How much does sound impact us? Even in a subtle way, sound influences our thoughts and emotions—and it often does without us being aware.
Here’s a quick experiment to play with what I mean. Take a listen to this 15-second video with the sound OFF, then play it again with the sound on.
How did hearing the sound change your experience?
Last summer, I took my fabulous 2007 Honda Civic in for a pre-emptive check. I can hardly believe how low maintenance it’s been for 18 years.
But I’d been hearing a slight sound difference. I’m very tuned in to my car. So, while I asked my mechanic to look over what would make it last another year, I also requested that he check the exhaust system. The answer?
Besides new tires this winter, you’re good to go. Oh, and you do have a tiny hole the size of a ballpoint pen tip in your exhaust pipe. But there’s plenty of time before that’ll need replacing.
I appreciated his integrity and still chose to replace it right away. No one else could hear the sound yet, but my vehicle and I are in synch. Why wait?
Similarly, when we’re in synch with ourselves, we’re aware of subtle changes in thoughts and emotions that can signal the very beginnings of a larger issue. Even a slight shift can bring us down, and we want to stay buoyant.
Choosing to repair a tiny hole in our happiness now saves a much bigger problem down the road.
So, here’s another experiment. This week, take a moment periodically to tune into subtle sounds. Focus on the ones that have an uplifting impact, open your heart, or make you laugh.
And if you notice any tiny disturbance, handle it now.
That is living as music.
Comments:
I love this Emma. Thank you. What a wonderful orientation to take and practice to explore. I'll be listening for subtle sounds. 2 things to share. a - when I watched the car video with the sound off - my 'mind' filled in sounds that pretty closely mapped to the soundtrack when un-muted. Fascinating and not surprising. b - An audial change I've been noticing lately is during my morning session on my porch swing with my coffee and journal. Here in New England's 'end of summer' time, the bird songs are so much more quiet! It's practically silent except for those last few hummingbirds bulking up before their long journey southward. Live on as music!
It’s the same here, Tim. We still have the hummingbirds, but almost all others have gone silent. Perfect time to listen deeper for those subtle sounds. Thank you for your thoughtful comments!