Anthology for Listening Vol. II – Sounds of Serenity Garden
Sounds of Serenity Garden
Emily Sage
to be listened to in nature while doing nothing.
Intro
Breathe
Friend of the Bees
Lumiere Interlude
Covered in Flowers
Humming Song
Lumiére
It is when we listen that we are able to connect with nature, with the world, with ourselves. Sounds of Serenity Garden was designed as an invitation to slow down, do nothing, and simply enjoy nature. It encourages a state of mindful listening, curiosity, wonder, and a slowing-down.
The artist was inspired by the idea of sustainable art practices that highlight the art and beauty that is present in our surroundings. Here, nature itself becomes the Art, and the music serves as a vessel of interconnectivity between peace, nature, and doing nothing.
The music aims to create a sonic environment that brings the body into a state of listening, helping people notice the world around them through eyes of wonder. It offers an opportunity to encounter nature within city limits, calling for moments of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of busy lives. The idea is to enhance the feeling of respite in green spaces, encouraging people to be present and take deep breaths, creating pockets of peace in our lives that resemble a park in the middle of a city.
The final song is a lullaby that the artist wrote to herself, an encouragement to live a life that is authentic, even if it is different and unlike the world around her. It is a song that says, “It is okay to take your time.” The artist hopes that this song is an encouragement to listeners as well, and a message of peace and state of listening that can be carried from a curated space into our everyday lives.
Recommendations while listening:
Listen on headphones/earphones, preferably not in noise cancellation mode. The idea is to allow the sounds of the world around you to intertwine with the music.
Avoid the temptation to be doing something while listening, nothing is required of you in this moment, this is an invitation to a moment of serenity.
Guided Meditation:
Take a moment to quiet the mind and enjoy being in nature. Allow yourself to “do nothing” — to simply be, listen, and experience the sanctuary that nature offers.
Eyes closed, take three deep, slow breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Notice your ribcage open as your lungs fill with breath and as you exhale, keep your breath a slow and steady flow.
Look to the trees and notice any movement of wind or creatures. Think of how the air feels on your skin.
Allow yourself to take in the nature around you, realigning yourself to be present in this moment with the world and with self.