Drift into a deep and effortless sleep.
On a rare train journey in tonight's magical bedtime story for grownups.
You are listening to.
From sea to sky,
The sleeper train.
Your bedtime holiday begins.
A sleepy seaside village where you board a mystical train on a sunset platform as salt air drifts in from the sapphire waves.
Within the cozy coach of an elegant,
Timeless train,
The night unfolds from an underwater glass tunnel through lush autumnal forests and rolling hills to snow-capped mountains carrying you through the beauty of every season.
In a single journey.
Every mile carries you.
Further from the day and deeper into rest.
As sleep finds you and you find sleep,
In a blissful reunion,
It's time to dream away.
Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.
I am Michelle and I hope my voice greets you like the kind of friend that always makes it easy to pick up right where we left off.
My intention is to make everything feel a little easier.
Little more comforting.
Celebrate making it through another day.
This is your time to settle into the sanctuary of your room.
And the sanctuary of your mind.
Where nothing from today needs to follow you.
As you settle.
Your imagination begins to stir with possibility.
Rather than worry.
And the air in your room.
Takes a noticeable shift.
Salty,
Sun-warm.
Delicate.
Travels through the space like a salve.
As you let out a sigh.
Knowing you may change any detail.
Sleep may meet you whenever it does.
Inhale through your nose,
Taking in the briny essence.
The promise of soothing adventures to come as you expand and take up all the space you desire.
Maybe you yawn before another sigh arrives.
Making a sound if you like.
The way a wave recedes from the sand.
Breathe in once more,
A little deeper.
And sigh it all away as I count us down to the story.
Bye.
Bring your attention to your scalp,
Your forehead,
Your temples,
Eyes,
Jaw,
And neck.
Letting everything soften and grow heavy.
Cool salt air drifts across your face.
Carrying the scent of the sea until last warmth of sunset.
4 Feel your shoulders and your arms.
Your hands and fingers becoming still.
Warm upholstery supports you as the faint vibration of the train moves beneath you.
3.
.
.
Your heart center,
Your belly.
Your back and your spine.
Soften into complete support.
As your breath rises and falls.
And the steady rhythm of the train rocks you.
Carrying you onward.
You.
Feel your hips,
Legs,
And feet growing heavy and warm as they find relief and from carrying you through another day.
One in the safe comforts of the sanctuary.
From the ground of your head to your palms and soles of your feet,
You are wrapped in peace as the story unfolds.
There are few places in this world.
You may experience warm coastal waters,
Lush forests,
And snow-capped mountains all in the same day.
But as the late afternoon sun approaches the horizon,
Your journey to such a place commences.
The village station is at the edge of the sea.
A triangle town.
It was a hopping holiday destination.
Many eras ago.
The village may have grown quieter with the passing years.
But its charm has never really left.
This time of year.
The train comes but once a week.
And you are among the few travelers.
Who will take its trek through the seasons.
From sea to sky in one night.
You stand on the platform.
The breeze offering.
Ever-changing wave of sun-warmed air and the cool mist of the sea.
A few pastel saltbox homes appear beyond the station.
Rustic and weather worn.
Their facades softened by the sea and storms.
Into barely there hues.
Buttercream yellow,
Mango,
And turquoise.
You can feel the rush of the incoming train.
The vibration of the platform.
The whispers of the sea on your face.
The golden light pools around your feet.
As the sun competes with the shadows beneath the platform canopy that drips with ivy and wisteria.
The village isn't exactly frozen in time.
But it does feel as if you could be somewhere else.
Another era.
When travelers arrived by train with a cavalcade of trunks crowding the platform,
Dressed in their Sunday best.
But it's not so anymore.
And only you.
And an older gentleman with his dog.
Dressed in a three-piece baby blue linen suit.
Are here waiting for the train.
You imagine the voices of long ago.
Still echoing through the station.
And it is this quiet.
Makes tonight feel like something rare and extraordinary.
All the memories are kept here.
The stone and steel that takes on the rich honeyed light in a heavenly way.
Everything makes tonight feel so deliciously unique.
In the silky orange flush of light before dark.
Sky swirling in sherbet hues and wisps of pink and peach clouds.
The sea is just beyond the tracks.
Gulls swoop down toward the scattered diamonds of glittering light on the surface.
The birds call out over the sound of crashing waves.
