Embracing the Healing Sounds of Nature

This blog is part one of a two-part series about the healing sounds of nature and how, as sound workers, we can make music with nature.

For as long as I can remember, there’s no place I’d rather be than outside in nature.

As a child, I spent hours playing outside by myself or with neighborhood friends, whether running around, building fairy homes, or creating epic adventures. I always felt whole, joyful and fulfilled when outdoors. And what mystical wonders you’d find while on a hike, whether a stunning soaring bald eagle, a slimy slug shimmering in the sunlight, a vibrant fungus growing on a tree. Although the awe-inspiring views of nature are often visual, many of my connections with Mother Earth combine the beauty of the visual and auditory.

Siesta Key Beach, Florida, 2022.

How enchanting are the gentle murmurings of rippling currents in rivers and creeks, and the playful chatter of babbling brooks. I could sit on a rock or log by the water and completely lose time, mesmerized by the sound. Among nature’s most powerful and soothing sounds is the rhythmic crashing of waves upon the shore. I’ll never forget family visits to my grandparents, who lived near the Pacific Ocean in California. Those years growing up, getting to gaze over the ocean and just watch in awe, were some of my first memories of something bigger, something larger and more spiritual than I could put words to at that age. Standing on the beach, with toes sinking into warm sand, one can’t help but feel the ebb and flow of life mirrored in the relentless motion of the ocean. Each wave carries with it a sense of renewal and cleansing, washing away worries and inviting a deep sense of peace. The sound of waves breaking is not just auditory; it’s a visceral experience that resonates within us, soothing our souls and reminding us of the vastness of the natural world.

Sunlight through Iowa trees, 2023.

Whether it’s the cheerful chirping of sparrows at dawn or the haunting call of an owl at night, bird songs have a magical quality that transcends language. They remind us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and invite us to embrace the beauty of diversity. In their songs, we find solace and inspiration, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is harmony to be found.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of nature’s soundscape is its ability to ground us in the present moment. In a world filled with distractions and anxieties, the healing sounds of nature offer a refuge—a sanctuary where we can find peace and clarity amidst the chaos. Whether we’re meditating by the ocean, hiking through the forest with the leaves rustling in the wind, or simply sitting in our backyard listening to the birds, nature’s symphony has the power to quiet our minds and open our hearts.

Besides our own personal experiences, there are countless studies on the benefits of nature sounds. Studies have shown that exposure to natural sounds can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. For example, researchers at the University of Sussex found that listening to birdsong can significantly improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that the sound of flowing water can not only induce a state of calmness but enhance cognitive function. A number of findings underscore the therapeutic potential of nature’s symphony in our modern lives:

1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Numerous studies have demonstrated the stress-reducing effects of listening to healing sounds of nature. Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that exposure to natural sounds can lower cortisol levels, reduce muscle tension, and induce a state of relaxation. Whether it’s the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or the soothing cadence of rainfall, these natural melodies have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being.

2. Improved Cognitive Function: In addition to promoting relaxation, nature sounds have been shown to enhance cognitive function and mental clarity. A study conducted by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, New York, found that exposure to natural sounds can improve cognitive performance and boost creativity. By fostering a sense of tranquility and mental clarity, the healing sounds of nature can sharpen our focus, enhance problem-solving skills, and stimulate creative thinking.

3. Better Sleep Quality: For those struggling with sleep disturbances or insomnia, the healing sounds of nature offer a natural remedy for achieving restful slumber. Research published in the journal Sleep Medicine revealed that listening to natural sounds before bedtime can improve sleep quality and increase sleep duration. The gentle lullaby of nature’s melodies creates a peaceful ambiance conducive to relaxation, helping to quiet the mind and prepare the body for restorative rest.

4. Mood Enhancement and Emotional Well-Being: The soothing sounds of nature have a profound impact on our emotional well-being, uplifting our spirits and fostering a sense of inner peace and joy. A study conducted by researchers at King’s College London found that exposure to natural sounds can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Whether it’s the cheerful chirping of birds or the tranquil flow of a mountain stream, these natural melodies have a transformative effect on our mood, evoking feelings of happiness, contentment, and serenity.

5. Connection with the Natural World: Perhaps one of the most profound benefits of listening to healing sounds of nature is the sense of connection and awe that they inspire. Research has shown that exposure to natural sounds can increase feelings of connectedness with the natural world and foster a sense of ecological awareness. By tuning in to the symphony of nature, we can deepen our appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the earth, cultivating a sense of reverence and stewardship for the world around us.

From reducing stress and promoting relaxation to enhancing cognitive function and fostering emotional well-being, the healing sounds of nature offer a myriad of benefits that are supported by scientific research. By embracing the tranquil symphony of the earth, we can restore balance, harmony, and serenity to our lives, reconnecting with the timeless wisdom and beauty of the natural world.

In part two of this blog series, I’ll explore how we can bring these melodies from nature into our sound healing work.

 —Natalie Brown

References:

Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress recovery during exposure to nature sound and environmental noise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3), 1036–1046.

Blair, H. T., & al. (2020). A Cognitive Framework for Understanding and Improving Natural Soundscapes. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 24(11), 826–841.

Bratman, G. N., Daily, G. C., Levy, B. J., & Gross, J. J. (2015). The benefits of nature experience: Improved affect and cognition. Landscape and Urban Planning, 138, 41–50.

Cox, D. T., Shanahan, D. F., Hudson, H. L., Fuller, R. A., Anderson, K., Hancock, S., & Gaston, K. J. (2017). Doses of nearby nature simultaneously associated with multiple health benefits. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(2), 172.

Hashish, R., Rustom, A., ElKerdawy, H., Almeneessier, A. S., BaHammam, A. S., & Pandi-Perumal, S. R. (2021). Nature sounds improve sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine, 82, 274–284.

White, M. P., Yeo, N. L., Vassiljev, P., Lundstedt, R., Wallergård, M., Albin, & Wheeler, B. W. (2018). A prescription for “nature”—The potential of using virtual nature in therapeutics. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 14, 3001–3013.

Van Hedger, S. C., Nusbaum, H. C., Clohisy, L., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2019). The impact of water sound on cognitive performance and mood. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 65, 522-530.