It’s not the hearing that improves life,
but the listening.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
I had my Apple air pods in a lot this past week. Whether it was while walking in the mornings, practicing at the golf course, or working in the yard, I always like to be listening to something…or someone.
I listen to be entertained (music or comedy) or educated (podcasts or books). I listen to be inspired. Sometimes I will put my earbuds in so as to listen to nothing. It’s a practice I sometimes use to turn off the noise of the hustle and bustle of daily life and instead, force myself to listen to the ideas and information I have inside my head. I know there is some great stuff in there if I just open my ears.
“Don’t think or judge. Just listen” ~ Sara Dessen
We all have years and years of wisdom and wonderment rattling around in our heads; Our parent’s acclimations and their admonitions, lessons from school teachers, stories from our peers, and examples from everyday life.
We can hear it everywhere we go, but only if we are listening can any of it help us.
This week, plug in those earbuds and start listening for the optimism and opportunities that will be shared. Play the right soundtrack on purpose. Surround yourself with people who have the scripts and dialogues you need to hear…and then listen to the words and how they are said. Internalize both the content AND the context.
As important and plentiful as it may be, however, we can’t be afraid to turn off the external voices every now and then. It’s okay to plug the earbuds in every once in a while so they can recharge.
Shhhh! Do you hear that?
Simply listen to what is happening within earshot. I think we’ll be surprised at the opportunities we might hear to build relationships, solve problems, and have fun.
…But only if we’re listening.