Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Walking through the Ruins of Great Zimbabwe

Starting point is 00:00:00 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 7 days by following the link in the episode notes. Now, a quick word from our sponsors. Did you know that before Slumber Studios produced podcasts, we made apps? We have one app that is the perfect companion to get sleepy. It's called White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds We developed this app in-house at Slumber Studios to deliver the highest quality sleep sounds. It can help you fall asleep fast, wake up less often, improve focus, reduce anxiety,

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Starting point is 00:01:40 Just go to DeepSleepSounds.com slash get sleepy. That's deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. In case you didn't know, our company Slumber Studios also has a sleep app called Slumber. With well over a thousand episodes, it has every type of sleep-inducing content you could possibly want, from stories, meditations, audiobooks and history, to soundscapes and music. New episodes are added each week, and you can even search by narrator and listen exclusively to episodes narrated by me, or by any of my wonderful fellow storytellers. Slumber has other unique features too, like the ability to add and adjust background sounds to create your own perfect mix. So I highly recommend you give Slumber a try. It's available

Starting point is 00:02:41 in the Apple App Store and on Google Play, and as a Get Sleepy listener, you can unlock all of the content in the app free for one month. Just go to slumber.fm slash get sleepy to get instant access to all of the content in Slumber free for one month. That's slumber.fm slash get sleepy. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and I'm your host. Thank you so much for tuning in. Over the course of the next four weeks we'll be exploring the sites, landscapes and history of Zimbabwe, a very special part of the world as I'm sure you'll come to appreciate through these stories. They were all written by

Starting point is 00:03:46 Kathleen and I will be narrating all four of them for you. This evening you'll be traveling to the Golden Plains of Southern Africa where you'll wander through the remnants of an ancient marvel. You're about to visit the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. In this sacred place you'll find a connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable tapestry of human existence. Now as you may have heard me mention last week, we have a very special promotion for Get Sleepy Premium right now. In celebration of Get Sleepy's feature on Apple Podcast's New Beginnings collection,

Starting point is 00:04:38 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 well over 800 and counting. So join us for tomorrow's premium bonus episode, read by Courtney, where we'll join a family for a beautiful adventure in the wilderness. To claim your 3 month free trial of Get Sleepy Premium, plus all our other shows on the Slumber Studios

Starting point is 00:05:27 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 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 my friends, take some time to settle into bed. We've got the whole night ahead of us so this process doesn't need to feel rushed. In your own time make sure you're comfortable. Stretch out and release any tension and then close your eyes if you haven't already done so. Let your breathing fall into a slow steady rhythm, noticing the rise and fall of your chest and stomach in time with the breath.

Starting point is 00:07:00 Sense each breath of air nourishing your entire body, supporting the function of every single cell and helping you to gradually relax your mind. Just take a moment to thank your body for everything it does. It is your vessel to experience this amazing and precious life you have in your life. So, give some gratitude for all that it does. And I want to thank you for simply being you. For your kindness, your determination and your unique character. There's only one of you and that's pretty special.

Starting point is 00:08:26 You are appreciated, my friend. Now, as you continue to relax, imagine the vast, cloudy skies of Zimbabwe. This the air is moist with the promise of rain. The scent is distinctively African, a sweet earthy fragrance that feels both light and heavy at once. at once. You look up at the expanse of sky. It seems endless, only interrupted by the clouds. They seem to be gluing themselves together in preparation for their lightning and thunder recital later this afternoon. There's a vague glare from the sun, a haziness that causes you to squint. As you lower your gaze away from the bright light, As you lower your gaze away from the bright light, your eyes fall upon a beautiful monument. Tall, cylinder-like towers are surrounded by a low series of walls. The site is entirely made up of stone, granite bricks of greyish blue.

Starting point is 00:10:51 You're struck by their perfect structure and symmetry. Gazing at the monument, you feel as though you are stepping back in time. These ancient stones seem to beckon you. It's as if they're inviting you to unravel their secrets and immerse yourself in their history. in their history. Today, the great Zimbabwe ruins stand as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a poignant reminder of Africa's rich and complex history. These stones hold within them the stories of a remarkable civilization. People who shaped their destiny created a thriving city and left an indelible mark on the continent. And today, you get to explore this place. Your tour guide, Tatenda, smiles at you, knowing the awe this monument inspires. Without a word, he begins walking, and you follow him.

Starting point is 00:12:32 Together you embark on a journey, ascending the ancient steps that wind their way up the hill. As you climb, Tatenda points out the remnants of once imposing walls, warm by time. His feet know this land and its paths, its nooks and crannies. And he knows the history of this place, he tells you, because of his grandmother's stories around the campfire. He and his cousins would sit and listen quietly. No one would dare interrupt her. Here in Zimbabwe, oral history is sacred, and a way in which information is recorded and passed on

Starting point is 00:14:11 from generation to generation. It's both a responsibility and a birthright. As you follow into Tender's literal footsteps, he follows sentimentally in his grandmother's sharing her fireside story. He tells you that in the 11th century, ancestors of the Shona people, a Bantu-speaking ethnic group, established a settlement in this fertile region. Their skills in agriculture, trade, and mining propelled the growth of this humble settlement into a powerful city, Great Zimbabwe as it came to be called. It became the heart of a kingdom that spanned vast territories, drawing admiration and envy from neighboring lands. As far as we know, the first community to make this land their home were the ancestors of the Shona. They took root and left a mark not only on the country, but on the continent. With deft hands, they shaped the land, transforming it into a hub of trade and culture.

