Embracing the Quiet (But First...)

Embracing the Quiet (But First…)

by John Muraco

I invite you to take a look around, or better yet, take a listen. . . .What is the landscape of your SOUND environment?  Are you at work?  Are you at home or in a waiting room?  Perhaps you are reading this somewhere in nature!  Regardless of where you are, listen.  Try closing your eyes, and ‘seeing’ if you can ‘tune’ in to a new sound arrangement as your sense of hearing becomes sharper.  What sounds do you hear?  How are they entering your body? 

I have found recently, that to really ‘embrace the quiet’ it can be helpful to take inventory of our own SOUND ENVIRONMENT by becoming aware of what is generating sound around us. 

Embracing the quiet doesn’t necessarily mean finding total quiet (is that even possible?).  You can invite some quiet and stillness into your body and mind simply by altering the type of sound you are taking in.  For example, specific forms of music can help to facilitate relaxation such as listening to acoustic guitar, Himalayan singing bowls, Native American flute, or trickling water.  Try this sample and see what you think:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrx1vyvtRLY.

We all live in a dynamic sound atmosphere.  Notice your current background sounds.  Do you hear a TV, the radio, the internet, a phone ringing, kids talking (or screaming), birds chirping, cars bustling by, a kettle sounding letting you know that it’s time to be taken off the burner, the hum of a dishwasher, or something completely different?  All of these sounds enter the ears and affect the body in different ways.  As such, some of us might have to work EXTRA hard to embrace the quiet – to challenge ourselves first to reduce our noise intake in our environment, and then to bask in this new quiet!  Not an easy task when there is so little quiet to draw from in our day and age.  This makes it even more important to delegate at least a few minutes at the beginning and end of the day for stillness, and quiet.  This will allow your nervous system to calm and relax, while supporting your overall immunity and good health. If you build a solid inner foundation, you will be better able to thrive in a sometimes chaotic and noisy soundscape.  Let us know what works for you!

John Muraco, ATR, RYT, is an art therapist, registered yoga teacher, and holistic lifestyle and wellness counselor.  His work since 2000 has integrated diverse approaches to creative expression and wellness to support clients in regaining personal power and reducing stress.  John's approach to individual and group therapy for teens and adults is person-centered and customized. His holistic wellness consultation includes herbal remedies, tea blends, relaxation techniques and nutritional education. Contact John at john@heartwellhouse.com or 315-256-7767.  For more information go to www.heartwellhouse.com.