Every day, we find ourselves in busy urban areas filled with noise from crowds and traffic. Since we cannot control external noise, why not we adopt a positive attitude and open our ears to rediscover the joy of listening? We can put down our headphones for a while, whether it is for an hour or a day, try to talk less, and listen more. Listening to the stories of the elderly, our family, and friends helps build strong connections and lasting relationships. At the same time, sharing others' knowledge and experiences helps us in growing and expanding our understanding of the world.
Our ears are vital sensory organs, and hearing is essential for survival. It helps us perceive sounds and understand our environment. Good hearing makes communication easier and more direct. By listening carefully, we can better understand the messages others convey, which strengthens our relationships.
Hearing also enriches the information our brains process, making life more vibrant and enjoyable. It enhances our learning abilities and allows us to appreciate music and art. The importance of hearing is undeniable, so let’s take good care of it!
World Listening Day was inspired by Canadian composer, educator, and environmentalist Murray Schafer, who began studying the impact of environmental noise on people over forty years ago. Instead of focusing on noise control, he encouraged a positive approach: opening our ears and rediscovering the joy of listening. He also founded the World Soundscape Project, which promotes education in acoustic ecology. Today, we celebrate World Listening Day on his birthday, July 18, to honor his work and ideas. This day encourages everyone to slow down, listen to the sounds around them, appreciate the importance of listening, and engage creatively by using field recordings to create art.
Listening can be challenging, but it’s an important skill to develop. Here are some practical tips to improve your listening:
