Sleep story · winter, still
A field under snow — a slow story for the end of the day, on a day that started badly — for jet lag
Everything muffled, everything white, and no tracks but yours.
Lights off. Press begin and let the story read itself to you, at the pace of sleep.
Screen on or off — we suggest dimming it, or simply closing your eyes after the first paragraph.
The story, in full
A single crow crosses the field and lands on the fence, then thinks better of it. Your hands are warm inside your gloves and cold at the wrists. Nothing in this field needs to be done today or tomorrow.
The snow on the branches is holding, and every so often a small amount slides off. The snow came down all afternoon and has now stopped, leaving the field completely unmarked. There is a gate at the far end of the field, half buried and not going anywhere.
Feel the top of your head relax into the pillow. Let your calves spread out and flatten.
Let your forehead go cool and smooth. Your jaw can drop slightly. Let your teeth part.
There are no footprints anywhere except the ones behind you. The light is flat and grey and does not cast shadows.
Feel your belly rise and fall without any help from you. Notice your hips, wide and settled.
Let your forearms get heavy and warm. Feel the weight of your head on the pillow.
The sound of your own boots is the loudest thing for half a mile. The air is so cold it feels dry, and your breath is visible for a long time.
You might be planning something. Notice the planning, then come back. Notice the exact moment your attention left. You probably won't catch it. That's normal.
Your chest can be still now. Feel your heartbeat somewhere far away.
Let the room get slightly further away. Just the breath.
Let the breath be the only thing you are doing. Let the thoughts come and go without you getting up to answer. You do not have to count them.
A day that started badly does not have to stay that way.
Let the words go now, and take the quiet with you.
14 paragraphs, roughly 2 minutes read slowly aloud. Written for winter, still.
If this story does not settle you, try A library at closing time — a slow story for the end of the day, if you are doing this in the middle of the day — for a night when you do not want to think, A kitchen late at night, when you have just finished work — for the hours after a late shift or A field under snow, if you are doing this instead of scrolling — for waking too early.