Sleepytime Poetry

Jeff Kaplan

Soothing classical poetry with guided meditations to help you get to sleep.  Relax to theater professor Jeff Kaplan's calming voice as you drift into dreams.

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Episode 7: Sleepy Poems by Robert Frost
Oct 17 2023
Episode 7: Sleepy Poems by Robert Frost
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.
Episode 6: Sleepy Poems of the Stars
Oct 13 2023
Episode 6: Sleepy Poems of the Stars
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 Keat's "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.
Episode 5: Sleepy Poems of the Moon
Oct 9 2023
Episode 5: Sleepy Poems of the Moon
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. Cumming's "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.
Episode 4: Sleepy Poems from Ancient English
Oct 6 2023
Episode 4: Sleepy Poems from Ancient English
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.
Episode 3: Sleepy Poems of the Ocean
Oct 3 2023
Episode 3: Sleepy Poems of the Ocean
Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  Tonight's beautiful poems all feature the ocean.  Selections include Edmund Spencer's Sonnet LXXV, “One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand";  Matthew Arnold’s “Dover Beach"; Rainer Maria Rilke's "Song of the Sea"; and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Ocean."   With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace.Full best results, listen with headphones 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: "Morning 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.
Episode 2: Sleepy Poems About Sleep
Sep 29 2023
Episode 2: Sleepy Poems About Sleep
Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into as he guides you into sleep.  Tonight's poems all have to do with sleep.  Poems include William Shakespeare's Sonnet 27 ("Weary with toil, I haste me to my bed"); To Sleep, by John Keats; A Dream within a Dream, by Edgar Allen Poe, and Shakespeare's Sonnet 43 ("When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see").  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace. Full best results, listen with headphones 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: "Piano 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.
Episode 1: Sleepy Poems of the Forest
Sep 25 2023
Episode 1: Sleepy Poems of the Forest
Follow Jeff Kaplan's relaxing voice into a beautiful forest in your imagination as he guides you into sleep.  Poems include Titania, Queen of the Faeries' speech from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream,;Twilight Calm, by Christina Rosetti; and The Comfort of the Woods, by By Amos Russel Wells.  With deep breathing, along with progressive relaxation, the gentle cadence of the episode will lull you into peace. 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: "Ten Minute Meditative State (2 hr version)," 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.