Soundscape Journaling

Spiritual Practice…Soundscape Journaling:
Grab a pen and some paper and go outside, day or night…list everything you hear.  (this is a great boredom buster for kids)  The wind, a crow, leaf scraping on the ground, dog barking, neighbor yelling to stop dog barking.  Listening well, takes practice.  You're list may get very long over time with practice. 

One unique story of listening, is a recent short film documentary called ‘Nightsongs’. made in collaboration with SALT Project.  (https://www.saltproject.org/nightsongs)   

"Eric Masterson is no ordinary birdwatcher. An immigrant himself from Ireland to New England, he's fallen in love with bird migration - and specifically with a little-known wonder of the world that happens every spring and fall, just above our heads, under cover of darkness. To avoid hawks and navigate by the stars, millions upon millions of birds migrate at night, skimming over our rooftops while we sleep. To experience this invisible wonder, Masterson says, we have to learn to "see with our ears."   Celebrating both this avian achievement and human devotion to it.  "Nightsongs" is a meditation on the art of seeing - and treasuring - what cannot be seen but only experienced at night."

I have been amazed at how the soundscape of my neighborhood has changed since social distancing began.   Especially at night.   Less traffic.  Less airplanes.  More children.  More nature…frogs, coyotes, rain, wind, stars, silence. 
At night is when the earth breathes and the trees sleep.
We all are taking time to reset and find the goodness in the solitude we are experiencing. 
The earth if forgiving and is rejuvenating itself. 
Be aware.  See with your ears.  

​Enjoy viewing "Nightsongs" produced by SALT Project

Nightsongs from SALT Project on Vimeo.