Listen

Earth Day was just a few days ago, and it has me thinking about nature and the way it restores us. Maybe it’s the simple act of being still, away from work or other distractions, that makes being in nature healing. But if you’re like me, taking time to deliberately go outside often seems like a luxury when so many other responsibilities are calling. Still, I’m wondering if taking a few minutes occasionally throughout the day to listen to nature sounds might be something manageable I could do.

The poet Ruth Krauss writes, “Everybody should be quiet near a little stream and listen.” With the number of nature sound recordings one can find on Youtube and through various apps, I’m considering whether being quiet and listening to the sounds of a bubbling little stream might be a respite of sorts. Being in nature has been proven by research to improve health and well-being. Though listening to a recording isn’t the same, I’m curious about how nature sounds can positively affect our mindset and moods. Here are few I’m going to explore: rain on leaves, thunderstorm, ocean waves, bubbling brook, and forest ambiance. Now all I have to do is listen.

Photo courtesy of Kuhlens Photography