The Beachcomber's Hideaway: Relax To Sleep

In tonight's relaxing bedtime story, surrender to the gentle narration of a soothing female voice, perfectly blended with ambient ocean sounds for sleep. Join the Beachcombers, a serene community on a remote barrier island, where your day begins on the beach with a beloved companion.

As the tide recedes, discover the magic of low tide and the chance to forage for hidden treasures. Return to your rustic driftwood hut for a tranquil sunset, and later, unwind by a crackling bonfire under the rise of a crescent moon.

Escape the chaos and noise of contemporary life and find true repose in this timeless island escape. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

Sometimes,

A longing for simplicity leads to the deepest peace.

Tonight,

Imagine that very longing has led you here.

You're listening to The Beachcomber's Hideaway,

A seaside slumber story.

The soothing journey for sleep is set on a wild,

Beautiful island where life moves with the tides and aligns with the ocean's gentle rhythm.

This abundant provincial landscape is a timeless paradise,

Inviting you to comb its beaches for treasures.

Whether you've journeyed with a beloved pet or a cherished loved one,

Prepare to embrace the very essence of the sea and reconnect with nature.

Feel the cool,

Salty air on your skin as you settle into your rustic yet cozy driftwood hut,

A handcrafted home you've made with love,

Nestled just above the waves.

Indulge in warm sunset swims,

The warmth of crackling bonfires,

And the quiet joy of creating artistic treasures in this paradise designed to heal and awaken your spirit.

As a peaceful sleepiness takes hold,

You retreat deeper into your dwelling's profound comfort and protection.

The distant ocean sounds whisper,

Drawing you into the soft embrace of sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I'm Michelle and hope you find my voice to feel like an old trusted friend.

I invite you to lay back and trust that my voice will only lead us to the most soothing and safe places,

Ensuring your comfort and tranquility come first.

In the sanctuary of your room and mind,

We will craft images of a harmonious world,

Where every scent and every sound contributes to a profound sense of peace.

Often I imagine myself on a quiet morning,

Yearning for an escape to a wild,

Beautiful island.

And from my deep love of barrier islands and rural beachside communities,

The story was born.

The story is inspired by requests that arrived in my inbox this week,

And I used it to bring to life my many times spent on Fire Island and residing in Hawaii.

Let the story unfold like a dream,

Where you are free to modify any details.

Imagination is a gift that may be the pathway to serene scenes and restorative dreams.

Celebrate making it to the end of the day,

And feel free to fall asleep whenever it feels right.

We're going to enjoy a brief relaxation together to set the tone for the night ahead.

Release a sigh,

Making a sound as you exhale,

And let everything go.

And sip in the air slowly through your nose,

Imagining the rich salty aromas of the ocean as they fill the air.

Picture your space softening,

Becoming the heart of a driftwood hut.

Nestle just above the waves on a secluded dune.

Let out a long,

Gentle sigh,

Releasing any tension or lingering thoughts from today.

Everything can wait for another time.

Appreciate the stillness of this moment,

And the quiet settling of your mind.

Continue to inhale,

And maybe add a yawn,

And then sigh,

At the rhythm and pacing that feels good to you now,

As I count us down.

Each breath becomes softer and more grounding.

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose,

Connecting with the crisp scent of ocean spray,

And the silky ripples of wet sand as the tide recedes.

The gentle whisper of the waves soothes you,

Guiding the slower beating of your heart.

Four,

A deep sense of gratitude washes over you as you appreciate this time for yourself.

A peaceful pause from the day's demands.

The distant seabird's song stirs a longing in you to find and remain in a bucolic oasis for as long as you can.

Three,

A wave of comfort and warmth spreads through you,

Feeling utterly safe and held as cascading waves and the gentle crackle of a nearby bonfire deepens your relaxation.

Two,

Your muscles soften,

Your jaw relaxes,

And you find it effortless to surrender.

Healing waves whisper,

Let go,

And echo the sentiment of the vast ocean.

These waves gently ebb and flow from the crown of your head down your spine and front of your torso.

They continue to sparkle and soothe your arms and legs,

Leaving a delightful sensation in your palms and soles of your feet.

A gentle release from head to toe occurs,

Preparing you for this mental holiday.

One,

You return to your inner peace and all your needs with a silent knowing that tonight you are held in the gentle embrace of the island.

As you inhale,

Yawn,

And sigh one last time,

Your breath settles into a soft,

Sleepy rhythm as we journey to the beachcomber's hideaway.

