You have probably see them; people with headphones listening to…something. Whether on the bus, the mall — even sometimes while hiking.
And there are probably a lot of interesting podcasts to listen to, but there certainly is a lot interesting things to listen to outside too.
When I go for a walk, I like to listen to whatever is around me. Leaves dancing in the wind. Birds singing songs. Streams of water seeking a path downhill.
And it is not just about sounds, it is about what the eyes sees as well. Observing the dancing leaves. Trying to spot the singing birds. Looking at the stream of water rushing past.
Once you are tuned in to the outside, it is easier to get tuned in to the inside as well. Listening to your own thoughts, getting to know yourself.
If you feel your thoughts overwhelm you; do not suppress them with music. Try meditation. Learn to quiet the voice while still allowing ideas to form, to grow.
Do not be afraid of your own thoughts; embrace them.