World Listening Day occurs annually on July 18. Every year, the World Listening Project, a nonprofit organization, hosts this special day with a special theme. Their mission is to understand the world and it’s natural environment through the practice of listening and field recording. Take a moment today to be quiet and listen to the sounds in your environment. Listening to friends, family, and having heart-to-heart conversations with patience is encouraged on this day.
History of World Listening Day
World Listening Day falls on July 18 to honor the birthday of Raymond Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer and environmentalist who is the founder of acoustic ecology. Acoustic ecology is the relations between humans and the natural world through sound. Schafer was born on July 18, 1933 and he developed his World Soundscape Project, which laid the fundamental basis of acoustic ecology in the 1970s. World Listening Day was established in 2010 and each year has a specific theme. This year’s theme is “Listening Across Boundaries.” Learn more about this year’s theme here.
How to Observe
One way to observe is to go on a walk outside to hear nature’s sounds. Go on a hike at a nearby nature trail. Take a walk through your neighborhood. Or go to the beach to listen to the waves. Use your phone to record the sounds you hear. Invite family and friends over to see if they can identify those sounds. You don’t have to listen to natural sounds to appreciate World Listening Day. Buy tickets to your favorite band and go listen to them. Or you can stay local and buy tickets to a cover band at a local bar. No matter what the genre, listen to the music and appreciate the sound it creates.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: National Today
Image Source: Adobe Stock
