Gimhae’s Hwapocheon Wetland Science Museum marked its first anniversary with a meditation programme inviting people to listen to the sounds of the wetland on 11 October. Gimhae City said on 15 October that it had organised the programme to broaden opportunities to experience ecological culture.
Healing music layered over the breeze and birdsong
The programme, held on 11 October, was called Listening to the Quiet of Hwapocheon. It was a special meditation session with healing musician Bomnunbyeol, devised specifically for the natural environment of Hwapocheon Wetland. Healing music was combined with the sounds of nature, such as the breeze passing through the wetland and birdsong, giving participants a chance to step away from everyday life and find a moment of ease for body and mind.
Gimhae City said the programme showed that Hwapocheon Wetland is not merely a place to observe and learn about ecology, but also somewhere people can rest and recover in nature.
Participants highly satisfied with meditation blending the sounds of nature and healing music
Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the meditation experience, which brought together the sounds of nature and healing music. Some called for longer sessions and for the programme to be held regularly. They hoped meditation at the wetland would become a continuing activity rather than a one-off anniversary event.
Meditation is possible anywhere – focusing on the sounds of nature
These days, when screens and notifications claim so much of our time, sitting still with our eyes closed for an extended period can feel like a high hurdle for beginners. Meditation that follows sound makes that hurdle lower. Rather than trying to empty the mind, simply listening for where the breeze is coming from or which direction a bird is calling from can bring our attention back to the here and now.
It is also worth noting that an ecological space where people come to learn about nature can serve as a place for meditation. It is an approachable option for families visiting the wetland with children, people who enjoy walking and those accustomed to finding rest through music. For anyone who finds visiting a meditation centre daunting, a nearby wetland, forest or park can be a first place to meditate. If public ecological facilities offer programmes like this regularly, local residents will have more opportunities to experience meditation close to home.
First-anniversary celebrations include a quiz, photo exhibition and plant giveaway
Hwapocheon Wetland Science Museum is also running events in which visitors can take part to mark its first anniversary. The quiz, Getting to Know Hwapocheon Wetland Science Museum, runs until 18 October. Participants answer 10 questions about the museum and the ecological environment of Hwapocheon Wetland using a QR code.
The event Happy First Birthday, Hwapocheon Wetland Science Museum will take place on 17 and 18 October. Activities include a photo exhibition looking back on the museum’s first year, leaving a congratulatory message and a social media check-in event. The first 200 visitors to take part in the social media event will receive a plant as part of the Green Sharing giveaway.