There's quite a bit of distance.
Between you and the older man and his pup.
Even as the train is moments from arriving.
The man and his dog glance at one another.
In a way that reveals their shared history.
Rich with adventures.
Familiar with loss,
Routine,
And celebration.
And every feeling in between.
The man nods to you in greeting.
And when you smile,
He comes closer and says hello.
Introducing himself as Sammy.
And his pup named Dolly.
You learn that he once rode this train.
During a busy season.
A long time ago.
When he was just a boy.
And now,
After all this time.
He has at last returned.
And knows it will be more magical.
Than either of you could have imagined.
Long ago,
The train took a more traditional route.
And only now does it explore beyond the sea.
And up in the sky.
The sunset deepens over the water.
Gold thinning into rose,
Fiery magenta blending into tangerine.
The gas lanterns on the platform grow brighter.
The sky deepens around you.
The rumbles of the approaching train.
Are joined by its whistle.
As the train chugs into the station.
A subtle beacon of light appears through the darkening sunset.
Do you watch the train curve along the shoreline?
Glimmering and reflective.
You gather your bag from the platform.
As the train arrives slowly and gracefully.
Into this sleepy station.
At the edge of the sea.
The train's exterior.
Elegant and antique.
Pearly deep plum.
Polished brass accents and sparkling windows.
Including a domed glass ceiling in the observation car.
The doors open.
And the stairs extend.
As the conductor steps down to welcome you.
Dressed in an immaculate ivory suit.
She helps you and the old man and his dog.
As you ascend the clanking metal steps.
Into the warmth of the observation car.
The interior smells of polished wood.
Infused with a hint of lemongrass and honeyed tea.
A steward takes her bag.
Delivering it to your sleeping guard.
While you settle into the observation deck.
Sitting in a plush lavender velvet chair.
Facing the panoramic windows.
There are a few other passengers.
Spread spaciously throughout.
Who boarded a few stops ago.
They sip on late afternoon beverages.
Some steamy.
Some sparkling.
Behind you.
Sammy and Dolly have settled on a bench together.
And peer out the opposite window.
The doors close with a swoosh.
Sealing you completely from the outside world.
As you may still take it all in.
From within the comfortable train car.
Like traveling through the ever-changing landscape.
In a bubble of safety.
The attendant offers you a welcome drink.
As the train leaves the station.
The vibrations soothing you to the core.
An announcement through the speakers.
Invites you to get comfortable.
As the train begins its gradual descent.
The interior of the observation car.
Captures the essence of lavender feel.
The small village by the sea that you now depart.
The village fades in the distance.
Few sailboats rocking in their moorings.
As the train passes by an old marina.
Sprigs of lavender shoot out of glass wall sconces.
Set against mahogany wooden panels.
Reflect the soft golden light.
Of antique lanterns.
The outside world transforms into tranquil twilight blues.
The observation car is both old and new at the same time.
Blending the craftsmanship of the old world.
With the amenities of the modern.
The tracks follow the winding ghost line.
Curving with it.
So close you can see the pearly sea foam gathering on the shelves left behind by the tide.
The glossy sand takes on the deepening blues of the sky.
And you let out a sigh.
Feeling content.
And the kind of delightful tiredness.
That comes from a day spent in the sun.
And see air.
The train slips into a limestone cave.
Then through a long tunnel.
It's dim inside.
For a short while.
The train's interior lights.
Reflect on the stone.
And then the tunnel opens into glass.
The vibrant world under the sea surrounds you.
Above and on both sides.
Deep blue water.
Faintly lit from above.
And illuminated by the lights of the train car.
Drifts around you.
The train moves through the sea.
And the ocean flows around the glass.
Kelp forests.
Sway past in tall,
Billowy ribbons.
Leaning together with the pull of the current.
And then leaning back.
Fanning out.
Bright orange and yellow fish.
Move in shimmering schools of a vibrant coral.
Turning in a wind band in a flash.
Catching the light.
Disappearing into a cavernous space.
A few sea turtles drift effortlessly on the current.
Curiously looking within the train car.
Tiny points.
Bioluminescent light reveal themselves.
Flickering like stars.
In the deep blue expanses.
Dali rests her head on her paws.
Delightfully amused while also calm.
As Sammy lets out a sound of awe.
