Evening Breezes, Garden Chimes, and the Invitation to Be Present
Sound is more than sensation, it’s memory, mood, and movement. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection captures the emotional richness of evening soundscapes and how nature’s quiet chorus invites us into deeper presence and connection.
The weather in the DC area has been cool enough to sit outside in the evening. We have a screened-in porch, so we do not have to swat mosquitoes or other creatures and can enjoy the sights and sounds of the evening.
First, the light has changed. The harshness of the sun is now subdued as it slowly moves below the neighbor’s roof. We sit in a location that is not oriented directly east–west or north–south, although the street names have North and South at the end. So, we have the inevitable skirmish about what direction the next sound is coming from or which airport the plane must be heading to. We also have a large rug on the floor with a giant compass painted on it, and the carpet is oriented correctly.
I should give up my protest that north does not look north to me.
The lilies in the garden give off this luscious spicy scent, and if you listen closely, they are making a little swishing sound as they move in the breeze. The Japanese Maple rustles as each leaf nudges the one next to it to move and dance.
One of my favorite sounds is the large metal chime that hangs from the pergola. A slight breeze will cause the clapper to touch the side of the bell and softly resonate with a deep, resonant tone. The sound is gentle and inviting, as if it is saying, Get out of your chair and come into the garden. There are more than sounds to be had here.
Put your nose into the roses and cup your hand around the anemones as they sway in the breeze. You are missing so much by staying in that chair. Then my attention turns to the river birches along the fence line. These trees are gorgeous with their peeling bark and long, slender trunks that reach for the sky. Their branches sway with the breezes that you would feel along a stream or river. They entertain with their movement and invite you to leave the safety of the patio. They could easily be your dance partner on the lawn.
Sometimes, I wish the evening would go on forever.
Want to explore how sound enhances emotional connection in gardens? Visit Live to Plant’s guide to multi-sensory garden design, American Gardener’s overview of sensory gardens, and Paths of Learning’s ideas for using natural sounds in sensory exploration.
If you’re reflecting on presence, sensory experience, or emotional grounding, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support mindfulness, healing, and connection.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
