Hello, dear listeners, and welcome to Drift Off. I'm your host Joanne and I'm so glad you're here.

Tonight I'll be sharing a special bedtime story from the Philippines called The Story of Benito.

I first shared this gentle fairy tale on the podcast in May of 2023 and I thought it would be

lovely to bring it back for anyone who may have missed it

or simply wants to enjoy it again as they drift off to sleep. It's a quiet, magical story,

full of warmth and hope, perfect for bedtime. If you'd like to support the podcast and help keep it ad-free,

consider subscribing to the premium feed

where you'll receive three bonus episodes each month

plus early access to one regular episode.

Now, when you're ready, let's take a moment to gently settle in.

Take a long, slow breath in.

And as you exhale, let those shoulders drop and allow your body to soften.

Let the weight of the day melt away.

Feel yourself supported by your bed.

Safe, warm, and deeply at ease.

There is nothing you need to do right now.

No responsibilities, no worries. just this quiet moment of rest. Let your breath slow down, your mind unwind, and your body grow heavy and still my friend you are safe you are calm and you are ready for sleep sleep. Benito was an only son who lived with his father and mother in a little village.

They were very poor, and as the boy grew older and saw how hard his parents struggled

for their scanty living, he often dreamed of a time when he might be a help to them.

One evening, when they sat eating their frugal meal of rice, the father told about a young

king who lived in a beautiful palace some distance from their village, and the boy became

very much interested.

...