Echoes Of Calm Story For Sleep

Unwind with your sleep story tonight on a journey to a faraway land.

You are listening to Echoes of Calm,

A cozy bedtime story set in the Iya Valley,

Known as the Tibet of Japan.

This relaxing haven evokes a timeless charm amidst towering mountain peaks and natural hot springs on the island of Shikoku.

In this enchanting land of double vine bridges,

Pristine forests,

And towering waterfalls,

You connect with the majesty of this remote destination.

Find refuge at an onsen,

Where natural hot springs are enhanced by a stay at a luxurious inn atop a cliff.

Ground yourself in the beauty of this sublime landscape.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I am Michelle and of all the options available to help you unwind,

I'm so honored to be part of your sleepy journey.

Think of me as a nurturing guide and old friend,

Here to help you relax each night.

Settle and get as cozy as you can as we take a few breaths together to set the tone for this nighttime holiday.

The calmer and more relaxed you feel,

The more freedom your imagination will take on before slipping into the embrace of slumber and healing dreams.

Know you may let go and surrender to sleep whenever you like.

And feel free to subscribe should you wish to return to the story again.

Recognize the support you find in the sanctuary of your room as you let out a deep sigh.

Make a sound and revel in this moment where your goals are simple.

To feel good and to rest.

Slowly inhale through your nose,

Imagining the air around you,

Taking on the fragrant notes of a mountain retreat in Japan.

The purifying mountain air at the Iya Valley as you feel the refreshing mist on your face.

Relax with a yawn that cascades into an audible sigh as you feel both curious and open to an enchanting voyage.

Continue twice more,

Prioritizing your peace with each breath.

When you inhale,

You sip in all the aromatic pleasures found on an island in Japan.

Savor every second of restoration as the only thing you need to do right now is embrace this moment for feeling good.

With every sigh,

You let go of tension and any mental obstacle that tries to get in the way of this delicate easing.

Your thoughts become fluid like gentle streams coursing through a sacred valley.

And as your breath returns to a sleepy rhythm,

You draw yourself deeper into the inner happenings of the sanctuary of your mind.

And in this peaceful state,

It's time for the story to begin.

Nestled deep within the rugged heart of Shikoku,

The Iya Valley is one of Japan's most captivating hidden gems.

Shikoku,

Meaning four provinces,

Is the smallest of Japan's main islands and is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and spiritual significance.

The Iya Valley,

With its steep gorges and emerald green rivers,

Is a place where nature's raw grandeur and Japan's mystical past converge.

And thanks to the achievements of modern transportation,

Your ability to visit this sacred valley is not only possible but also made easy.

Yet even with modern amenities and conveniences,

The remote area offers a timeless sense of comfort and serenity.

The Iya Valley has a rich history that dates back centuries.

Long ago serving as a refuge for defeated warriors,

The valley's seclusion provided a safe haven where the warriors could live in peace away from the reach of their enemies.

And even today,

A sense of safety exists among mountains that rise like protective walls,

Holding the secrets of the valley and those who seek peace in its abundant beauty.

The landscape of the Iya Valley stirs a deep sense of awe in even the most traveled souls.

Towering mountains cloaked in dense forests rise dramatically on either side of the Iya River,

Which snakes its way through the valley.

Its blue-green waters sparkle as prisms form in the mist that cloaks the lush green earth.

Cliffs are dappled with traditional Japanese thatched roof houses,

Some daringly perched on the edge,

Offering stunning views of the valley below and a sense that the heavens are within reach.

In the heart of the Iya Valley,

Two remarkable vine bridges,

Referred to as the husband and wife bridges,

Span the Iya River,

Giving a glimpse into the region's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The husband bridge,

Or Ato Nohashi,

And the wife bridge,

Or Suma Nohashi,

Are constructed from hardy wisteria vines.

The native species grew thick and wild until tamed into twists and weaves to form sturdy yet flexible passages.

Originally built by the warriors,

The vine bridges allowed a quick passage and the power to cut ties whenever their peace was threatened and isolation became paramount.

The husband bridge is the larger and more imposing of the two,

Reflecting its name.

It spans a wider section of the river and sits higher above the water.

