Like so many people, I live life at a pace I'm not naturally comfortable with. My working week is governed by schedules, deadlines, meetings and endless emails. When I get home, my head is crammed full of things I need to deal with first thing in the morning.
I'm lucky in that I live by the coast and often go for a walk in the evenings to clear my head, reinvigorate myself or to simply unwind. As someone who enjoys the outdoors, I've always fed off the feeling of wellbeing gained after being out in the fresh air. But unfortunately that's not always possible, especially if you're stuck in a city hotel room.
I travel a bit with work and started thinking how good it would be to be able to 'open up' or 'switch on' an outdoor moment, wherever I was in the world, whatever the weather. If only I could experience that sense of freedom, calm and relaxation. If only I could escape to my own place and leave the chaos of life's routine behind.
That's when I hit upon the idea of Sound Tourist. While I could not always physically escape to my place of solitude, I could 'transport my mind'. If I recorded the natural, authentic sounds at my best-loved places, I could have that sense of peace and serenity whenever I wanted, at the simple touch of a button.
So I did it. I've chosen 3 special locations which I believe capture those blissful carefree moments. Recording them has allowed me to visit them time and time again. I wanted to share this experience with others, so I added a narrative and music to each to 'set the scene' and made them into apps. They're yours now. Your place to relax and unwind.
One last thing. Many of the sounds will be familiar to you and so you'll find these safe and comforting. You can think about some of your own memories and positive experiences, and drift along on your own journey, or you can join mine. The apps also provide a great setting for practising cognitive techniques you may already be familiar with.
I hope you'll find the apps beneficial and rewarding, and that they'll help you find some peace and serenity in your own busy life, as they have done in mine.
The Sound Tourist
