"Sit, Listen, and just Be."
I did this soundwalk experiment at the New York City cruise terminal in Manhattan where I work from time to time; time to time meaning I rarely go but it's freelance so their cool about it but I digress. I decided to do the soundwalk there because it is a part of the city that most New Yorkers don't get a chance to see or experience unless they decide to take a cruise vacation. The cruise terminal is located on 12th avenue stretching across 48th to 50th street. It is far out on the west side on the water secluded from the hustle and bustle of the more occupied parts of the city.
On my lunch break I decided to sit down in the boarding lounge at the center of the cruise terminal. With my phone off, eyes open, and ears pealed I listened to every sound around the cruise terminal. At first it was mind-numbingly boring but as I sat there watching and listening I started to catch every sound around me. When I started, the terminal was pretty empty and dull but through an open door I could hear the ocean. I've been in that cruise terminal many times but this was the first time I actually heard the ocean; waves brushing against the pier. It was so cool, I felt like I wasn't even in New York anymore.
The terminal started to get crowded when anxious cruise passengers started to come in. As the guests started pouring in the calming sounds of the Hudson River became replaced with room tone that was a mix of heavy but muffled chatter; hundreds of people talking but impossible to catch what anyone is saying. A pigeon flew in from the open door which is a normal occurrence at the terminal. Usually I would ignore it but in my state of observance my attention was locked on the pigeon. I wanted to block out the muffled chatter and see what noises I could hear from the pigeon. However, this attempt failed when a girl attempted to run after and catch the pigeon. Although, in that moment I was able to hear the playful screams of a toddler and the light fluttering of the pigeon flying away. Then, a few minutes later I heard the extremely loud horn of the ship signaling boarding time. The sound sounded like a loud burp from a dinosaur or some other colossal creature.
On my soundwalk/lunch break I was able to catch sounds that are so common but I never payed much attention too. I hear these sounds often but in those moments I was actually listening and taking them in. The soundwalk was a nice break from the stress and anxieties of everyday life. It allowed me to really take in my environment and allowed me to appreciate my surroundings. I may actually start doing more soundwalks if life ever gets too overwhelming. I will sit, listen, and be.
