Just Listen

Yes, I have been silent. I have been very silent for the last couple of months. Recently, I had an opportunity to spend 24 hours in nature alone. It was probably one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. I got to listen to no one but myself and the sounds of nature.

It's truly amazing what you hear when you listen. Our lives are filled with beeping blackberry's, text notifications, phones, cars, news, radio, talk talk talk talk talk........

I have come to find comfort in just listening to my own thoughts. My usual habit is to turn on the radio or the TV for background noise to drown out my own thinking. I like what my mind is saying - it's message is clear - not always what I want to hear - but clear.

I also find that I listen more intently to others. I stay present and focused on what they are saying, not thinking about the millions of things that I have to do. What I have found is that my connections with people have become stronger. I no longer feel the need to fill the silent space between their thoughts and mine. Given enough time (like a few milliseconds), they will say something.

So I invite you to practice the art of silence. Just listen. Listen to yourself as it knows you better than anyone. Listen to your family, your clients, your friends and notice what happens inside of you. You may feel the urge to want to say something, but refrain for a bit and keep listening.

Have a silent (and productive) day.