If you ever wish to feel more alive,

Let go and surrender to the tide,

And as you drift away from all you've known,

You are newly awakened,

Ready to return home.

The beachcombers have found their home on a barrier island.

It's not so far from more popular islands in the mainland to completely forget the frenzy of contemporary living.

We're close enough to remember that their lifestyle is a bold,

Rewarding choice.

Some beachcombers visit from time to time,

Escaping burnout or reconnecting with the essence of generations of ancestors who combed the island before them.

Others live here year-round,

Completely swearing off the bustle of modern life and the digital age,

Their days and nights massaged by the rhythm of the tides,

The rising sun,

And the no matter how long their intended stay.

Each day,

Everyone gathers to comb the beach in a communal effort to transform what washes up on the shores into something of practical use or magical beauty.

It's lovely to be in a place so free of discord,

Where conversation and communication are easy,

And everyone seems to be on the same page.

Not one soul is a carbon copy of another.

Differences are respected and quirks are encouraged.

There's an ease,

An abundance of levity and silliness,

Because without a constant reminder of the world's problems,

Everyone is free to plug into the endless beauty of the island.

You settle onto the soft folds of a plaid blanket in your favorite colors,

Draped across the gentle curve of a sandy dune.

Your companion,

Perhaps a beloved pet with a soft,

Warm coat,

Or a cherished friend or loved one whose presence enhances every experience,

Shares the blanket with you.

The morning sun,

Already warm and inviting,

Kisses your skin as a breeze carries the crisp,

Salty scent of the ocean and the pleasant aroma of longleaf pines.

Below,

The expansive beach rolls out before you,

Better than any red carpet treatment.

The remnants of lacy sea foam glisten in a pearly hue.

You match your breath to the ocean,

Your chest rising and falling to the ebb and flow.

It's a peaceful game you play with yourself.

In the delicate morning hours,

Each receding wave pulls the water further and further back,

Unveiling more of the wet,

Shimmering expanse of blonde sand.

This is the magic of low tide,

A moment revered by all who call the island home and maintain a daily ritual that anchors time and intention.

The humid air offers an aquatic perfume,

Featuring the subtle notes of beach oats mingling with the delicate sweet fragrance of beech grass.

These native plants rustle softly,

Almost whispering,

As they surrender to the gentle breeze.

The air feels both eternally fresh and rich with promise,

Delivering the gift of a day of abundant beauty and abundance and quiet discovery.

Figures begin to emerge from the clusters of dwellings nestled among the dunes and trees.

Modest yet artistically unique homes dot the shoreline,

And the island's inhabitants appear as tiny specks at first,

Slowly growing larger as they approach the beach before you.

These are your fellow beachcombers,

Drawn by the same unspoken call of the tide,

United by a shared appreciation for the island's gifts.

Some carry small spades,

Their movements purposeful,

Ready to dig for the succulent clams that burrow just beneath the surface.

A delicious bounty harvested with respect.

Others walk with a quiet,

Observant purpose,

Their eyes scanning the receding waterline for the telltale glint of sea glass,

Or the perfect unbroken curve of a unique shell.

Children rush ahead,

Knowing the language of the island and all its bounty,

With their sun-bleached hair and tough bare feet that trample across the dunes on a mission,

Though unspoken.

Everyone feels a rush of pure serotonin at the unexpected finds that wash up.

Massive pieces of driftwood,

Seasoned and transformed by years of rumbling in the ocean,

Their surfaces smoothed and sculpted by relentless currents,

Will be transformed into the sturdy bones of island furniture,

The strong frames of new huts,

Are parts of sculptures and unique island artwork.

And sometimes,

The truly rare find,

Is the message in a bottle,

Its glass dulled by countless nautical miles,

Appearing as if it time-traveled from another era.

These bottles often carry faded messages,

From a fleeting connection to another life,

Another story,

Another world.

You recall the countless thrills of discoveries,

Made over time,

Each object holding its own story and inspiring new narratives here on the island.

The massive gnarled root system of an ancient tree,

Smooth and polished by the waves,

Now forms the middle of the island majestic base of the communal dining table and the largest common hut,

Seating twenty with ease.

And yet another way the island has brought the beachcombers together.

The vibrant deep blue glass from an old apothecary bottle,

Found years ago after a particularly high tide,

Now shines as the luminous centerpiece of a mosaic outdoor table at your hut,

Surrounded by smaller intricate patterns of green,

Amber,

And frosted white.

