A motif in my book The Birnbaum Case (especially during the dream sequences) are the sounds of nature. By the sounds of nature, I mean the sounds of birds tweeting, critters crawling, grasshoppers chirping, leaves rustling, etc.
When I take walks outside, especially during the summer, these sounds create an ambiance where I become conscious of the diversity of life. They remind me that there are worlds, big and small, taking place behind the scenes, whether they be an insect colony or a bird’s nest.
Even the sound of running water or the grass and leaves rustling from the wind inspire me to extend my time walking. The sounds of nature are active, full of life, compared to the white noise of machines or the soft humming of the A/C vent.
When I’m outdoors, I feel that there is so much to explore and see that’s beyond my ability to grasp. When I look up close at leaves, branches or flowers, I find insects, strange patterns, and qualities that bear something profound and mysterious.
In contrast, when I’m driving on the road or walking inside of a building, I’m focused either on the signs, the music that’s playing (i.e. in the car), the people that are around me, or the architecture/interior design. Moreover, I’m focused on things I need to do or the places I need to go.
But when I’m outside, hearing the sounds of nature silences the noise of my busy world. I’m no longer in a hurry. I can be still and listen.
Fallton Havenstonne 