Beyond The Noise

Finding Mindfulness in Oregon's Quietest Ecosystem

Today’s episode is an invitation to settle into the deepest listening and to celebrate what we find when we move beyond the noise of humans. For all of September, we have been investigating the deepest of listening, concepts of silence and the value of nature’s voice.

Today, we embark on a meditative listening experience crafted by nature field recordist Nick McMahan. 

Earlier this year, Nick spent several days seeking out the quietest spot in Oregon. Exploring nature’s whispers and finding serenity in the sagebrush are what inspired today’s guided audio experience - a recording of Nick’s journey.

Together, we will listen to the symphony that arises within Oregon’s quietest ecosystem.

What does it mean to listen to such quiet?

What can we learn in the absence of human-made noise?

Grab your headphones, close your eyes, and join Nick on a journey through the Basque Hills of Oregon:

High and dry. There is hardly anything here. No water, no trees, just a small two-track (dirt road where people have driven enough times to form a road, but the ground has never been graded), and a distant horizon. The terrain appears endlessly flat, but after some time walking, I cannot see my car anymore. No towns, people, highways, or aircraft. A strange silence seems to be suspended in the still air. I sit down in the sagebrush and the wind calms. Looking closer I see various small wildflowers growing in clumps, thoughtfully placed near roots and sage. I lay down. It doesn’t feel dirty here. The dusty soil is cool, almost soothing. Eyes close, it is not long before a whir of wings pass not far overhead. Quickly followed by another and a hushed chirp. Something imperceptible has shifted. There is another soft chirp. Another whir, over to the left. Then a trill. Gradually building, a mesmerizing chorus of Brewer’s sparrows and a steady drumbeat of a common poorwill in the distance weave the song of this quiet sage land.

These sounds were recorded on the ancestral land of the Northern Paiute people.

*Today’s episode was written, recorded and edited by Nick McMahan. Nick is a nature sound recordist and photographer, seeking projects to promote a more conscious world. Learn more and check out his sound libraries by visiting: nickmcmahan.com

**Thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support of this episode.

Mini Meditation: Dawn Birds in the Sage

by Nick McMahan

Grab your journal, pop in some headphones, and listen to the audio journey recorded by Nick in Oregon’s quietest ecosystem.

Journal prompt:

• What do you hear beyond the noise?

• What does ‘silence’ mean to you?

Monday Night Meditation: Which Witch Are You?

This month in my live, virtual class we are exploring the witch archetype in a nod to spooky season and, more importantly, as an investigation of personal power.

Join live or access the recordings by registering below.

Mondays via Zoom

7:30 - 8:15 p.m. ET

*all of the content shared in my podcasts, newsletters & meditations is written by me {Meryl Arnett}. If you catch a mistake or typo, I hope it makes you smile knowing a real person is behind every word published 💛