Particles float suspended all around.
Lit by moonlight.
Filters down from the surface.
In long,
Pale columns.
The train's own lamps reflect against the glass.
So that the warm gold of the carriage into the cold blue of the ocean.
Sits layered together.
One inside the other.
Like an incredible dream.
The train feels almost as though.
.
.
It's floating along with the bobbing turtles.
Darting fish.
In this otherworldly underwater journey.
The rhythm of the train with its clicks and clacks.
Joins a peaceful underwater whoosh.
You sip on your welcome drink.
Feeling the soothing liquid.
Cascade down your throat.
Savoring every single detail of this moment.
A few crabs scurry across the sand.
Clouds of dust stirring beyond the glass tunnel.
Bloom of jellyfish rises from the floor.
Glowing in the dark blues.
Just beyond the glass.
It's an enormous,
Mysterious world.
This journey.
Makes it all feel a bit more familiar.
And then.
.
.
Gradually.
The seabed begins to rise.
The light begins to change.
Growing more opal and pale.
As sand and then rocks.
Rise around the tunnel.
Jagged silhouette of the shoreline reveals itself.
The train continues its ascension.
Cliffs rise up beside the tracks.
Dark and street with pale mineral lines.
Listening in the moonlight.
Rocky outcroppings shoulder out over the water.
Billowing grasses bow in the sea breeze.
And a few cottages dot the shoreline.
A lighthouse appears on the end of a cave.
Its beacon slicing through the gradient of nocturnal blue skies.
As stars begin to flicker.
The train continues to climb as dinner is served.
The meal is savory and satisfying.
The kind of perfectly prepared flavors and portions quiet your nervous system.
And bring on a delightful,
Heady feeling.
The sea grows quieter.
As it falls away beneath you.
As the air changes outside.
The attendant cracks the windows.
Letting in the cool breeze.
Salty air changes as the notes of pine resin and sweet leaves Join us.
And the air becomes thinner.
And cleaner.
The train enters a forest.
And the open sky.
Closes over into a canopy of branches.
Tall,
Ancient trunks.
Rise on either side of the tracks.
Packed clothes.
The moonlight filters through them.
Leaving a lacy pattern of leafy shadows.
On the soft carpet of the train car.
Patterns continue to dance through the observation room.
Thick moss rises in mounds.
Dew drops capturing the moonlight.
In a prismatic display.
Ferns unfurl.
Low along the forest floor.
Two squirrels chase one another up the trunk of a tree.
Owl hoots.
His first song of the night.
Cutting through the sound of the rails.
You feel a deep sense of calm.
As Dali falls asleep and snores.
And the other passengers laughed softly at the pup's tiredness.
Everyone's starting to feel it.
Sammy.
Despite being quite tired himself.
Watches the passing landscapes.
With the wonder of a curious young boy on his first field trip.
Silver stream weaves along the edge of the rails.
A clearing above.
Allowing the full light of the rising moon to reflect on its surface.
Into the sounds and refreshing smells.
Make their way through the cracked windows.
As you are rocked by the train car.
Lulled into a dreamy state.
You're unaware of how much time has passed.
And the change is gradual.
Very noticeable.
When the air becomes crisper and drier.
Cooler.
And smelling of sweet decaying leaves.
The lively green canvas transforms.
As autumn arrives earlier at this elevation.
At first.
A few leaves show hints of gold and orange at the edges.
You are fully transformed.
And stand out amongst the green.
But the farther up the train ascends.
The more vibrant the colors become.
Copper.
Plus it.
Deep gold leaves take on the blue cast of nightfall.
Opulent.
In the occasional flash of the train's light and the rising moon.
Soon the entire forest around you.
Is a mosaic of magenta,
Fiery red.
Shimmering gold and brilliant yellow.
Leaves languidly drift on the cool breeze.
Doing pirouettes in the wake of the train.
Some spiral.
Some land on the glass ceiling.
Settling for a moment.
Sliding back down onto the earth.
The scent of damp earth.
Becomes richer.
Darker.
Sweeter.
And invites a yawn.
The coziness of the journey.
Becomes more deeply felt.
As the weather shifts.
When you make your way.
To the outdoor observation desk.
The attendant offers you a fluffy blanket.
You settle on a bench.
Wrapped in its warm,
Fresh-smelling comfort.
