The Perspective from Here
Finding Quiet
Living in Muskoka, many of us have heard of the Torrance Barrens. One of the unique characteristics of the Barrens, aside from the landscape, is that it is designated a Dark Sky Preserve. It received this title because of the limited amount of light pollution allowing you to see the incredible stars!
When we think of the beauty of Muskoka, we often think of the physical beauty that we see with our eyes. The aura borealis, the stars, trees and lakes, the overall beauty of nature. If coming from the city we can also take note of the sounds of nature, but more and more noise pollution is seeping in. There are the exquisite sounds of nature, like the birds, loons or the wind blowing through the trees, however, noise pollution is becoming more evident.
There is a campaign now through Quiet Parks International to locate and preserve Quiet Reserves. Through several recordings in various locations researchers are finding it more difficult to find quiet spaces. To be deemed quiet there must be an absence of noise pollution for a minimum of 15 minutes!
Quiet spaces positively affect our overall well-being, lowering our blood pressure, minimizing our stress, and grounding us. American research has found that 90% of children will not experience natural quiet in their lifetime. At our recent early years conference we had the opportunity to be guided on an Indigenous nature walk where we were silent as we explored the forest. And just the other night after the beautiful snowfall, my neighbour and I noticed how the snow muffled the sounds and how quiet the evening was.
We often don't realize the noise around us and how it impacts us. So perhaps the best gift we can give each other this holiday season is the opportunity to go outside and be silent.
Stay well,
Pam Rennie, BA, BEd, RECE
