While you are on your nature walk, look for a quiet, safe place to take a break (preferably a place you can sit).  Look at the list of sounds you created before going out on your nature walk.  Have you heard any of the sounds on your list? Once you are comfortable, read over the listening tree activity below or listen to the downloaded podcast version on your phone.

• • Trees are magical in many ways.  Imagine the taller trees as listening trees, with their branches acting as large antennas helping you pick up the sounds of the forest.  Choose a large tree to become your listening tree.  Once you find your tree, sit with your back tight against the trunk and stay as still as possible, for as long as possible (at least 5 minutes).   

  • As you listen, open your mind and stretch your hearing.  Listen for things very close to you and for things far off in the forest.  As you hear a sound, focus in on that sound and see if you can hear a pattern or rhythm.  Think about what might be causing the sound and how the sound makes you feel.

  • As you sit, you may have thoughts or worries cross your mind.  Think of these thoughts as the forest elves; secretive, mystical creatures whispering in your ear, trying to distract you from hearing the forest sounds.  Allow the thoughts to flow freely but do not focus on the thought or get carried away with them.  

  • If you are trying to listen to something but the other sounds are too loud, try using “deer ears”.  Face yourself towards the sound and cup your hands behind your ears, pushing your ears forward.  If the sound is behind you, cup your hands in the opposite direction so your hands are placed in front of your ears, facing backwards.  

  • Once you think you have heard all there is to hear in your location, try to sketch something you heard in your journal or make a “sound map” of what you were hearing and where you were hearing it in the forest. 

While you continue on your nature walk, continue to note in your head the sounds you hear and picture what is making that sound.  Continue to think about how a silent forest would change your experience as you walk through the woods.