The cool air nips at your nose.
It's a perfect contrast,
Really.
And the slightest hint of wood smoke.
From a cabin deep in the woods.
Travels to your nose.
Peppery,
Familiar,
And sweet.
All at once.
You let the train rock you back and forth.
Once more feeling a wave of tiredness coming.
Other passengers step out.
And join you for a moment.
Before returning to their sleeping gars for the night.
Sammy and Dolly linger behind.
Poor Dali starts tugging toward the door.
And Sammy wishes you a good night.
As you give the pup a final pet.
Frost begins to appear.
Delicate along the branches and carpet of fallen leaves.
Traces of silvery white crystals trail around the steam and moss.
Catching the moonlight.
As the train continues ascending.
Dire,
Colder destinations.
Small patches of weight beneath the trees.
Tucked where the shadows sit longest.
Your breath condenses in clouds as you exhale.
And soon the blanket isn't enough.
To keep you as warm as you'd like.
And so you say goodbye to the frosty forest and return inside.
The attendant waits with a steamy drink on a tray.
That you hold between your hands.
Enjoying its warmth.
The observation car,
Snow clear of guests,
Clear of dishes.
Quiet and dim.
As you are led to your sleeping chariot.
Snowflakes begin to pass the windows.
Drifting sideways.
Intricate flakes dance and spiral around the windows.
Landing on the tracks and earth in a fluffy pile.
The trees here are mostly barren.
Your finger-like branches.
Raging to catch the snow.
Conifers collect the snow in mounds.
Like vanilla frosting and gingerbread cookies,
Their feathery branches becoming heavy with snow.
Through gaps in the trees.
Mountains come into view.
Their purple-gray peaks coated in fresh snow that reflects the moon.
You travel into the next car.
Finding your balance.
The steward leaves you at your room wishing you good night.
The train continues steadily upward.
Into the quiet.
As you slide open the door to your own private quarters.
The brass latch meets the frame.
The soft,
Heavy sounds.
And the outside world.
Grows gentler and further away.
Your room is cozy and designed perfectly for its small space.
Deep violet curtains.
Held back with gold tasseled ropes.
Frame the windows.
That reveal the winter wonderland beyond.
Frosted glass sconces.
Softly against the eggplant purple silk wallpaper.
Reflecting off the mahogany wainscoting.
Pair of silk pajamas.
Embroidered with your monogram are folded neatly at the end of the inviting bed.
Plush robe hangs in the wardrobe.
Your bag sits on a luggage rack.
Snow continues to fall.
Heavier now.
As a dreamy pattern of frost spreads across the glass.
You retreat to the bathroom.
To enjoy a steamy shower.
Your muscles releasing.
In its percussive warmth.
Your senses soothe.
By the rich lather of the balsam fir soap.
Hard to leave the warmth of the shower.
But more now than ever.
A sense of deep tiredness settles within you.
Sleep will come so easily.
Sleep will come so fast.
Feet and slippers.
Silk against your skin.
Tightly bundled in the warm robe.
You return to your sleeping quarters.
Amidst all this comfort.
The rhythm of the train.
Continues with its steady click and clack and rocking.
It's still going.
It will keep going.
Up through the snowy mountains.
Carrying you onward through the night.
You no longer need to follow where it goes.
You turn off the lights.
And settle into the bed.
And it receives you completely.
The mattress plush and supportive all at once.
More pillows than any one person could need.
Frame the mountain of comfort around you.
Ready to receive your way.
Now.
Total surrender arrives.
The snow falling outside.
As the first tug of sleep begins.
Train rocks beneath you.
This cadence travels up through the mattress.
And into your spine.
Into your shoulders.
Lulling you with its soporific vibrations.
And the vivid details of the journey fade.
You revel in a sense of trust.
You've carried with you all along.
But only now remember.
This trust resonates throughout you.
Knowing the train will carry you safely through the night.
Train becomes a bridge.
Where you find sleep.
Sleep finds you.
In a dreamy reunion.
Your mind lazily drifts through the journey.
Lingering somewhere.
Sea and forest.
Mountain and sky.
Somewhere.
Beneath the moonlit water.
Somewhere high in the snow.
Drifting along.
Finding warmth.
Finding quiet.
Finding peace.
Finding sleep It's time to dream away.