Each tiny shard,

A captured piece of the ocean's power.

Over a decade ago,

A massive,

Almost perfectly round buoy painted a faded crimson washed ashore.

It now swings gently from the highest branch of a gnarled old cypress,

Its faded color adorned with a hand-painted message that reads,

Welcome,

Beachcombers.

The island is rich with these silent narratives,

Each found object,

A chapter,

In its quiet evolving history.

Without television or the internet,

Art and science are lost in the island,

And stories are used to entertain,

Often appearing in these tangible relics that decorate the island.

Here there is an inherent spirit of generosity and sharing.

The biggest halls,

The most impressive pieces of driftwood,

Are the most extensive collections of rare shells,

Are often collaborative efforts,

The vines carefully distributed to where they are most needed or appreciated.

As the tide continues its gradual,

Intentional retreat,

It reveals more and more of the expansive glittering flats.

The energy shifts at low tide,

A buzzing sense of wonder that resurfaces with every beachcombing adventure.

The element of surprise always awakens one's inner child,

And you too find yourself wondering what may be found today.

Your eyes unstretch,

Feeling the slight,

Pleasing pull in your muscles.

Already warmed and loosened by the island's warmth and sun.

Newly formed tidal pools,

Shallow basins catching the sunlight,

Shimmer like scattered diamonds across the vast beach.

Sand ripples,

Left in the absence of waves,

Always make for a soothing foot massage and delightful tactile experience.

You surf down the dune,

Your feet gliding across the powdery,

Yielding sand,

Before you land on the wet,

Cool sand below with a gentle thud.

The sand here is remarkably fine,

Almost silken,

Retaining the coolness of the ocean as it cushions every step.

You walk into a tidal pool,

And the silky water is surprisingly warm.

Heated by the sun's direct rays,

It rises just above your ankles.

The sand beneath your feet is a thick,

Silky muck,

Yielding gently with each step.

There's a suction feeling,

A sensation both novel and fun,

As the wet sand squishes playfully between your toes.

You wade slowly through the shallow pools,

Your eyes scanning their miniature,

Bustling ecosystems.

Tiny crabs scuttling sideways,

Their antennas fluttering in the breeze.

Sun-eye twitching,

Iridescent shells half-buried in the sand,

Waiting to be coaxed free.

The rare sand dollar sighting,

Minute fish darting among intricate strands of seaweed,

Living moonstone jewels in these temporary oases.

The quiet life teeming beneath the surface is a constant source of wonder and inspiration.

Your companion is just as eager as you to explore the beach,

Trailing along the edges of the water as they investigate the tidal pools and greet other beachcombers.

Your gaze catches something sparkling,

A perfect,

Almost flawlessly triangular piece of emerald seaglass,

Worn smooth by countless journeys,

Its edges softened by time.

Seaglass often serves as a reminder that it is possible to soften with time.

For those of us in human form,

It has to be a choice.

You reach down,

Your fingers closing around the seaglass,

Turning it over in the heart of your palm.

It's cool and smooth.

It's the perfect addition for the wind chime you're currently crafting.

This daily hunt is more than just a search for objects.

It's a profound meditative practice.

A journey from the first hint of something unique in the sand to the final satisfying arrangement of the finished craft.

You recall bringing home a large,

Exquisitely gnarled piece of driftwood that now serves as the frame for your most ambitious project.

An ambitious mosaic table.

The hours spent painstakingly inlaying each piece of glass.

A quiet dance between your hands and your treasured ocean finds.

As you move further down the beach,

The figures of your fellow beachcombers are still there.

They become clearer,

Though still distant enough to maintain a sense of solitary peace.

They are spread out across the wide beach,

Some bent over,

Intently focused on the wet sand,

Their bodies silhouetted against the bright horizon.

Others stroll leisurely,

Their eyes sweeping the vastness,

Enjoying the simple act of being.

The sun reflects brilliantly off the wet surface of the beach,

Making the air shimmer,

Almost distorting their forms into heat-haze mirages.

It's yet another perfect warm day,

Made even more exciting by the storm the night before.

More treasures arrive the morning after severe weather,

As it churns the ocean's depths and scatters new treasures across the sand.

You find a delicate,

Perfectly spiraled conch shell,

Its intricate chambers intact,

And a shard of what looks unmistakably like an antique cobalt blue bottle,

Its deep color almost glowing in the sun.

