Hello, I'm listening...
So last week, I was trying to write a lengthy post about my theme for 2013. For a while, the word listening had been coming up for me, and it felt right so I wrote and wrote about listening. About how I would listen more and be very present for whatever there was to listen to. I felt calm and peaceful about the coming year. As I was writing, something kept coming up, but of course, I just shushed that inner voice because, well because I was busy writing.
Well, that voice got louder and louder, and finally I started arguing with it.
Me: I like my theme for the year. It makes me feel serene and open.
Voice: Aha! Being serene and open is easy. What you need to do is speak more.
Me: Speak more? Talking is easy. Listening is much more difficult.
Voice (sounding a little exasperated by now): Yeah, talking is easy when it's blah blah blah. But I'm talking about speaking out. Speaking out about important issues, things that come from your heart. You'll need to network, get your ideas and stories out there, post on your blogs, find your voice. You know, life is short--don't hold back.
Me: um, er, that's really hard. I'd rather observe and be still.
Voice (loudly): Are you listening?
Me (a little sheepishly): Yes. I'm listening.
Voice: it's about time! I guess your listening skills need some work too. So listen well and then speak out. That'll do.
Me (pondering what all that means): Whew! I think I need a cuppa tea and some chocolate now.
Well, that voice got louder and louder, and finally I started arguing with it.
Me: I like my theme for the year. It makes me feel serene and open.
Voice: Aha! Being serene and open is easy. What you need to do is speak more.
Me: Speak more? Talking is easy. Listening is much more difficult.
Voice (sounding a little exasperated by now): Yeah, talking is easy when it's blah blah blah. But I'm talking about speaking out. Speaking out about important issues, things that come from your heart. You'll need to network, get your ideas and stories out there, post on your blogs, find your voice. You know, life is short--don't hold back.
Me: um, er, that's really hard. I'd rather observe and be still.
Voice (loudly): Are you listening?
Me (a little sheepishly): Yes. I'm listening.
Voice: it's about time! I guess your listening skills need some work too. So listen well and then speak out. That'll do.
Me (pondering what all that means): Whew! I think I need a cuppa tea and some chocolate now.