When I’m working I tend to listen to indie or rock music, I’m not sure why exactly but something about the thumping bass lines helps me to concentrate. Whereas when I’m reading I prefer classical or sometimes just fireplace sound effects as they add to the cosy atmosphere without interrupting the story.
However when I am out walking I don’t listen to anything. Do you like the way in which I have shamelessly hijacked today’s question and segued back into writing about walking? Ha ha. To be fair I don’t think it’s entirely irrelevant as it was the daily prompt that got me thinking about this and besides I believe the aim of the question is to get you writing, regardless of how closely you stick to the original topic. At least that is how I’m choosing to interpret it.
Anyway let’s get back to the point. I know a lot of people use their walks to catch up on podcasts or to really listen to a favourite album without any distractions. I used to sometimes put music on while I walked, although I generally only had the music playing in one ear as I liked to keep the other free to listen out for oncoming traffic or passersby. I guess I just felt too vulnerable if I couldn’t hear what was happening around me & eventually it got to a point where I didn’t bother listening to anything at all.
I don’t think I really tried to analyse it before but thinking about it now, I’m actually really glad that I don’t listen to music or podcasts as I walk as I think I would miss a key part of the experience if I did. When talking about walking the focus is generally on what you can see on a specific route, whether it’s an iconic landmark or an area of outstanding beauty. But I think to truly feel the benefits of a soothing stroll you need to take the holistic approach and incorporate sounds as well as sights.
Whether it’s a city or countryside walk you’re bound to hear something that will intrigue, inspire or delight you. During my city commute I love catching snippets of conversations and trying to fathom what the full discourse could have been about or simply imagining what the rest of the dialogue would be like if they were a character in a book. Even on an urban walk you’ll still be treated to birdsong or perhaps a busker, maybe a few notes of a song from a passing car.
On a longer walk you’ll gradually notice the sounds changing, becoming more natural as you step away from humanity. The traffic will fade out to be replaced by more birdsong, perhaps sheep and cows will also start to join in. As well as wildlife, other elements of the natural world will contribute to the soundtrack of your walk, the rustle of leaves as a breeze picks up or the pitter-patter of raindrops as you shelter under a tree. Of course, it’s not just the noises around you but also the sounds you create as well, the changing tone of your footsteps as you stroll on tarmac, gravel, grass or bark. Perhaps an audible gasp as you reach a dramatic vista or maybe just panting for breath as you climb a steep hill.
Next time you go for a walk I’d encourage you to try it without the headphones on – oh dear I might have revealed my age there, I guess I mean leave the airbuds out? Whatever you call them, even if it’s only for a small portion of your walk, give it a go and see what you think. You may agree it adds to the overall soothing effect or you may think it’s hippy-dippy nonsense & put the buds back, which is fine of course but I’ll continue listening to the sounds of life.
That’s how I stroll.
Soothing Strolls 
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