You begin to fill your hand-crafted basket,

Woven from beachgrass.

Your companion wanders close by your side.

With your collection gathered,

A deep sense of satisfaction washes over you.

There's always something to be found.

The sun climbs higher,

And the intense heat is your sign.

It's time to cool off in the ocean.

You wade out into the surf,

The lukewarm,

Clear water,

Creeping up your ankles.

Then your knees,

Then your waist,

Until you are fully immersed.

The water is the ideal temperature to cool you gently,

Refreshing in its depths,

Yet so very warm across the surface.

You turn and float on your back,

Looking at the piercing blue sky as you surrender to the tide.

The gentle swells lift and lower you,

And your body feels light and buoyant,

Utterly supported by the vast blue-green water beneath you.

You revel in the profound simplicity of just floating on water.

You get lost in the rhythmic sound of the waves,

The feeling of saltwater droplets on your face,

Drying in the sun,

And the ocean cradling your body,

As if to say that everything is alright.

Your mind is clear,

Your body is relaxed,

And you can't dare to imagine much beyond this perfect,

Present moment.

From this tranquil vantage point,

You look back towards the shore.

The distant village of driftwood huts and modest dwellings stands against the lush green of the island's interior.

These strong,

Handmade structures seem to blend seamlessly with the environment,

Their natural materials,

And organic forms,

Including domes and A-frames.

There are no harsh lines,

No jarring colors,

Just natural shapes and muted tones,

And the unique artistry of each soul that inhabits them.

Eventually,

Refreshed and utterly revitalized,

You and your companion make your way back through the gentle surf,

Your feet sinking into the wet sand once more with each step.

The walk down the beach to your dwelling is peaceful,

Bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun,

The air still clean,

Enriched with the scent of salt.

As you approach your driftwood hut,

Its familiar,

Comforting silhouette paints deep into your soul,

And mistakenly constructed from the very treasures you still seek,

Welcomes you home.

The first swirling hues of sunset begin to stir in the western sky,

As you step into your rainfall-fed outdoor shower.

The cool,

Clean water,

Collected and warmed by the sun,

Cascades over your skin,

Washing away the salt and sand.

You grab a handmade soap,

Made by your neighbor,

That lathers thickly into your skin.

It leaves a lingering scent of island fig and honey.

The air is still mild,

Carrying the day's lingering warmth.

You bear at the open sky above,

Feeling imbued with a sense of freedom and deep relaxation.

Deep connection with the island.

You turn off the water and wrap yourself in a plush towel.

A short bamboo pathway leads you into your hut,

Where you change into light,

Comfortable linen loungewear.

Your newly collected sea glass and shells are placed carefully into a beautiful,

Sun-dappled mason jar,

Which you then set in your dedicated craft nook.

This nook,

With its sweeping,

Expansive views of the ocean,

Is a vibrant and peaceful place for you to relax and enjoy.

Homemade candles,

Their beeswax scent mingling with the ocean breeze,

Nestled in large,

Perfectly formed clamshells,

Lanterns adorned with intricate,

Colorful nautical mosaics.

Polished glass and small iridescent shells hang from gracefully curving driftwood branches,

Casting a warm,

Dappled light that dances on the walls.

Your craft space truly celebrates the island's bounty and your artistic response.

You know that many of the beachcombers here send their exquisite wares to more touristy islands,

Where they are eagerly sold,

Each piece carrying part of this island's soul,

Bringing a quiet prosperity and sustainability to this unique community.

With a day's more active tasks winding down,

A sense of deep calm settles over you.

You and your companion move to the outdoor patio.

Terracotta pots teem with herbs,

And garden boxes are abundant with fresh vegetables that thrive in the summer.

Vibrant hibiscus blooms in hues of crimson and orange spill from ceramic pots,

And fragrant jasmine vines climb over a weathered trellis.

Sea oats sway gently beyond the patio,

Creating a curtain of privacy around your home.

You settle at a rattan table,

Already set with an array of soft oil pastels and colored pencils and sheets of heavy paper.

You begin to capture the sky,

Which is now a breathtaking expanse of deepening oranges,

Radiant raspberry and soft pinks,

And deep purples melting into the distant horizon.

You get utterly lost in the pastel hues,

Your hand moving freely,

Instinctively,

Unconcerned with the final product.

This is not about perfection,

But about the profound act of observing and creating the A time of pure and adulterated slowing down,

A silent,

Joyful meditation in color and light.