Starting point is 00:15:54 Their artistry and architectural prowess were unmatched, says Tatenda. You can see why. It's all evidenced by the grandeur of the towering stone walls. Unfortunately, time, like a relentless tide, wore away at the city's splendor. But these stones endured. They are a silent witness to the rise and fall of kingdoms, steadfast in their resilience. Today, they stand as a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of a people who dared to persevere. And for the Shona people, the intricate stonework with its echoes of forgotten stories is a reminder of the vibrant history of their homeland. As you walk among the ruins, you're able to envision the city's zenith in the 13th to 15th centuries. the 13th to 15th centuries. The population swelled, reaching up to 20,000, and the city thrived as a political, economic, and cultural center. In terms of geography, it is strategically positioned.

Starting point is 00:17:50 Back in the day, it would have offered access to trade routes that linked the coastal regions of the Indian Ocean to the interior of Africa. Today, there's no trade and no bustle, no city council meetings or marriages on the site. Instead, the architectural marvel stands as a reminder of the community's skill and craftsmanship. You're surprised to learn that these towering stone walls, meticulously constructed, were built without mortar. were built without mortar. Tertender explains that for Zimbabweans, this place is so much more than an archaeological site. It represents a shared history. You listen in silence, standing before the remnants of this majestic civilization. And when you walk on, you envision the bustling streets and vibrant markets that once thrived here. You wonder just how many generations have walked these paths and touched these walls.

Starting point is 00:19:39 Tatenda points to the great enclosure in the distance. It's an awe-inspiring structure that served as a ceremonial and administrative center, with its conical tower rising proudly above the wars. On an architectural level, it's astonishing. The construction of Great Zimbabwe was labor-intensive and required meticulous attention The primary material is granite, found abundantly in the surrounding areas. Quarry workers carefully selected suitable granite rocks, taking into consideration factors such as size, shape, and quality. Then, using hammers and chisels, the workers gradually shaped the rocks into rectangular or roughly square bricks. This process required patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the properties of the stone. Once the bricks were shaped, they were transported to the construction site,

Starting point is 00:21:29 site, and there, the builders arranged the bricks, fitting them tightly together without the use of mortar. This technique allowed the bricks to interlock, creating sturdy and stable walls. Precision was crucial when placing the bricks to ensure the structural integrity of the buildings. The absence of mortar in the construction construction has puzzled researchers for years. According to some, the workers might have used a technique known as dry stone walling. The weight of the stones and the careful balancing of forces may have contributed to the stability of the walls. At any rate, it was a collective endeavor that showcased the community's mastery of stonework and their ability to create enduring structures. You've now reached the Great Enclosure. Its towering walls surround you, a symbol of the grandeur and power that once resided within. Tatenda shares the theories and debates surrounding its purpose.

Starting point is 00:23:22 Was it a ceremonial center, an administrative hub, or a sacred space? The answer remains elusive, allowing your imagination to run wild with possibilities. As you stroll to tender points to the conical tower. The exact purpose of the tower remains the subject of debate and speculation, but it's widely believed to have served as a ceremonial or sacred space. It has a prominent location within the Great Enclosure, the largest and most impressive complex within the city. This suggests its importance in religious and spiritual practices. spiritual practices. Continuing your exploration, Tatenda leads you through the remnants of dwellings, their stone walls hinting at the lives lived within. You envision the comings and goings of the city's inhabitants as they went about their daily routines. Tatenda's storytelling paints vivid images in your mind, allowing you to immerse yourself

Starting point is 00:25:03 in the past. Finally, he guides you to a vantage point that overlooks the entire site. From this elevated patch, you take in the vastness of the great Zimbabwe ruins. The view rolls out below you, and the whistle of the wind fills the stone enclosures. It's peaceful and solitary, the perfect meditation spot. A distant rumble interrupts the tranquility of this moment. The sound grows louder, echoing through the plains as if the spirits of the past are summoning the power of the heavens. The rolling thunder reverberates in your chest, A reminder of nature's raw strength and the forces that have shaped this ancient land. It's a symphony of sound blending with the fading light,

