This week was our last campus walk for the semester. The weather was actually really pleasant (especially considering it’s May in Arizona). It was also finals week, which made for a semi-deserted and unpopulated campus.
The lack of people meant delicate sounds became more apparent. The most striking to me was the soft swishing as birds walked through grass. I don’t think it’s ever been quiet enough on campus for me to hear that.
Our “destination” was a pedestrian bridge that crosses over a busy road.
Rumbles. Vibrations. Low.
Feeling like you’re being hit hard by sound as the cars pass underneath the bridge.
On the way back to the music building, I would close my eyes for a few seconds at a time to try and follow Hunter just with sound.
Reflecting back on the semester, I can see the progress made in my own listening. In the final few weeks, I finally started to feel that I was able to fully commit to listening (rather than watching). Part of this came from the realization that directing my gaze to the ground a few feet in front of me is less distracting than looking straight ahead.
I think this also shows that listening is a skill that can be developed and strengthened and deserves its own regular practice. These soundwalks continually surprised me with how calming and meditative they were and how great they are at encouraging feelings of community. Hopefully you too can experience this, either by taking a soundwalk on your own or by joining a group walk.
The lack of people meant delicate sounds became more apparent. The most striking to me was the soft swishing as birds walked through grass. I don’t think it’s ever been quiet enough on campus for me to hear that.
Our “destination” was a pedestrian bridge that crosses over a busy road.
Rumbles. Vibrations. Low.
Feeling like you’re being hit hard by sound as the cars pass underneath the bridge.
On the way back to the music building, I would close my eyes for a few seconds at a time to try and follow Hunter just with sound.
Reflecting back on the semester, I can see the progress made in my own listening. In the final few weeks, I finally started to feel that I was able to fully commit to listening (rather than watching). Part of this came from the realization that directing my gaze to the ground a few feet in front of me is less distracting than looking straight ahead.
I think this also shows that listening is a skill that can be developed and strengthened and deserves its own regular practice. These soundwalks continually surprised me with how calming and meditative they were and how great they are at encouraging feelings of community. Hopefully you too can experience this, either by taking a soundwalk on your own or by joining a group walk.
May 2, 2018
5:40 - 6:15pm
80s, sunny
Until next time!
5:40 - 6:15pm
80s, sunny
Until next time!