Author: Chhy Chhy Yeak

Sounds are all around us. Walk down a street in the evening to hear the chirps of birds as they fly back home together. Turn on your car engine and listen to the sound of the road in your daily commute. Hear the clinking of kitchenware and the low hums of your heater. Noise is music, and noise is therapeutic. 

In the cold winter of Seattle, there is one common sound that our city is known for -- the rain. Some days, the rain comes in short bursts of heavy downpours. Other days, it is gentle, and it makes the smallest drops that we can barely hear. Yet, the rain is always tapping on our window as if it’s telling us to let it in. Some people might think of it as something that makes them gloomy and uncomfortable and rain becomes unwelcome. Others, though, learn to appreciate the rain as it comes down to bring them comfort and happiness. And after it rains, they can hope to find a rainbow in the sky. 

The sound of rain can be music. It can bring us peace as the rain nourishes our flowers and the water drops off of the leaves around us. It provides us a space to reflect and be thankful for what we have, and it also gives us the space for creativity and meditation. Curl up under a blanket around your window to enjoy the scenery and sound. Add in a book or warm drinks as well. You will see that rain can become a special event for each of us when we learn to take in the calming effects of its sound. Once we begin to appreciate the tapping on our windows and the sweet smell of nature that comes afterward, rain can become something memorable and beautiful. 

So listen. Listen to the everyday sounds around you and become aware of what you have been zoning out. The next time it rains, listen and watch as the droplets meet the ground and allow the rain to bring you the reassurance that everything will be okay. Immerse yourself in the noise and let it be the space for healing. And when you find yourself feeling lost, take a deep breath, focus on listening, and embrace your surroundings to find clarity in your space and mind.

At Plus One, we focus on music therapy to appreciate sound as a means of healing and developing our cognitive skills. From guitar lessons to concerts, we strive to create events that will bring people together to celebrate music and its importance to all of us. Please follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to participate in our upcoming events!