Consider, too, how you felt for a few days after Daylight Savings Time went into effect. Most people experience jet lag without even getting off the ground! Such is the not-so-subtle effect of a change in our relationship to the rhythms of light and dark.

As we continue to unravel the secrets of how these previously unknown factors affect us, we also have to contend with the effects of new stimuli, stimuli for which we have not been biologically prepared by evolution.

Case in point: the epidemic of noise pollution caused by people talking loudly on their cell phones. Indeed, according to Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman, who scooped me on this, "cell phone rage is reaching unheard-of proportions.

"The presenting problem is volume control.. For reasons that we can't figure out, people are hollering into their cell phones."

A New York commuter railroad made news by considering a No Phone Zone. Similar to the non-smoking sections, these cars recognize a commuter's right to ride the rails without the added insult of private conversation made public.

Goodman continues: "In fact, cell phones have become the boom boxes of the 1990s. Gray-flanneled men and women who wouldn't be caught dead carrying a boom box onto the commuter train carry a mobile voice box that disturbs the peace of everyone else with equal disregard."

I've lost count of how many times I've been on an airplane seated within a few rows of an individual who is blasting rap or heavy metal music so loudly that I'm surprised the headphones don't fry. The invention of WalkmanÔ - type technology was heralded by many as a major development in privatizing our experience of being in public, as well as cutting down on unwanted noise. It was not intended as a loudspeaker; at those volumes, what those of us in the surrounding seats heard was distorted and mostly just the rasp of the drums. All the "music" was missing.

In virtually all of the above-mentioned situations, I have attempted to communicate with the offending individual. Sometimes there is a courteous response. More often than not, there is not.

What is even more amazing is that the executive-looking middle aged males sitting on either side of this person did not complain. When I asked them, one said he couldn't hear it, and the other didn't want to be bothered, and had another drink.

Sometimes the flight attendants can help. (There is something about an authority figure in uniform.) But sometimes I have to move.

And yes, there's at least one time I recall when the plane was full. I was trapped! What to do?

I remembered the phenomenon of "multi-modal masking." It occurred to me that this was obviously a cosmic opportunity for me to practice what I preach. I could practice toning and harmonic overtone chanting for the duration of the flight (or at least as long as I could manage).

I started off humming softly, then allowed my volume to increase. The nice thing about toning and humming is that, with your mouth closed, no one knows who's making the sound . . . at least at first.

After about ten minutes, I had received two compliments and one complaint. I offered to negotiate a truce: I'd stop toning if the kid would shut off his Walkman. It worked, and we enjoyed a relatively harmonious flight.

Light Pollution

Scientists at the EPA are pushing for methods to cut "light pollution" - an often unnecessary sky glow caused by inefficiently lighted shopping malls, gas stations and billboards. Although it's not pollution in the classic sense because it's not toxic, it is certainly a waste of energy -- and that, indirectly, releases toxins into our world.

As reported in USA Today, David Crawford, a retired astronomer and head of the International Dark-Sky Association, pointed out that "beyond the economic and ecological arguments for preserving the night sky lie sound psychological reasons....Mankind and everything on the Earth have grown up with day-night cycles." As we remove the night and turn it into day, it's a psychological stress on our system. The future will show that as we bring back the night, there's a calming influence on people."

So get out in nature, get back in tune, and enjoy. If you have any interesting airplane stories and how you handle sonic intrusions into your private space, please email me at admindesk@innerpeacemusic.com.

Steven Halpern has earned a reputation as one of the most influential New Age recording artists. He is an outspoken advocate for sound healing, and often feels compelled to expose the hype and dis-information that has begun to infiltrate the integrity of the field. He invites you to check out his latest releases, tour schedule and catalog, free of charge, at (800) 909-0707 or at his website, www.steven halpern.com.

For previous columns, see The Monthly Aspectarian at our website, www.lightworks.com..