Narrator: Thomas Jones 🇬🇧 Writer: Kathleen Fowlds ✍️ Sound effects: African forest ambience 🦜🌴 Includes mentions of: Food, Heights, Bodies of Water, Underwater Scenes, Walking, History, Swimming, Gratitude, Mountain Climbing, Science & Nature, Travel, Hiking, Literature & Literary History, Mindfulness, Colonialism, Beverages. Welcome back, sleepyheads. Tonight, you’ll experience the serene beauty of nature, as you hike along a lush trail in the Chimanimani mountains, absorbing the sights and sounds of the natural world. 😴 Watch, listen and comment on this episode on the Get Sleepy YouTube channel. And hit subscribe while you're there! Enjoy various playlists of our stories and meditations on our Slumber Studios Spotify profile. 💎 Enjoy a 3-month free trial of Slumber Studios Premium! To celebrate our inclusion on Apple Podcast's 'New Beginnings' collection, we're offering listeners the chance to subscribe and try out Get Sleepy Premium, along with all our other premium podcast feeds, free for a whole 3 months! This promotion is only available throughout January, so don't hesitate! ⏱️ Just hit 'Try Free' at the top of our podcast feed in Apple Podcasts. Or, if you listen elsewhere, visit slumberstudios.com/premium to take advantage of this amazing offer! Support Us Get Sleepy’s Premium Feed: getsleepy.com/support/ Get Sleepy Merchandise: getsleepy.com/store Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-sleepy/id1487513861 Connect Stay up to date on all our news and even vote on upcoming episodes! Website: getsleepy.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/getsleepypod/ Instagram: instagram.com/getsleepypod/ Twitter: twitter.com/getsleepypod Our Apps Redeem exclusive unlimited access to Premium content for 1 month FREE in our mobile apps built by the Get Sleepy and Slumber Studios team: Deep Sleep Sounds: deepsleepsounds.com/getsleepy/ Slumber: slumber.fm/getsleepy/ FAQs Have a query for us or need help with something? You might find your answer here:Get Sleepy FAQs About Get Sleepy Get Sleepy is the #1 story-telling podcast designed to help you get a great night’s rest. By combining sleep meditations with a relaxing bedtime story, each episode will guide you gently towards sleep. Get Sleepy Premium Get instant access to ad-free episodes and Thursday night bonus episodes by subscribing to our premium feed. It's easy! Sign up in two taps! Get Sleepy Premium feed includes: Monday and Wednesday night episodes (with zero ads). An exclusive Thursday night bonus episode. Access to the entire back catalog (also ad-free). Extra-long episodes. Exclusive sleep meditation episodes. Discounts on merchandise. We’ll love you forever. Get your 7-day free trial: getsleepy.com/support. Thank you so much for listening! Feedback? Let us know your thoughts! getsleepy.com/contact-us/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chapter 1: What is Get Sleepy?
Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and premium members. If you'd like to listen ad-free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalogue, you can try out premium free for seven days by following the link in the episode notes. Now, a quick word from our sponsors.
Hey everyone, I've been hearing from many of you lately about how stressed and anxious you're feeling. Perhaps it's all the political energy out there, or maybe the heaviness of managing all the daily tasks that are on your plate. Whatever it is, I want you to know that you're not alone. and I have the perfect podcast to recommend to you that will help you manage stress and anxiety.
Chapter 2: How can meditation help with anxiety?
It's called Meditation for Anxiety and it provides daily meditations that can help you dissolve all those worries and find deep peace. A recent favorite of mine is called Relieve Nighttime Anxiety and I've found it really helpful. So follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player, so you can have these incredible meditations on hand anytime you need them. Hey, it's Tom.
I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slumber Studios. It's called Sleepy History, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Intriguing stories, people, mysteries, and events from history, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. Explore the legend of El Dorado See what life was like for the Roman gladiators, uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge.
Chapter 3: What is Sleepy History about?
You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History, and the same great production quality you've come to know and love from Get Sleepy. So check it out and perhaps you'll have another new way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy.
