Sound, simply put, is the displacement of air. Yet, one of its most profound aspects is its individuality — the way it speaks to each of us privately.
Imagine an early morning, just at the commencement of the day, when the weather is pleasant. There is a soft hue of sound, almost like the gentle brushing of a drumstick across a snare drum — nearly inaudible, yet deeply moving. Then, slowly, the symphony unfolds. Each “instrument” plays its part: here, the call of a bird; there, the bark of a dog. Soon, the concert unfolds, and another remarkable day begins.
Organized sound is what we call music. (1) Whether raw and primitive or cerebral and sublime, music affects each of us in a uniquely powerful way. We all remember a piece of music that marked a special moment in our lives — the beginning of a journey, the crescendo of a love affair, or the opening of a new chapter, such as starting a new school. Sound anchors us to moments in time. It can elevate us and improve our view of the world, or pull us down into the depths of despair.
It is extremely important, therefore, that we regulate the sounds we consume –especially at the beginning of the day. Warm and inviting sounds are far more conducive to well-being than negative ones. Many pundits suggest avoiding the phone for the first two hours after waking. (2) This is largely because much of the Internet — particularly platforms like YouTube — floods us with auditory content that can carry a certain toxicity, often before our mental defenses are fully in place.
In the morning, positive sounds — such as affirmations (3) — are especially beneficial. These sounds reach into the psyche and influence how we perceive reality.
Sound can be divided into three spheres of influence. The first consists of positive sounds: those we notice upon waking — the birds, the gentle hum of the home, the voices of family members.
The second sphere includes duty-bound sounds: the rhythmic pulse of a coffee machine, the sizzling of eggs in a pan, the slam of a car door, the hum of its engine. This category extends into the workplace — the greetings of colleagues, the ringing of phones, and the constant pings and notifications of modern life.
The final sphere is made up of negative sounds — those that evoke anxiety, anguish, or despair. News reports often dominate this category, employing language of destruction and crisis that can fill the mind with dark imagery. Ask any uncritical observer, a young student, and they may believe that the world is overwhelmingly bleak and nearing collapse.
But where does this negative energy originate? For most people, it is not rooted in direct experience. The answer, more often than not, is social media. Fear sells! One need only consider the disproportionate amount of nuclear weapons or the size of military budgets to know this is true. It is only when society moves toward a more peaceful state, and we begin to hear again the sounds of uplifting music and poetry, that our worldview can return to something higher: the transcendence of love — love of nature, love of others, and love of self. The avant-garde composer Pierre Schaeffer (4) leaves us with a thought: Sound is the vocabulary of nature.
A closing thought: So, how do I harmonize my being with the positive sounds of the universe? First, upon waking, I must train myself to sit quietly for a few minutes and take in the initial sounds of the day. This is like an orchestra tuning itself before a grand symphony. Next, I must be deliberate in my actions, becoming aware of the attendant sounds around me — the water filling the basin, the percolating coffee, the subtle activities of the kitchen. Then come the quieter, more refined sounds: getting dressed, the movement of fabric, the gentle attention to the body for the day ahead. Now, properly prepared, I am ready to face the full onslaught of sound — both the good and the bad — and to celebrate its composition with clarity and confidence.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about our awareness of sound.
To be noted: From Lord Byron (5) — There is music in all things, if men had ears.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9pOq8u6-bA&list=RDEM_DI_r4XL9muG9u2jN3756g&start_radio=1
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMg4X8O6FBE
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please listen for the sounds all around you.
Don’t be a wage slave — critical thinking is great!
Quote: Listen to the sweet sounds all around you
Footnotes:
1) https://www.popularbeethoven.com/aristotle-on-music/
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fQv1kHCAC4