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“The word ‘LISTEN’ contains the same letters as the word ‘SILENT’”. ~ Alfred Brendel

“Listening is about being present, not just about being quiet.” ~ Krista Tippett

Welcome back!

We are learning to be more appreciative and grateful for all of the natural goodness in our life.  It’s about intentionally noticing the simple things everywhere around us.

Today we are going to use another of our God-given senses.  Hearing.

Have you ever truly stopped and thought about what an amazing gift sounds are?  Frequencies vibrating at different rates can make an amazing variety of noises, tones and even music!   Sounds can be quite pleasant, or they can range from being minor annoyances to being downright harsh and painful.

In nature, sounds at times, are there to give a warning; from a distant roll or nearby clap of thunder, to an approaching predator, or an alert that a large waterfall is up ahead.  Sounds are also used by animals of all types to attract their mates, or warn their competitors, “This is my territory, stay away!”

Today as you set out with the intention of paying attention to the sounds all around, you are going to hear things you have never noticed before.  This is especially true of human-made noise.  Try not to let this bother you.  As you are learning to allow thoughts to pass without judgment in your daily meditations, you are also learning to allow sounds to come and go without annoyance or any particular thought, just an awareness.

So, step outside, take a deep breath, close your eyes and open your ears.

Listen beyond the traffic, airplanes, motors, radios, etc., to the subtle sounds of nature.

Listen for things such as wind, leaves rattling on a sidewalk, the sound of your breathing and footsteps, a bird’s call, even your heartbeat.  As you do, set the intention to have gratitude for the gift of hearing and enjoy it immensely.

Say out loud so your ears can hear it, “Thank you!”

Then, when you get home and throughout the rest of your day and evening, try to listen a little closer to your family, friends and loved ones.  Learn to listen with your heart. Your life will be so much sweeter as a result.

Here is your Checklist for Day 2

☐ MEDITATION: Day 2 – “Learning to Be Mindful With Your Ears” (You can listen to this active meditation on iTunes or here at Mountain Zen.)

☐ NATURE WALK: 20 minutes with your ears wide open

☐ JOURNAL: Note your observations.  What did you hear?  How did they make you feel?  Something you found to be grateful for.

That’s all for today!  See you back here tomorrow!