The enticing aroma of dinner begins to waft through the air as other island dwellers grill and saute fresh veggies and proteins.

You move to your outdoor grill,

A simple,

Sturdy structure built from local stone.

The sizzle of your favorite summer delights with an array of fresh herbs soon adds to the sounds and smells of the island.

You enjoy your meal on the patio,

Savoring each bite as the sky transitions further into soothing blues and deep indigos,

And the island transforms into a nocturnal sanctuary.

The air grows cooler,

Carrying the damp freshness of the approaching night,

And the sounds of the day begin to quell,

Replaced by the symphony of crickets and the constant,

Comforting murmur of the waves.

Quite satiated,

A profound sense of contentment settles deep within you as you and your companion head back to the beach.

As darkness fully descends,

A nightly bonfire has already been kindled in a designated hollow chamber.

The beachcombers gather with friendly smiles as children approach the fire with scavenged sticks,

Holding a marshmallow or three,

And everyone is drawn together by the primal allure of the fire.

The flames leap and dance,

Towering above the gathering,

Casting long-shifting shadows that play across the sand and the faces of your companions.

Sparks rise into the night,

Tiny orange-gold stars mirroring the silver water.

The cool evening air,

Carrying the perfume of the ocean,

Provides a delightful contrast to the intense,

Radiating heat from the fire,

Warming your face and hands,

Leaving a pleasant flush on your skin.

Out in the sparkling waves,

Just beyond the reach of the firelight,

A pod of dolphins glides by.

Their sleek,

Silver bodies catch the moonlight as they arc and dive in an enchanting dance beneath a starry sky and a silver crescent moon that mirrors their formations.

You feel a bone-deep sense of tiredness,

Every breath feels expanded,

Carrying the joyous characteristic of a day well-lived,

Filled with a quiet thrill of discovery,

Pleasant exertion,

Shared laughter,

And deep,

Unspoken connection.

It's the kind of happy exhaustion that promises truly restorative sleep,

That recharges the very core of your being.

As the communal fire slowly turns into glowing,

Pulsing embers,

Casting a softer,

More intimate light,

Crabs scatter across the darkening beach.

One by one,

Your fellow beachcombers rise,

Sharing kind goodnights,

Their voices hushed and return to their yurts,

Huts,

And tree homes,

Fading into the shadows of the night.

You and your companion rise together,

A comfortable quiet between you,

To make your way back home.

You ascend the short,

Sturdy stairs to your loft once home,

Where your driftwood bed awaits,

Sturdy and inviting,

Dressed with soft,

Natural linens.

You slip into cotton pajamas,

In the crisp coolness of fresh sheets,

Feeling the lingering warmth of the day's sun on your skin,

A memory of its brilliance.

The tangy,

Salty night air circulates gently through the open window,

Carrying the delicate,

Sweet scent of jasmine from the vines outside.

The stars and moon shine brightly through the open window,

Casting a soft,

Ethereal glow,

Painting the room silver.

The steady,

Rhythmic crashing waves lull you to sleep,

Completely free of the hum of electronics,

Modernity,

And traffic,

Just the simple,

Soothing,

Timeless sound.

You give in to the gentle waves of sleepiness,

As the tide tugs at you,

Promising you restoration and peace,

And you follow it,

Hopeful,

Into the deep,

Soothing night.

Finding comfort,

Finding bliss,

Finding sleep,

It's time to dream away,

Goodnight.

Reviews

Thank you kindly Michelle for this lovely bedtime story. Been overwhelmed lately and desperately need rest. My knee is acting up telling me I am doing too much & need a break. I listened to your story on repeat last night & the again this morning, after the alarm woke me. I typically wake before my alarm but was sound asleep when it went off. Your soothing voice lulls me to sleep! Thank you kindly for another wonderful bedtime story! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Thank you, Michelle🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Ah, the beach, especially during the winter, the perpetual sound of waves coming in and receding, and all the treasures that they leave behind….how can it get any better?! There’s so much of your story that I have not heard yet, time after time being lulled into sleep, and it’s a theme that lives in my heart, more to find out night after night🙏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🏻

Relaxing and calming, I love how these stories quiet my mind. Thank you, Michelle. 💜💜

The beach & ocean waves have always been my place of peace and I loved walking & looking for sea shells. I felt like I was on this beautiful island & was asleep before the end. Thank you, Michelle, for another wonderful story.

Very nice and peaceful for an afternoon nap will become a favourite I think x