My name's Thomas, and I'm so pleased to be your host and to be reading tonight's story to you. This evening, we'll continue our journey through the beautiful landscapes of Zimbabwe. You'll experience the serene beauty of nature as you hike along a lush trail in the Chimanimani Mountains.
Chapter 4: What can you expect from tonight's story?
You'll let the sights and sounds of the natural world envelop you, guiding your thoughts into a state of tranquility. A big thanks to Kathleen for writing this story and the whole series. If you haven't heard them already, the first two stories are on the Get Sleepy feed for you to listen to whenever you like, and the fourth and final installment will be out this time next week.
Before we get to this story, you may have heard me mention that we have a very special promotion for Get Sleepy Premium right now. In celebration of Get Sleepy's feature on Apple Podcasts' New Beginnings collection, we're offering the first three months of a Premium subscription completely free to all new Premium supporters.
This is only available till the end of January, so make sure you don't miss out. Premium supporters get to listen to everything completely ad-free, and you'll receive weekly bonus episodes and get access to our entire catalogue of stories and meditations, which is around about 850 and counting.
Tune in tomorrow, where you'll hear Heather reading us a tale about a woman cycling around the place she calls home, a beautiful beach town in Costa Rica. To claim your three-month free trial of Get Sleepy Premium, plus all our other shows on the Slumber Studios Premium Bundle, hit the Try Free button at the top of the Get Sleepy feed if you listen on Apple Podcasts.
Or you can go to slumberstudios.com slash premium to sign up there if you listen elsewhere. Thank you all so much for your support, and I look forward to speaking to you on the premium feed very soon. Now, it's time to transition away from the busyness and the demands of the day. into the peace, solitude and restful nature of the night. Take a moment to relax your body.
Gently close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Then exhale gently through the mouth. As you inhale again, allow your belly to fully expand and hold your breath for a brief moment. Then, feel the air leaving your body as you breathe back out, and let go of any thoughts or distractions with the air.
Focus solely on the breath, making each inhale and exhale smooth and steady. Notice the rise and fall of your chest and stomach. Stay present in this rhythm, allowing your mind to settle and find peace in the simple act of breathing. With each breath, feel yourself becoming more centered and more relaxed. And whenever you drift off to sleep tonight, carry this peaceful state with you.
Let's travel to the Chimanimani Mountains on the border of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This is where our story begins. It's dawn, and the sun is about to break through the clouds at any moment. At the start of your journey, this is a view that cannot be missed. Scouting for a prime location, you spot a perfect outcrop, a small hill nearby known as a copia.
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Chapter 5: What does the breakfast scene in the Chimanimani Mountains look like?
Making your way up, you climb the rock face in time to catch the spread of the Chimanimani mountain range at sunrise. Right on time, upon your arrival, the magic of the moment unfolds before you. The first rays of light break through and move across the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape and illuminating the path ahead.
The coolness of the early morning air invigorates your senses, and you inhale deeply. The mountains seem to come alive with the changing light, revealing intricate details in their rocky formations. Shadows dance across the valleys, creating a captivating interplay between light and darkness. It's as though the sun waited for you so you could see this display.
As each minute passes, the views become even more enchanting. The sun's rays paint the sky in a breathtaking array of colors. Hues of pink, tangerine orange, and the softest of lilac purples blend together. And the world below slowly awakens in response. You pause to catch your breath and take in the majestic vista before you.
The landscape stretches out in all directions, with the mountains and valleys bathed in the warm embrace of the rising sun. With each passing moment, the scenery transforms, revealing new perspectives and hidden wonders. You decide that this spot here on the outcrop is where you'll have your breakfast before you set out for the rest of the day.
Sitting down, you unzip your backpack and take out a small plate and thermos flask. The morning light filters through the green trees, creating playful patterns on the ground where you start to lay out your breakfast spread. Opening the thermos, you carefully pour yourself a cup of chai. You made the mix yourself. with cardamom, cinnamon, honey, ginger, and milk. It's the perfect morning tonic.
