Does YOUR Listening lead the way?

Oh my goodness, I don’t know if Tamara has “named” this picture or not, but I just had to call it The Storyteller. Look at him! Don’t you want to hear what he is going to say next? And look at the girls, so rapt and ready to hear his words. A picture of Listening at its most elemental.

LISTENING – to pay attention; to convey a particular impression to the hearer

Once we’ve mastered the elemental it is natural to move towards a deeper meaning. A place where listening makes a difference in us.

Medicine words
by January Handl

Sometimes it is in silence;
sometimes in the depth of
roaring crowds,
sometimes in the meandering of the mind
or the stillness of heart.

Often it is only after tragic pain,
or fearsome forces of nature.
Occasionally in joy’s embrace,
or the dance of movement the body
won’t quit seeking.

Almost always when surrender
or will offers an opening.
seldom or never
when demand or self-indulgent whim
bellows for attention.

Softly, softly
listen,
heed
receive
the words of medicine
for what ails you:
You are exactly
who you should be
where you should be
how you should be~
Enough,
just now,
just as you are
Enough.

Yes! Listen for what YOU need.

How you listen and what you listen for are the keys. Listen for how things are wrong and you hear how things will go wrong. Listen for what is missing and you will never find satisfaction. Listen instead for what is right. Listen for how things are changing. Listen for the words that soothe. Have your listening be an active process and listen for what is best. Have your listening be a creative act and listen for what could be next.

This week our Bliss Initiative is to Listen, really listen. Listen actively for what makes a difference. In your listening is all medicine your heart will ever need.

Have your listening lead the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tamara and January are here each Monday to help set the mood for the week!

Tamara Magnitsky

My mission is fulfilling a lifelong desire to be a creative professional making a positive difference in the lives of those I encounter. Photographing unique personalities in a fun and relaxed environment. To challenge myself creatively, listen deeply and take a damn good picture.
See Tamara’s photography on her Facebook Page.

 

 

January Handl

January Handl is first and always a mother, has been a preschool teacher and parent educator for 25 years. She is currently lives in Aptos California AND simply in awe of existence.

She calls her photo “hot tub bliss”  🙂