You spend the morning on a leisurely walk,

Taking in the views from each bridge as the river rushes below and to connect with the tranquil energy of solitude above the wild,

Raging beauty of the Iya Valley.

The wife bridge is located a short distance upstream and is smaller and lower.

As you cross this bridge on your return,

You find it to be more intimate,

Nestled within a quieter part of the valley where the river seems to flow more gently.

The vine bridge sways and you are careful with each step,

Your attention drawn to the vibrant flowers below.

The echoes of rushing water and native birds offer a comforting soundtrack,

A reminder of the life unfolding around you.

Despite being on your own,

You hardly feel alone.

Ancient cedar and cypress trees tower overhead,

Their branches forming a protective canopy as they rustle in the breeze and aromatize the air.

The forest floor is a lush carpet of ferns and wildflowers that offer splashes of pink and purple.

The scent of the forest,

Earthy and fresh,

Mingles with the purifying mountain air that makes your nose tingle.

You take your time crossing the bridge,

Feeling proud of your courageous exploration.

Something about the valley awakens your brave side as a cool mist lands on your skin,

Bringing a deeper connection with this enchanting place.

You make your way back to the parking area where a retro royal blue bus with ivory trim awaits to bring you to your accommodations for the night at a luxurious onsen or hot springs surrounded by a traditional Japanese inn.

The Iya Valley is known for its abundant hot springs that offer healing warm waters and relaxation amidst the untamed verdant beauty of the region.

The tour bus winds carefully and slowly around hairpin turns and ascends an isolated narrow mountain road to the property,

But amidst all the elegance and awe-inspiring natural beauty,

The tour bus rounds a bend to encounter the statue of a young boy arching his back and peeing into clouds of mist and the rushing river below.

You can't help but smile at the unexpected statue.

As the guide explains,

The young boy symbolizes the bravado of young children and travelers who might do the same.

You continue up the steep mountain road,

Peering out at majestic cedar trees that dominate the landscape with towering feathery forms shrouded in mist and thick moss.

In spring,

The delicate pinks and whites of cherry blossoms add a romantic air to the valley,

While autumn brings a fiery palette of red and gold as the leaves change color.

But you arrive in summer where endless swatches of green present themselves in a display of vitality.

Delicate white flowers of buckwheat fields blanket parts of the valley below.

As you approach the entrance to the onsen,

Every vantage point gives way to panoramic views of the blue-green river and hot springs below.

The air is imbued with a purifying scent of the mountain retreat,

Mingling with a crisp invigorating smell of botanicals.

Going back to the first century,

We may discover the first texts to describe the oldest onsens in Japan.

A place to purify one's soul and body,

Natural hot springs with healing minerals helped cultivate a tradition of communal bathing.

The bus arrives at the main entrance and you disembark,

Making your way to changing rooms where you cleanse yourself in a warm shower,

Wrap in a thick gray velour robe,

And put on traditional ivory slippers.

You follow a hall that leads you outdoors to a cable car.

The exterior is a soothing aquamarine with bright pink cherry blossoms painted along the facade,

While the interior has a nocturnal scene painted on the ceiling depicting moonlit cherry blossoms.

Inside you settle on a plush seat and the funicular descends the mountain at a near 45 degree angle.

Yet you feel safe during the slow descent to the river,

Rocked back and forth on the tracks as the canopy of trees sway overhead and the sounds of the river grow louder.

As the cable car comes to a stop and the doors open,

You step out onto a stone platform,

Surprised to encounter butterflies and hummingbirds fluttering around the path to the springs.

Their iridescent wings and vibrant jewel tones take on a dreamlike quality in the mist as a few rays of sunlight break through the thick clouds that rise just above the mountain peaks.

The cool mountain air and lush flora along the riverbank create a sense of ethereal calm.

The mist adds an otherworldly quality as your robe billows behind you and you make your way into the first hot spring along the riverbank.

You enter a bamboo door and remove your robe,

Hanging it on an available hook.

Following the sound of the rushing river,

Your bare feet balance on the cool stone path to the spring.