The steaming cup of tea sits before you, its aroma wafting through the air and filling your senses with its soothing fragrance. You lift the cup to your lips. The tea's warmth seeps into your hands as you wrap them around the cup, providing a much-appreciated contrast to the crisp morning air.
Beside your tea is a plate, where two large, freshly baked scones await, their golden crusts gleaming in the sunlight. The scones crumble ever so slightly with each bite, revealing their light and fluffy interior. The taste of buttery goodness mingles with the natural sweetness of raisins, creating a delightful treat that energizes you for the hike ahead.
Surrounded by nature's beauty, you can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for this moment. The mountains, the sun, and the company of your rock-face friends, the lizards and the small birds above, make this breakfast pretty close to perfection.
As you sip your tea and savor the last crumbs of your homemade scones, you take a moment to double-check your backpack, making sure you've got everything you need for the hike. Your gear, neatly organized and ready for the adventure, includes water, snacks, a camera to capture the breathtaking views, and a map to guide your way through the trails.
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Chapter 6: How does the hike to the waterfall feel?
Gradually waking up and adjusting your internal thermometer to the chilly morning air, you feel a rush of excitement for the day's adventure. The idea of a plunge in a nearby waterfall sparks a mix of nerves and exhilaration. But you know it will be an unforgettable experience. After your simple but filling breakfast, you gather your scattered belongings and place them in your backpack.
Then, you zip up and set off towards the waterfall, your anticipation growing with every step. You follow the sound of rushing water as it gets louder and louder, signaling the proximity of the refreshingly icy pool that awaits you. The waterfall is even more beautiful than you could have ever imagined. A powerful force of nature crashing down into a clear pool below.
With the light refracting, the falling water looks like crystals. The pool glistens, inviting you to take the plunge. You're reassured by the presence of the morning sun, as you know that after your swim, the sun will feel warmer, your towel softer, and your mind so much clearer.
With a deep breath, you step closer to the edge of the pool, digging your bare feet into the cool, wet earth and feeling the misty spray on your face. The initial shock of the cold water sends tingles down your spine, But you embrace the sensation as you wade further in. Gradually, you submerge yourself completely. And as you do, the cold envelops your body, taking your breath away momentarily.
It's revitalizing, awakening every sense in your body. With the water surrounding you fully now, your head feels lighter and clearer already. As you resurface, you inhale deeply, and you notice how the cold water contrasts with the warmth of the sun on your back. It makes you feel alive and connected to the natural world around you.
Afterwards, you towel off and bask in the sunlight, feeling the tingling sensation on your skin as your body warms up. While you dry off, you decide on a destination, a cave on a hill where you'll pitch your tent for the evening. With a spot in mind, you continue your journey, taking time to soak in the breathtaking views.
The crisp mountain air fills your lungs, invigorating your senses as you set foot on the winding trails. The sun bathes the landscape in a warm golden glow, casting dramatic shadows on the rugged terrain. You've decided not to wear your shoes on this leg of the journey. You'd like to feel as close and connected to nature as possible.
So, you tie the shoes together and let them dangle from your backpack. With each step, you feel the earth beneath your feet, connecting you to this majestic landscape. The faint rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds create a vague but distinct echo through the mountains. Towering peaks, lush valleys, and the constant hum of rushing streams greet your senses at every turn.
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Chapter 7: What is the experience of swimming in the waterfall like?
You remind yourself to be present in each moment, fully immersing yourself in this special place. At one point, you pause to appreciate the delicate wildflowers. They add specks of vibrant color to the green landscape. The cool breeze on your skin is refreshing as you climb higher into the mountains. Remaining mindful of your breath and inhaling the pure air deeply,
You let the mountains teach you about patience, strength, and the beauty of simply being in the present moment. Step by step, you draw closer to the summit, knowing that the view from the top will be a reward beyond words. With that end goal in mind, you keep moving forward, savoring every moment of the journey. And you find yourself thinking about the past of this remarkable place.
Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the Chimanimani Mountains have a history that dates back thousands of years. It's the history of both the people who have inhabited the region and the natural wonders that have shaped the landscape. Archaeological evidence suggests that human habitation in the area can be traced back to ancient times.
Various artifacts, rock paintings, and stone structures found in the mountains seem to indicate that early hunter-gatherer communities lived here. Centuries ago, settlements were established in and around the Chimanimani Mountains. The communities engaged in agriculture, cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum, and beans. They practiced iron smelting and developed skills in pottery and weaving.
In fact, from time to time, bits of pottery are dug up by local wanderers on their group hikes. There's something ethereal about this space. an energy that connects you to something higher, or a different frequency, perhaps. The mountains played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual lives of Zimbabwean and Mozambican communities.
Many sacred sites and rock art paintings have been found in the mountains. And to this day, the Chamani Mani are a very special place for the local communities, such as the Indao people. In the late 19th century, the region came under colonial influence, with the British and Portuguese exploring and establishing control in the area.
The mountains served as a natural boundary between the two colonial powers, and were also home to indigenous resistance against colonization. Venturing further into the mountains, the air carries a hint of freshness, mingling with the earthy aroma of the lush green grass beneath you.
The balls of your feet sink slightly into the carpet of grass, and you relish the sensation of the coolness against your skin. There's no need for shoes when the land is as accommodating and gentle as it is here. As you walk, you can't help but notice the subtle, fiber-like texture of the moss. its delicate strands brushing against your toes and the sides of your feet.
The moss adds an extra layer of cushioning to your hike, as if nature herself is cradling your every movement. You pause for a moment, feeling the breeze pick up. and you close your eyes to fully immerse yourself in the sounds around you. The soft rustling of the leaves and the distant call of birds create a soothing melody, harmonizing with the rhythm of your breath.
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Chapter 8: How do you connect with nature while hiking?
You find yourself fully present in the moment, attuned to the beauty and peace of the mountains. You're aware of the breeze, the lush green grass, and the touch of the earth beneath your feet. The passing hours become insignificant, and you lose yourself in the rhythm of the journey.
At a certain point, the fatigue even becomes a part of the experience, a reminder of the effort it takes to witness such natural splendor. The allure of the unknown and the promise of the next breathtaking view keep you moving forward. You're nearly there now, and the idea of an afternoon nap gives you a refreshed sense of drive. Just a few more miles to go.
These days, the Chimanimani Mountains have become a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers like yourself. The range offers breathtaking landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and challenging hiking trails. Tourism has become an essential economic activity for the communities living around the mountains.
And in recent years, there have been conservation efforts to protect the natural beauty and ecological importance of the Chamani Mani. Overall, the story of these mountains combines human settlement, cultural heritage, and the enduring allure of its stunning natural landscapes. It's little wonder the mountains continue to captivate visitors. You've now reached the base of the hill.
At the top is the granite cave where you'll pitch your tent for the night. You look over your shoulder, astonished by just how far you've come. There's one last push, and then you can rest. As you embark on a challenging bit of climbing, you can feel the fatigue in your body.
The rocky terrain demands your utmost focus and skill, but you're determined to push on because you know that the reward at the top, both the view and the rest, will be worth the effort. Your hands grip the rough surface of the rocks, seeking out crevices and holds as you ascend higher. The muscles in your arms and legs are working in harmony, propelling you upwards.
Once you reach the top, you look down at the progress you've made, and the landscape unfolds before your eyes. The panoramic view from this vantage point is nothing short of breathtaking. A profound sense of accomplishment washes over you, and the fatigue subsides.
The mountains stretch out in all directions, and it's as if their majestic peaks are in competition with one another, reaching towards the heavens. The valleys below are a lush expanse of green, dotted with rivers and streams that wind their way through the wilderness. You're so busy looking at the view in front of you, that for a moment, you forget to look
Then, as you gaze at the clouds flicking by you in the blue sky, you're reminded of the famous poem by William Wordsworth. It says, I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o'er vales and hills, when all at once I saw a crowd, a host of golden daffodils. Beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
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