Nature-inspired soundscapes and meditations bring comfort to hospital patients and staff

(SACRAMENTO)

When Liz Baxmeyer visited her father at UC Davis Medical Center in 2022, she noticed how much he and other patients missed having access to nature - simple things like birdsong, the changing seasons and feeling fresh air on their faces.

Phil Ryder, left, and Liz Baxmeyer in 2017 at Thistledew Theatre in Sacramento, where both were involved in a production called "Under Milk Wood." Ryder was the director and Baxmeyer was the sound designer.

Baxmeyer's dad, Phil Ryder, was in the hospital for an extended time, due to complications following a permanent spinal injury.

"Our family shares a profound connection to nature and the gift it brings to the mind, body and spirit," Baxmeyer said. "To be confined to a hospital bed and separated from the outdoors can be incredibly difficult."

This observation gave Baxmeyer an idea: She would bring nature into the hospital herself, through sound and imagery. Baxmeyer drew upon her years of producing art in multiple genres. She composes and performs music, draws and paints and writes poetry and prose in addition to eco-acoustic sound recording and composition.

While out on nature hikes, she recorded various soundscapes and short nature videos, such as water streaming down the riverbank and birds singing in the trees to share with her dad during hospital visits.

Soundscapes support relaxation by immersing listeners in the sounds of natural environments. The layered, authentic sounds - such as rushing water, a fresh breeze or rustling leaves - can calm the mind and reduce stress.

Baxmeyer has more than 18 years of experience in health, sound and well-being. Trained in narrative medicine and writing and sound-based reflection practices, her work explores how natural soundscapes and immersive audio can support healing and emotional processing.

How the project came together

After her father passed, Baxmeyer attended a memorial service at the UC Davis MIND Institute honoring those who had lost loved ones. The service moved Baxmeyer deeply and inspired her to reach out to hospice staff and offer a creative gift rooted in her talent.

"They took such good care of our family during a difficult time. I wanted to do something to express my gratitude," Baxmeyer explained.

She offered to produce soundscapes and meditation recordings tailored for the UC Davis Health community - for free.

Humbled by the generous offer, staff connected Baxmeyer with The CARE Project, which offers therapeutic services and holistic interventions to adults admitted to the hospital.

Baxmeyer's gesture resonated with Katie Lorain, the CARE Project manager.

Patients and visitors will find CARE project meditation menu signs like this throughout the hospital. The QR codes link to the soundscapes and meditations that Baxmeyer created.

"I'm continually thinking about ways to make the hospital feel more comfortable, especially from a sensory perspective, so I was excited about the idea of bringing meditations and soundscapes to patients, visitors and staff," Lorain said.

Lorain and Baxmeyer brainstormed possibilities while touring the hospital. Then, they collaborated with the Facilities Planning and Development team to design artistic signs that would help patients, visitors and staff easily access the meditations and soundscapes.

Myrna Saldaña, artwork and signage program manager, was thrilled to be involved in the endeavor.

"When you think of signs, you don't usually equate it to sound," Saldaña said. "We wanted the design to be colorful and eye-catching, while also making it easy for the community to access through a QR code. The final product is truly special."

From start to finish, the meditation menu project took more than a year to create.

Liz Baxmeyer uses specialized microphones to capture environmental sounds and create soundscapes. (Photo by Becca Davis)

Baxmeyer created the soundscapes with extensive field recordings collected in diverse natural environments across California, using specialized microphones to capture both subtle and immersive environmental sounds. She carefully edited and arranged the sounds into authentic, research-informed, narrative-driven auditory experiences designed to guide and engage the listener.

"The project is rooted in the idea that nature can help people find balance and beauty in the world, and offer a sense of respite and connection, especially during difficult times in the hospital," Baxmeyer said.

Accessible to everyone

While the meditations were created and designed with UC Davis Health patients, visitors and staff in mind, they are accessible to everyone.

Jessica Micheletti, a relationship-based care and wellness manager at UC Davis Health, expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the high-quality recordings.

"I really enjoyed all the soundscapes. Listening to them while I work has helped me stay focused and relaxed throughout the day. I was especially moved by the thoughtful details in the Pavilion Lobby and Healing Arts guided meditation track," Micheletti said.

The gift that keeps on giving

Baxmeyer has completed 12 soundscapes and meditations, dedicating more than 85 hours of volunteer work to the project. She is also developing a meditation designed specifically for burn patients.

"My hope is that this helps facilitate simultaneous connection with the self and the natural world and gives people an opportunity to feel a greater sense of ease," Baxmeyer said. "Anything to help reduce stress or pain in whatever capacity possible."

Listen to the meditations and soundscapes