Every day we speak, listen, and communicate, but do we truly "listen"? World Listening Day, celebrated on July 18th, reminds us that listening isn't just about hearing people talk, but also about hearing every sound of this earth, every whisper, every bird's chirp, and every rustle of leaves. This day reminds us of the world of sounds and the importance of the soundscape.
The Purpose of World Listening Day
World Listening Day isn't just a day to turn off the noise or go into silent mode; rather, it's an effort to draw attention to Acoustic Ecology. Its purpose is to improve understanding of the sound-related connection between humans and nature and to spread awareness of how we perceive the sounds around us.
History: Why Was July 18th Chosen?
R. Murray Schafer realized that our world isn't limited to just seeing and speaking, but that listening is equally important. He gave a new direction to understanding the environment through sound and emphasized reducing noise pollution through the 'World Soundscape Project'. July 18th is his birthday, and that's why this day was chosen as 'World Listening Day'. This day reminds us that we should listen carefully to the voices of nature and society so that we can better understand the changes happening around us.
Why is Listening to Sound Important?
In today's busy life, we only hear the necessary sounds – the phone ringing, a car horn, or the TV. But we forget that nature also speaks to us; we just need to listen carefully.
The singing of birds, the rustling of leaves, the whooshing of the wind – all these sounds help us to have mental peace. This listening not only gives peace to the mind but also helps us understand the health of our environment.
How to Celebrate World Listening Day?
1. Listen to the Sounds Around You
Take some time on this day and listen carefully to the natural environment around you. Silence your mobile phone, go to a park, or sit on the balcony with your eyes closed. You will see how many sounds there are that you have never listened to carefully before.
2. Organize a Listening Party
Organize a Listening Party in your school, office, or community. In this, people can sit quietly for a while and listen to a recording of a natural sound – such as raindrops, sea waves, or forest sounds. After this, share experiences and discuss the importance of listening.
3. Reduce Noise Pollution
You can help reduce Noise Pollution with small steps. Such as:
- Keep electronic devices turned off when not needed
- Ride a bicycle instead of a bike or car
- Use loudspeakers sparingly
- Run machines like washing machines or mixers with the door closed
- Plant trees, as trees help absorb noise
Community Effort is Essential
The increasing noise in cities and towns has a bad effect on our mental and physical health. Therefore, on the occasion of 'World Listening Day', it becomes necessary that we not only create a quiet environment ourselves but also take steps to protect society from noise pollution. Plans such as promoting quiet areas when planning cities, creating special paths for pedestrians, and installing sound barrier walls can help create sound balance. These small changes can make a big difference to the entire community.
Listening is Also Necessary for Mental Health
When we are entangled in the daily hustle and bustle, our mind often gets tired. In such a situation, if we take some time to listen to the sounds of nature, such as the rustling of trees, the chirping of birds, or the sound of flowing water, our stress gradually starts to reduce. Listening to these natural sounds not only calms the mind but also strengthens our mental health. This increases the ability to concentrate and we feel more balanced. Therefore, 'listening' is also a type of meditation technique.
Sound Environment and Technology
Nowadays, mobiles, earphones, and screens have surrounded us so much that we cannot hear the natural sounds around us. We are so engrossed in songs, videos, and calls that we are distancing ourselves from lively experiences like the chirping of birds, the rustling of the wind, or the laughter of children. World Listening Day reminds us that even while living with technology, we should maintain our connection with our sound environment. Sometimes just taking off the earphones and sitting and listening carefully to the sounds around us can be a wonderful experience.
World Listening Day explains to us that it is important not only to listen but also to listen carefully and with the heart. When we truly feel the sounds around us, we are able to connect deeply with nature, society, and ourselves. This day reminds us that a quiet environment and the habit of sensitive listening are essential for our mental and emotional health. Let us all adopt this art of listening together and make others aware as well.