Starting point is 00:26:53 creating an intriguing atmosphere of grey warmth. You reflect on how, even among the remnants of a once thriving civilization, the elements continue to reign superior. They alone are constant. The rain, sun, wind, and soil are what weave together the past and present. As the thunder continues to rumble, a mesmerizing display unfolds before your eyes. The darkening sky becomes a canvas for nature's own abstract paintings, the dance of lightning illuminating the horizon. Jagged streaks of brilliance cut through the darkness, painting the deep grays with an electrifying energy. Each bolt of lightning highlights the intricate details of the landscape below, as if pointing directly to elements that might otherwise be overlooked. The stones buzz with energy, yet remain steady, and in the sky, a crackling sound accompanies each flash. play of light and shadow creates a captivating spectacle. Thunder and lightning work in tandem, then a gentle patter of raindrops begins to grace the ancient stones, like the brush of a hi-hat on a drum kit. The moisture in the air intensifies,

Starting point is 00:29:13 and a refreshing coolness starts to envelop the surroundings. The rhythmic falling of rain is like a soothing symphony. You pause for a moment, embracing the rain as it gradually begins to wash over you. Each droplet caresses your skin, invigorating your senses and grounding you in the present moment. You've never felt so connected to the land. The earthy scent of rain mingles with the red soil, creating a sensory experience that heightens your connection to nature and the history that surrounds you. Taking off your shoes, you let your feet slide over the wet stone, your souls turning a shade of muddy brown. Almost instinctively, you lift your face towards the sky, feeling the falling rain. You laugh as droplets cascade down, leaving trails of cold in their wake. And now, the sound of rainfall intensifies, nature's orchestra in full crescendo.

Starting point is 00:31:22 Spinning around, everything whirls past you in a kaleidoscope of color and texture. As the rain continues to pour, you surrender to the moment, relishing in the rejuvenation that it brings. Looking over at Tatenda, you share a knowing smile, both of you embracing the opportunity to connect with nature. Tatenda begins to move to the rhythm of the raindrops. The ancient ruins provide a dramatic backdrop as he twirls and kicks up dormant puddles, his pure joy and a celebration of life. As the raindrops cascade all around you, you follow your instincts, moving in a way that feels natural. With each step, you imagine that you are bridging the gap between the past and the present. You feel profoundly moved by the land, the rain, and the stories that have unfolded within these ruins.

Starting point is 00:33:16 Every movement becomes a tribute to the ancestry of this country, honoring their legacy as you weave your own narrative in this extraordinary setting. Your laughter mingles with the sound of rain as you and your guide both gaze upwards, embracing the freedom that comes from surrendering to the present moment. And then, both slightly out of breath, you pause to drink in the view once more. It strikes you that Africa really is the cradle of humanity, the birthplace of us all. There's something incredibly assuring about that idea, that we are all descendants of one place, one home. Together, you start to walk down the great Zimbabwe ruins, with the rain serving as a companion on your journey. The raindrops glisten on the ancient stones, enhancing their weathered beauty, and the lush greenery around you seems to come alive, vibrant and nourished.

Starting point is 00:35:12 The rain has brought a touch of magic to your journey, acting as a reminder to find joy in the simplest of moments and to embrace the beauty of nature in all its forms. With the rain subsiding, Tatanda suggests that you make your way back to the car below. you make your way back to the car below. It will start getting dark soon, and after a day of exploring, you're ready for a warm shower and bed. So, you begin heading down the steps, and you bid farewell to the great Zimbabwe ruins as a sense of reverence and gratitude fills your heart. The rain has left behind a freshness in the air, a rebirth of sorts. Tatenda walks beside you, his presence a comforting reminder of the shared experience and the deep connection you have forged through your exploration of the ancient

Starting point is 00:36:48 ruins. As you glide your hand along the bumpy texture of the granite, the conversation between you flows effortlessly, filled with the reflections on the history, beauty, and significance of Great Zimbabwe. Your fingertips brush the stone and a soft light begins to glisten on the surface, evading the shadows and cracks. You look upwards to find the clouds making their departure. Their moment of glory is over, and the sun takes its rightful place once more. Gradually, it begins to set, casting a golden light over the ruins. With every step you take, with every story you hear, this place becomes a part of you. The sky is now filled with warm oranges and reds. filled with warm oranges and reds. You take a moment to glance back at the fading silhouette of the ruins against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Starting point is 00:38:39 The ancient stones stand tall and still, the ancient stones stand tall and still. Just as the resilience and ingenuity of the Shona's ancestors is etched into the stones, the memories of your time within those walls are etched in your mind. A profound sense of appreciation washes over you. The journey back to the car is filled with a mix of emotions, gratitude for the experience accompanied by a touch of melancholy as you leave the ruins behind. Approaching the car, you take a moment to pause and reflect. You exchange a heartfelt farewell with Tatanda, thanking him for sharing his knowledge and passion. Stepping into the car, you carry with you the memories, the stories, and the spirit of this place. The engine roars to life, and as you drive away, you leave a piece of your heart behind,

Starting point is 00:40:30 away, you leave a piece of your heart behind, forever tied to the ancient ruins and the fascinating journey you embarked upon. With the road stretching ahead, you glance in the rearview mirror one last time. Great Zimbabwe is now reflected as you leave it behind. But its legacy and the lessons learned will accompany you on your onward journey, reminding you of the interconnectedness of humanity and the extraordinary beauty found within the depths of history. You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Walking through the Ruins of Great Zimbabwe

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