Often Unaware
How often do you take the time to REALLY tune into your environment? I mean put everything aside and just listen to life? All the sights and sounds of life that normally get completely missed. Even though I’m constantly working on being in the here and now, it doesn’t always happen. I’ll think I’m being present and then just like that, an hour passes, I’ve been on auto-pilot, and I don’t remember how I got there. I let my mind get away from me and focused on all the To Dos on my list.
So often we are in the rush of our day, we miss all the beautiful sounds of life around us. The life around us begging to be noticed. I’m guilty of trying to multi-task and even though I might be outside enjoying nature, I’ll be busy talking on the phone, reading a book, watering plants, thinking of the million things I need to do rather than appreciating my surroundings.
Last week, I spent part of the time at my daughter’s home in Milwaukee kitty-sitting while she was out of town. Each day I enjoyed my morning coffee on her deck, situated right in the middle of town. Her small but comfortable fenced yard was mostly lined with plants and bushes, as well as a large tree situated next to her outdoor space. I closed my eyes and just listened to everything around me. It was amazing to tune into each sound trying to identify them one by one; being fully aware of the moment.
There were sounds of trains making contact with the tracks clickety-clack, the beautiful song of wind chimes in the distance, the rustling of trees, airplanes overhead, street traffic, people coming in and out of their homes, birds singing, crickets and assorted bugs chirping, squirrels chattering and scurrying to collect food for winter. If my eyes weren’t closed and tuned into the day, I would have probably missed most of what I heard.
If you’re like me and often unaware, take some time listening to life; it’s everywhere around you. I invite you this week to take a few moments to connect to the world in your own back yard, neighborhood or surroundings. Soak it in, appreciate each and every sound that life is begging for you to notice.
xoxox…..Sheryl