The Sounds of Autumn
Quiet can be hard to come by. Sometimes I think it’s quiet, but when I lean in with greater curiosity, I notice hums, buzzes, rumbles, and swooshes coming from both inside and outside of my home.
Does each season have distinct sounds? How would you describe the sounds of autumn? Perhaps you hear the swish of tree branches blowing in the wind, the laughter of children getting off the school bus, or the guttural sounds of work vehicles checking on roads, gutters, and telephone poles. What sounds do you notice?
While out with my dog, Eddie, on our daily morning walk, I heard the sound of a single leaf touch the ground. It was a gentle landing, so subtle and so easily missed. I paused and noticed with awe. Then I noticed more and more leaves floating gently toward the Earth, each one softly landing with its own sound. It felt like a small gift. If I hadn’t been paying attention, I could have easily missed it, but through mindful awareness I was able to relish the moment.
In meditation, which doesn’t have to be seated with eyes closed, we deliberately rest our attention on something and notice it with curiosity and kindness. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”
Our senses are a useful way to notice the present moment, and we can pay attention to them on purpose and see what arises.
What happens after noticing? For me, this kind of mindful noticing is typically combined with other aspects of mindfulness. When I rested my attention on the sound of the falling leaves, I found myself relaxing, which is not a goal but a lovely benefit. I also noticed that gratitude was present. I felt joy in the beauty of autumn, and I felt grateful to have access to such gorgeous trees.
Here is a short practice to try this week. Pause for one slow breath. Then listen for the sounds that are close by, the sounds that are far away, and the spaces of quiet in between. Notice what you hear without needing to name or judge any of it.
I’m curious to hear from you. What sounds are you noticing this season? Hit reply and share.
Warmly,
Julia
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