The Sounds of the City
September 2, 2009
There are many great things about New York City: the food, people, museums, subway, historical sights, Central Park and the sounds. Yes the sounds. Just close your eyes and Listen. The City sounds are everywhere.
Communication consists of many aspects and listening is one of the key tenets. It is amazing the sounds we hear when we actively listen and listen for understanding.
The City is so diverse in people that in order to get the full flavor, you have to listen. Yesterday we sat at breakfast with young men from Russia, Bulgaria and Poland. They spoke English, but it really required me to listen and when I did? Let’s say it was awesome.
The subway was our chauffeur and tour guide and we were treated to sounds that were making their own music. Every stop brought about a new listening experience.
We stopped by a stand in Greenwich Village to purchase some African garb, from a Sengalese proprietor. By listening to understand, I heard his delightful accent/dialect that just added to the experience.
Our next stop was a park outside of NYU. There were three different street musicians playing within earshot of each other and yet they played as though the park belonged to them only. By actively listening I could hear their unique and wonderful sounds.
The final stop included Ground Zero and Battery Park. We were among thousands paying our respects and yet the sound of silence was so powerful!
The ability to listen is a wonderful gift and works so well, when used. Just think of what you might be missing.
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