From the private enclosure of the bamboo walls,

You step out to a wide open view of the green river just a few feet away from the enclosed hot spring,

Separated by a rustic bamboo gate.

The imposing mountain peaks,

Covered in a dense tapestry of conifers,

Seem to touch the sky.

Smaller peaks along the river bank seem close enough to touch,

Rising like upside-down ice cream cones.

On this overcast day,

The cloud cover casts a soft,

Diffused light that makes the greens and blues of the flora and river even more vibrant.

The contrast to the silver mist enhances their saturated colors and once more you notice how cool and crisp the air is,

With its purifying scent of the mountains,

A mix of moist earth,

Fresh pine,

And the delicate fragrance of wildflowers and moss.

A lingering,

Briny smell from the mineral-rich springs wafts in the air,

Bringing a wave of warmth.

As you submerge yourself in the spring,

The soothing sounds of the cascading river nearby fade into a persistent,

Though quiet hush,

Joined by the trickling cascade of water flowing out of a bronze spout into the turquoise pool.

The mountain air filters through the tall golden stalks of the bamboo wall tied together,

Whispering a gentle song that the birds perched in trees can't help but join.

The water is almost too hot at first,

Contrasting the cooler air.

But as you step deeper into the hot spring,

You surrender as the silky soft water envelops you.

The minerals in the hot spring create a texture that feels almost velvety against your skin,

Warming you to your core and melting away any tension or fatigue.

The sensation is deeply relaxing and more than once you find yourself sighing and yawning.

Your shoulders are the farthest from your ears.

They have been in some time.

Your jaw is relaxed,

No longer gripping onto a need for control.

You give in to all the splendors of the moment in the secluded oasis with panoramic views of the mountains and winding river.

A profound sense of comfort travels in undulating waves of energy as the water swirls gently around you.

The heat of the water penetrates your muscles,

Easing any soreness and leaving you feeling weightless and rejuvenated.

As you lean back in the hot spring,

The rising steam mingles with the cool mountain air,

Creating a delicate mist that caresses your face.

And this mist enhances your awareness of the breeze,

The interplay of hot and cold,

Of soothing warmth and refreshing coolness,

Heightens your sensitivity and deepens your connection to the natural surroundings.

And for the second time,

A soft smile forms on your face as you revel in the appreciation that this is what you are meant to do.

Simply relax and simply exist as you take in the limitless beauty of nature around you.

The overcast sky adds to the atmosphere of tranquility.

The soft gray light enhances the colors of the valley,

Making the emerald greens of the trees and the clear blues of the water appear almost luminescent.

The leaves and needles on the trees glisten with moisture and the flora seems to pulse with life.

Time seems to slow down and it is only your curiosity that leads you to rise out of the water to explore the next spring along the riverbank.

You stand and feel the mist on your skin and the cool breeze as the hot water droplets evaporate quickly.

You towel off,

Returning to retrieve the velour robe and slippers to follow a tunnel illuminated by colorful silk lanterns that lead to a cavernous entry.

Ebony and dark gray stones create an enclosure where you disrobe once more and slip into a kidney-shaped hot spring.

Larger than the first,

The stone enclosure offers more privacy and frames the clifftop where the hotel is concealed behind the thick canopy of trees.

The water is a touch cooler here but still very warm.

So in tune with your body,

You are aware of even a degree or two difference in temperature.

You close your eyes and connect with your intuition and feel the serene energy of the valley as it assists you in letting go.

You simply float this time,

Once more enjoying the cool air as the front of your body rises to the misty surface while your backside stays submerged.

You feel so light,

Enchanted by this sensation in the same way a child feels when they first learn how to float.

Every deep inhalation causes you to bob higher and every exhalation gently brings you beneath the water's surface.

A turquoise hummingbird flies just beneath the stone ceiling,

Fluttering toward you as if to say hello.

In Japan,

The hummingbird is a symbol of dreams and aspirations because it can hover in midair.

It inspires the idea that anything is possible.

The onsen brings about an ease to daydreaming,

To even considering the long-forgotten aspirations and dreams that cause twists and turns along the timeline of your life,

Like the bends of the Ea River.

