There are many simple activities that do not require equipment or incur cost yet have a powerful and profound effect on our Brain and Body. Whistling is a perfect example.
While it’s fun to do and has many positive physical, mental and emotional benefits, whistling seems to be running out of steam and that may be a positive change.
Do you hear others whistling around you? It may envision memories of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs whistling a happy tune as they set off to work. Years ago, every second man on the street (and some women) used to whistle, common with workers to and from their factory work.
However, I had a parttime job once, working with someone whose constant tuneless whistling nearly drove me mad. If my contract weren’t close to being finished, I would have quit on the spot.
Tuneless wasn’t ‘out of tune’ whistling of a song or melody; it was a casual, constant non-melodic whistling – whistling that doesn’t go anywhere, doesn’t sound recognizable, but continues almost non-stop. I wondered if he realized what a pain he was. Are there programs that help people like that to stop?
There was a co-worker too, some years back who would whistle along with the radio, but in monotone. He’d keep the rhythm, but it was one pitch only. Drove us all batty. We basically made him cognizant of it by all joining in, loudly. Not that he stopped or anything, but we made him aware. You need to be up-front with such a person to make them understand that their behavior is infuriating.
To be honest I was an ‘out of tune whistler’ who occasionally tried random melodies. Not incessant by any means, but annoying to Sheila. After she told me how terrible it sounded and how much it bothered her, I promised to try to stop. It wasn’t easy. She had to bring it to my attention a few more times. I hardly ever whistle now, only when she is out of the house.
I first became totally aware of train whistling when I moved to Scarborough. I lived within range of the Stouffville to Union Station run, the last one being at 11:55 pm. For a few months that whistle always woke me, as I was in bed by 11 pm. I tried complaining to the municipality, but no one took the call. Finally, someone did and said, “Stay up until midnight dummy.”
Train whistles are required by law, subject to strict guidelines with respect to whistling at public highway-railway crossings. However, that noise can be bothersome, especially when it disrupts sleep.
Trains are normally required to whistle for at least 400 meters before entering a public crossing. They are also required to whistle, at frequent intervals when view is restricted by weather or track curvature. I didn’t stand a chance of changing those rules. I finally got used to it.
When hearing aids whistle or there is a squealing noise, it can be terribly annoying to not only that person but to others within hearing. Add that to the embarrassment of drawing attention if it happens in a public place. It can quickly make you want to stop wearing your hearing aid.
Then there was my father. His hearing aids squawked so much at times, it caused mealtime conversations to being futile. The most difficult problem was getting him to change batteries. Always reluctant to give in but when he did, the noise quieted until time for new batteries again. Getting him on a regular schedule for his hearing aids was impossible.
It seemed to always occur when he was at the Westmeath Hall for a meal. He thought it was amusing to get so much attention while he fiddled around to fine-tune the hearing aids. I sure didn’t feel amused. If I said anything, someone was sure to say, “Quit picking on your father.”
Some may recall a chap who was paid to whistle on the job. Arnprior native and Timmins resident, Gordy Lapierre, was inducted into the Great Northern Opry in 2008. At age 11, he had his professional debut as a singing whistler on Don Messer’s Jubilee. As he whistled while he entertained over many years, I’m certain his panache didn’t offend a single soul.
