Far North Friday #79: Sounds of Silence

Something I really miss is the silence of the north. No, not the silence before a storm, but the silence of bush noises. 

Cities are noisy places. I am very aware of the traffic noises. Even along hiking trails, I hear the city sounds. When I try to record a video, I fight with the background noise. The noise is not horns or sirens. It is that constant background drone of traffic and an occasional jet aircraft. I personally find it stressful and exhausting. But, that may be me.

I contrast the city noise with the bush noises. The bush noise can be the white-throated sparrow welcoming the sunrise at the edge of a foggy lake, the wind blowing through the tree leaves in summer or across a frozen lake in winter, the uplifting melody of Swainson’s thrush in the evening, the lapping of waves on a sand beach, the distinctive zoom of a nighthawk, or a hoot of an owl at night. Those are not noises. It is a bush symphony - very relaxing. But that may be me.

Of course, you don’t have to head to the far north to enjoy the bush symphony. If you live in the south, perhaps you are lucky and have a wood lot nearby. Or live in an area isolated from the city noise. Maybe you visit a more remote provincial park or private resort to experience the bush symphony. But, I have tried everywhere we travel in Ontario’s near north and south to find that special silence. And everywhere, when I stand quietly, I hear - or think I hear - the city noise.

I often wonder what people from the far north think or how they feel when they spend time in the south, perhaps for medical services. How do they react to the city noise? Do you find it stressful and exhausting?

I think we underestimate the value of the bush symphony, although that is changing. Forest bathing is a reality. The term originated in Japan in the 1980s. Forest bathing is a physiological and psychological exercise called "shinrin-yoku", meaning “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”. Forest bathing offers an “eco-antidote” to the stresses of city life. It inspires people to reconnect with, and protect, the natural world.

I miss the forest symphony. Hopefully in summer 2022, I will get a chance to become reacquainted with the sounds of silence. It is a special type of relaxation. But that may be me.

Andy Fyon

March 18, 2022 (Facebook Mar 18/22)