And while the Sun will not overcome its shyness on this misty,

Cloudy day,

You can sense its approaching moment to set by the darker shades of gray that now fill the sky.

You slowly rise and exit the hot spring,

Toweling off once more before wrapping in the robe and making your way through a Japanese garden that leads to a different path back to the cable car.

The garden contains all the traditional elements of rocks,

Water,

And plants with simple,

Clean lines and open spaces.

Well-manicured evergreen shrubs in varying shades add pops of green to the gray stones.

You continue to walk and arrive at the platform where the cable car awaits to slowly ascend the mountain peak.

Once back at the hotel changing room,

You gather your items and shower once more,

Luxuriating in the lather of green tea matcha soap.

Your lungs have the relaxed feeling that comes from a day spent laughing with friends or swimming in the ocean.

And while you've done neither,

You know this feeling comes from the deep sense of relaxation the onsen has inspired.

The halls of the inn offer floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountain peaks and the disappears beneath a silvery cloud of mist as the sky becomes dark.

Lanterns outside add an ambient and hopeful orange gold glow to the night.

You come to the dark wooden doors to your suite and open them to reveal a space that perfectly marries traditional Japanese aesthetics with luxurious comfort.

Shoji doors with cherry blossom designs lead to the bedroom which features a traditional Japanese futon mattress laid out on a tatami floor.

The simplicity and elegance of the room immediately evoke a sense of resonating peace.

It's a haven for grounding your energy as you unwind.

A deep luxurious tub set atop a bed of smooth stones is closest to the glass wall offering views of a gorge.

Golden lights inches below the ceiling frame each room with cozy lighting.

Stepping out onto the balcony,

You find a simple yet exquisite meal awaiting you.

The balcony overlooks part of the dramatic gorge where the turquoise river rushes far below.

As the mist disappears,

It reflects the moon that appears amidst the fading clouds.

The meal consists of fresh local produce and buckwheat noodles with simple ingredients prepared with care and respect for the natural flavors.

Steam rises from a bowl of miso soup.

Savory umami sauces coat crisp vegetables,

Julienned with care,

Alongside the protein of your choice.

And a pot of hot tea accompanies your meal,

Its warmth complementing the cooling air as night bears its grip on the mountains and valley.

You sit and savor the night,

Watching as the twilight deepens into a rich gradient of medium blue to blue-black and the stars emerge.

The temperature drops and you can feel the cool mountain air brushing against your skin once more,

Invigorating and refreshing.

Feeling quite full and satiated,

A sense of drowsiness begins to settle in like a gentle nudge from the mountains,

Encouraging you to retire for the night earlier than usual.

You notice the lights of other sweets turning off.

The combination of mountain air and hours spent in the hot springs wind back everyone's bedtimes.

Returning to the bedroom,

You change into a striped button-up cotton pajama shirt and striped drawstring pants provided by the inn.

They smell freshly laundered,

Crisp and cool against your skin.

The breathable fabric inviting the kiss of the night air on your body.

You peel back a puffy ivory duvet and settle into the downy futon mattress near the floor.

The softness enveloping you like a cloud and easing you into relaxation.

Above you,

The dark wood ceiling gives the impression of sleeping beneath a night sky.

Its rich tones adding a sense of depth and tranquility to the room.

The sparseness of furniture and decor imparts a feeling of organization and ease,

Prioritizing the natural beauty of the endless views of the Iya Valley outside the window.

With a flip of a switch,

Blackout shades lower over the floor to ceiling glass,

Creating a sleeping den.

You deeply appreciate the minimalist space.

You can sense it physically,

Even in the darkness.

It opens the air for dreaming.

The uncluttered and harmonious design promotes rest and reflection.

As you lie down,

You appreciate the simplicity and elegance of your surroundings.

You find yourself cradled in the energy of the Iya Valley with its timeless beauty and tranquil ambience.

Your mind shuffles through all the soothing,

Rejuvenating moments of the day and you allow them to fade into the night.

But not before setting your desires and intentions for more soothing visuals to reveal themselves in your dreams.

And with a last sigh,

The echoes of calm come in the form of sleepy waves that bring you to slumber,

Finding enchantment,

Finding bliss,

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Good night.