Increased relaxation and present orientation after a period of silence in a natural surrounding

Abstract

Introduction: Nature and silence and their interrelationship have been rarely-discussed topics in music therapy research. We therefore compared the experience of silence in an indoor setting (university lecture room) with silence in a natural outdoor setting (city garden).Methods: Following a non-randomized repeated-measure design, we conducted two sessions of experiencing silence (indoors and outdoors) lasting 6:30 minutes and guided by a qualified music therapist. Participants were students (n = 46) who experienced the two conditions in two different groups in reverse order with one week in between each session. After each session, participants filled out questionnaires pertaining to their senses of self, space and time during the period of silence, as well as their states of relaxation and boredom.Results: Silence both indoors and outdoors is effective in significantly fostering relaxation. The outdoor condition led to a stronger present orientation (experiencing the moment) and a reduced past orientation (referring to memories) accompanied by more relaxation and less boredom.Discussion: Silence in a natural setting has the potential to alter states of consciousness in a qualitative way that is comparable to meditation. Silence in nature could prove effective as part of guided music therapy sessions.