Sleepytime Poetry

Follow theater professor Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  This evening features a delightful long work, "Goblin Market" (1862), by Victorian-era writer, Chistina Rossetti. In this story, sisters Lizzie and Laura witness a goblin market night after night, filled with sumptuous fruit, and danger—a perfect bedtime story. Stay tuned for next week for the concluding half of the poem. With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Calm Meditation," by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow theater professor Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep. This evening features beautiful works by important women writers. Poets include Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Sara Teasdale, Christina Rossetti, & Matilda Blind. With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Forest Meditation" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow theater professor Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  This evening features beautiful poems about dancing by William Butler Yeats, Emily Dickinson, Lewis Carrol, Sir Henry Newbolt, & Richard Lovelace.  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Deep Sleep" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow theater professor Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  This evening features a beautiful long poem by Edna St. Vincent Milay, "Renascence" (1912), about a speaker who experiences a spiritual death and rebirth through the act of beholding nature.  Milay's virtuosic rhyming proves hypnotic.  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Blissful Healing – Binaural Beats / Delta Waves" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  This evening  features beautiful sonnets by William Shakespeare about sleep.  Works include Sonnet 27 ("Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed"); Sonnet 28 "(How can I then return in happy plight); Sonnet 43 ("When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see"); and Sonnet 61 ("Is it thy will, thy image should keep open").  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Om Meditation Music – 432 Hz" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.Support the show

Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  The evening  features beautiful poems about the soothing quality of rain.  Works include "A Drop fell on the Apple Tree," (1890) by Emily Dickinson, "Rain in Summer" (1845) by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and “Little Raindrops" (1860) by Aunt Effie.  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Inner Light" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  The evening's beautiful poems feature Four by Frost: four popular poems by Robert Frost, perhaps America's greatest poet.  Works include "The Mending Wall" (1914), "The Road Not Taken" (1916), “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" (1923), and "Acquainted with the Night" (1928).  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Pure Relaxation" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  The evening's beautiful poems explore the wonder of the stars.  Poems include Jane Taylor's "The Star" (1806), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Light of the Stars” (1838), John Keats' "Bright Star" (1819), Lucretia Maria Davidson's "To a Star" (1824),  Sara Teasdale's "Winter Stars" (1920), and Emily Dickinson's “Ah Moon-and Star!”  (ca. 1830-86).  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "30 Minute Meditative State" by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  The evening's beautiful poems explore the moon as a universal symbol of the night.  Poems include Percy Bysshe Shelley's "To the Moon" (1817);  Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Moon" (1885); William Stanley Braithwaite's "Golden Moonrise" (1902); E.E. Cummings' "Amores (III)" (1925); Sara Teasdale's "Dusk in Autumn" (1914); Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's "A Hymn to the Moon" (ca. 18th c.); and William Blake's "Smiles on the Night" (1794). With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Heart Meditation," by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.

Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  Tonight's beautiful poems harken back to the English language's distant past.  From William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day" (1609) in its original pronunciation, we hear the "General Prologue" in Middle English from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" (1387).  Then, we hear the ancient echoes of Old English of the Lord's Prayer as it might have sounded in the 11th century.  Finally, we listen to the Old English poem "The Seafarer" from the 10th century.  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones while lying down in a place where you won't be disturbed.Original guided meditation script written and performed by Jeff Kaplan.  All poems are in the public domain.Intro music: "Forest Lullaby," by Olesksii Kaplunskyi ("LesFM") on Pixabay.com.Meditation track: "Serenity," by Chris Collins, https://indiemusicbox.com.Disclaimer:This meditation track is intended for relaxation and personal development purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.1. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional:It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any meditation or relaxation program, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, mental health concerns, or are pregnant.2. Individual Experience:The effectiveness of meditation practices can vary from person to person. Your experience with this meditation may be unique to you, and results are not guaranteed.3. Safety Precautions:Please ensure that you are in a safe and distraction-free environment when listening to this meditation. Do not listen to this track while operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require your full attention.4. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:This meditation encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. However, it is essential to approach this practice with an open and non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings.5. Discontinue if Uncomfortable:If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or emotional distress during the meditation, please discontinue use immediately. You are encouraged to seek professional assistance if necessary.6. Copyright Notice:This meditation track is protected by copyright law. Reproduction, distribution, or any unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.By using this meditation track, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the use of this meditation and release any liability on the part of the creator or distributor.Always prioritize your well-being and consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and support.