Relearning how to listen and paying attention to our surroundings allows us to connect with nature in a profound way and enjoy the beauty of undisturbed natural soundscapes.
Gordon Hempton emphasizes the importance of being present and aware, disconnecting from the constant stimuli of modern life, to experience a deeper understanding of our surroundings and rediscover the art of listening.
Deep dives
The Importance of Truly Listening to the Natural World
Gordon Hempton, an acclaimed sound recordist and acoustic ecologist, shares how he has dedicated his life to recording the sounds of the natural world and the importance of truly listening. He emphasizes that as we age, our busy lives and cultural expectations pull us away from the innate skill of listening. Gordon believes that by relearning how to listen and paying attention to our surroundings, we can connect with nature in a profound way. He shares his own transformative experiences and highlights the impact of noise pollution on our health and well-being. He also discusses how we can reclaim our ability to listen and enjoy the beauty of undisturbed natural soundscapes.
Becoming a Dedicated Listener
Gordon Hempton recounts his personal journey as a listener, starting from his childhood experiences to a pivotal moment in a cornfield in Iowa. He describes the filters and distractions that society imposes on our listening abilities and how we can rediscover the art of listening. Gordon emphasizes the importance of being present and aware, disconnecting from the constant stimuli of modern life. By acknowledging the connection between our senses and our environment, we can experience a deeper understanding of our surroundings.
Losing and Rediscovering Hearing
Gordon Hempton shares his struggles with hearing loss and the impact it had on his work and personal life. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to continue his mission of sharing his recordings and passion for natural soundscapes. Gordon discusses the urgency to protect these soundscapes and highlights the physical and emotional benefits of truly listening. He invites listeners to experience the world through sound and find their own special spots to connect with the beauty of nature.
Over his long career, Gordon Hempton has mastered the art of truly listening. He’s known as the Sound Tracker. Some people call him an acoustic ecologist. His recordings and books have made him an international expert on the beauty and importance of undisturbed, natural soundscapes — and the ways human beings have changed them.
Now, Gordon Hempton is losing his hearing. But with that loss has come an intense urgency to share his life’s work — and his passion — with as many people as are willing to listen.