For the past few years I’ve recorded the sounds of life around me and made them into 30 seconds to one-minute-long videos I like to call Audio Diaries. I noticed how we, as a society, take our sense of hearing for granted, so my goal is to emphasize the importance of listening, both to other people and to our beautiful mother earth. The audio is raw and unedited because I want it to be as true a representation of the world as I can get. It’s also calming to listen to the sounds of people playing at the beach, or birds chirping in a forest of redwoods. So, as finals are wreaking havoc on our daily lives, I’ve put together a few of my favorite audio diaries to help you relax. As you listen, focus on what you hear and try not to think of anything else.
Flute in the Forest
Imagine walking through the redwoods and suddenly hearing magical music. You turn around the bend and see this man (aka a forest nymph) sitting on a bench peacefully playing the flute. This happened when I was hiking in Redwood National Park this summer.
Guitar at Sunset
Listen as Something by the Beatles is played on the guitar and the sound of the waves keeps the rhythm in the background.
Forest Birds
I recorded this audio while laying on the forest floor in Brittany, France.
Plage de La Pattache
This Audio Diary was taken on the island of Ile de Re in France at the beach La Pattache.
Hawai’i
Imagine listening to these birds and flowing water all throughout a hike.
Ile de Re
This Audio Diary is also taken in Ile de Re. There are salt fields that are home to all kinds of birds. Listen closely and you’ll hear them.
Le Metro
I took this while walking in the tunnels of the Parisian Metro.
ps. as you can see this doesn’t just happen in the movies :)
Bamboo
This audio was recorded when I was walking through a garden in Kyoto, Japan.
Life on a Boat
A few summers back I went sailing for three days; I loved listening to the waves all day.
Mexico City, Mexico
I recorded this while walking the street of downtown Mexico City.
Lourdes
I volunteer in Lourdes every summer and there is a procession where everyone from all over the world comes together and sings.
La Marseillaise
This one is less calming, but I still like it. It was recorded in Paris the night France won the World Cup.
I hope you enjoyed these Audio Diaries, if you would like to listen to more I will be posting my next ones on Instagram @tomotherearth .