Listening vs. hearing

I've been thinking a lot recently about how the brain can absorb what seems like endless streams of information in this age of 24-7, particularly sound, so I found Julian Treasure's TED presentation on hearing fascinating.

That's in part because it's my business to figure how to deliver news and information to busy people who more than ever need filters on that media faucet. But there's also some selfish interest at play.

I'm a media geek and a device freak who's more connected than most people, with some sort of recorded sound on nearby all day long. It's soothing in a way. But even I seek escapes from the digital onslaught.

Whether it's curling up on a patio chair with a nice bourbon, closing my eyes and listening to ambient sound or heading to the mountains for a hike, there's a real power in going off the grid, so to speak. Even if for just a few minutes, these escapes are energizing, the equivalent of analog power naps.

Stealing these opportunities to "listen consciously" rather than just hear is something we should all pursue. Where's your escape?