacked salted Herring and calamari boiled eggs were sliced and passed around and everyone shared wine from an ornate glass jug the people talked and laughed but the astronomer sat in silence taking everything in he listened to the stories of his new friend's lives that he had so often ignored before he saw the way the trees swayed in the Wind casting Shadows on
the Rocks dotting the Mountainside he could see the village below and the peak of the mountain above and he enjoyed the Aromas of all the different foods the people prepared [Music] soon the sun began to paint the sky in vibrant hues in all the time the astronomer had sought the Stars he had never before appreciated their opening act he had always waited for the sunset to finish and night to fall but now that he had slowed down he could admire each shade of yellow pink red and purple as the sun lowered itself sleepily behind the
Mountain's Peak when the final raids of sun disappeared beneath the horizon the villagers packed up the remaining food and folded the blankets ready to go home for the night but the astronomers stopped them now I have something to show you he said [Music] his friends unfold their blankets and lay down on the soft Earth watching the sky grow dark overhead [Music] glittering white and yellow stars began to poke through the darkness delighting the villagers watching From Below [Music] the astronomer had seen the Stars many times before but he'd never noticed how their bright light brought
out the Shadows of the trees and heightened the contrast of the ground below he lay back on his blanket admiring each constellation as it revealed itself one by one he pointed them out to the villagers who were appreciative to be sharing in his knowledge I understand why you like to walk at night but isn't it also wonderful still Under the Stars his neighbor asked him the astronomer nodded his head in agreement he didn't always have to be searching for something new when so much Beauty revealed itself around him every night [Music] he wanted to fully
take it in not rushed to discover the next thing as they lay there stargazing [Music] the villagers felt their eyelids growing heavy they began to yawn and they knew it was time to pack up their things and go home to bed [Music] in a slow and careful line they tiptoed down the mountain the astronomer felt the path beneath noticing each Pebble or twig he passed over the Stars illuminated Away Home and as they walked the villagers whispered of all they'd seen in the sky above [Music] when they reached the Village Square all the town's people
waved goodbye one after another they retreated into their homes finding cozy spots on soft mattresses and under warm blankets the astronomer too went back to his house but instead of crawling into bed he brought a pillow and blanket outside he laid them down on a soft patch of grass and rested his head a pillow tonight he would dream of stars again but this time he would fully realize their beauty he slowly let his eyes close as the light breathes gentle hooting of owls load him to sleep under the Glorious night sky thank you [Music] [Music]
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