The Art and Benefits of Soundwalking - Kenya Williams

In a world often drowned in noise, have you ever considered the fine craft of soundwalking? Soundwalking is an enchanting practice that invites you to connect with nature in a whole new way. It concerns paying attention, immersing yourself in the soundscape, and experiencing the world with the intent to pay attention. In this article, we will look at the art and myriad benefits of sound walking, a practice that can enrich your life and deepen your knowledge of the world’s audio mosaic.

What is Soundwalking?

Definition: According to Kenya Williams from Portland, Oregon, founder of Hush Soundscape Planning and Design, soundwalking is an immersive and deliberate action, inviting you to watch your surroundings mainly through your sense of hearing. Picture it as a journey of the ears, where you move through spaces with an attentive ear, allowing the world’s music to guide your experience.

Origins: The roots of soundwalking can be traced back to the practices of acoustic ecology and soundscape studies, emerging in the late 20th century. It was invented to bring attention to our sonic environment by researchers and artists like R. Murray Schafer. However, sound walking evolved from these ideas, developing into a lovely combination of art, science, and personal growth.