The Music of the World Around Us

I began my walk on a crisp winter morning. The air temperature had warmed, creating a foggy and grey landscape. The air felt fresh in my lungs. With a podcast playing through my AirPods, I stepped onto the untouched trail, the familiar sound of conversation filling my mind.

As I ventured deeper into the woods, the podcast concluded, and I chose not to start another. The crunch of snow beneath my feet became my new soundtrack—steady, rhythmic, grounding. My AirPods, though not noise-canceling, softened the ambient sounds, creating a gentle buffer between me and the world.

This walk brought to mind a song we often play in the Harmony Gardeners: “Music Is In Everything” by Ziggy Marley and Lisa Loeb. The lyrics celebrate the natural melodies around us, highlighting how music exists in the whisper of the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the rhythm of our own footsteps.

Reflecting on this, I realized that while I was sensing nature, I wasn’t fully present with it. So, I paused, removed my AirPods, and tucked them away.

Instantly, the world came alive. The wind moved through the trees, rustling branches like a whispered melody. A bird called out in the distance. I watched squirrels chatter and chase each other,  jumping from tree to tree. My breath became part of the soundscape, joining the quiet pulse of the forest. The stillness wasn’t silent—it was vibrant.

The song’s message resonated deeply in that moment. While curated soundscapes and music are beautiful forms of self-care, it’s essential to remember the music and connection that the earth offers—the creaking of trees, the hush of falling snow, the wind through the branches, the steady rhythm of footsteps on a quiet path.

Sometimes, the best music is just… being.

So, take the walk. Enjoy your playlists and podcasts, but don’t forget to remove the AirPods occasionally. Let the world’s song find you.