Sha Energy in Feng Shui - Noise Pollution
As a drum circle facilitator and musician, I can appreciate that there is a time and place for rhythmic music-making in contrast to quietness. If the volume of daily noise is disruptive, this becomes a concern, and Feng Shui categorizes the experience as ‘sha energy’ (life-draining energy). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution creates stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, anxiety, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and reduced cognitive function. Noise above 65 (dB) transforms into harmful frequencies. In fact, when it comes to bedrooms, the noise pollution should be below 30 dB(A).
Some of the biggest culprits of noise pollution range from 70 - 120 dB’s include:
Traffic - honking horns, racing cars and motorcycles in residential streets
Lawnmowers and leaf blowers
Trains, locomotives and their horns, and subways
Aircraft of varying sizes and models - including helicopters
Prolonged indoor (apartment/condo living) and outdoor house parties and music bands
New construction and street paving
Fire works
According to NASA and Science Direct, when most of the world went into a lockdown between March and April 2020, air and noise pollution from daily human activity dropped to healthy levels. COVID was horrible, no question about that. Yet, it provided a post-awakening to better sensibility and awareness toward our environmental surroundings. Today, more and more local and global communities are taking action to address noise pollution when able to. However, these changes require the entire COMMUNITY to collectively work together - residential, commercial, transportation departments, local governments, etc.
What can be done to address noise pollution from a Feng Shui perspective?
Be proactive, practical, and creative.
Install soundproof windows. However, this can be very expensive, and the hope would be that if a developer knows they are building in a noise-polluted area, this would already be taken into consideration
Install blackout curtains within rooms that need quieter environments
If you sleep with windows open, you could mitigate the negative sound decibels with a white noise sound machine or small fan. Any of these possible ideas may not be your first choice, but it gives you a sense of control, which can help reduce anxiety
Use noise-cancelling headphones
Inquire with your local government, town, village or city about their noise ordinance law and ask for support in enforcing it when appropriate
If no noise ordinance law exists, perhaps advocate for one within your local community
Intentionally give yourself a break from being overstimulated - i.e. constantly looking at your phone, surfing the web, watching TV, etc. Unplug. Visit locations that provide quiet spaces (maybe an outdoor garden, state park, etc)
You can take action yourself by being spatially conscious of the noise your home produces. Is your dog barking outside for long periods of time? Is it time to turn in after throwing a house party? In other words, be considerate and use common sense. Embrace empathy vs. only thinking about yourself
It’s understood we occupy a world that is full of activity. While at the same time, it’s understood we ALL need moments of rest and pause to establish harmony. This is not just for humans; it’s for nature as well.