Active listening can bring peace of mind.
I was lucky enough to spend several hours on a hike in New Mexico. I was alone and I met no one on the hike. I had decided to make this a listening hike and be aware of the sounds around me. I listened to the wind, the birds, the small animals scurrying away, and my own footstep. I watched two hawks flying around and listened to their call as it echoed off of the cliffs. I can’t tell you enough how rejuvenating this experience was. There’s something to be said about disconnecting (no cell phones, please) and being present in the present.
Yes, Try This at Home.
Maybe you don’t have time to get away and go on a hike. But you can spend quiet time at home. Even if it’s for just a few minutes, take some time to disconnect. Be quiet and listen to what is around you – the birds outside, the rain, even the refrigerator humming in the background. What ever it is, I think it’s important to take a breath, sit quietly and practice active listening.
