We listen to people when they talk.....or do we? Are we looking to guess what they are going to say next or really, REALLY listen to them and their thoughts? We can guess what is going on inside them but unless we listen do we learn. We can only help by being present when they speak. We also need to be present when WE speak. Our friends can't listen or help (if that is what you are asking for) if we can't open up and tell them what is happening.Being in the moment is so crucial. We spend time in the past and dream of the future.....and we lose one of the best things ever.....THE PRESENT. What a gift it is!
Listening to people is not the only thing......we need to listen to ourselves. Reflection is HUGE. What are we looking to achieve? What do I want right now? I don't mean food (at least not yet) but in reality, where are you pointing your compass?
There is listening to our bodies too. Our body is such a smart cookie......ok, smart entity. She can tell us when we are hungry and thirsty; she will tell us when she wants to exercise (ignore the voices in your head!) and she will surely tell us when to rest! Listen to your body and it will guide you to the foods you need for nutrition and health. Ok, sometimes she will say she wants chips...but in moderation there is no harm.
There is listening to a greater being too. I love listening to the choir at church; listening to the readings of the week and contemplating how it fits in to my life. It might not fit today, but I know someday it will.....it always does. God has such a way of bringing us what we need when we need it. Listening makes it happen. One of my favorite poems is Footprints in the Sand....How wonderful is the thought that I am never left alone. When I feel at my lowest, someone has picked me up to bring me through the storm to the other side!
I sat in reflection this morning.....wondering what my day would be like. Would I want to pull out my baseball bat and start swinging or could I calmly take care of business. Would I be patient today? Would I help others get what they need in the moment?
Today I realized I am not listening to myself enough. My body tells me she wants to move and I let the voices in my head over rule me. That will stop today (reflecting on past post.....not being one of the Buts....). I did listen to my body when I packed a lunch today. There is some fresh fruit, avocado, oatmeal....good things that my body enjoys and uses well. I have been taking laps around the office for movement and am drinking lots of water. I actually heard my body say thank you!!
I will continue to listen to me, listen to my friends and really be in the present.
Maybe I will even sit down with one of my favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and listen to Andy Williams serenade me. There is so much world to see and I hope I get to do more of that....being in the present!
((hugs)) to all.....
Wonderful advice Elaine.
ReplyDeleteElaine, I had that very same poster for more years than I can remember - and absolutely love the Poem: Footprints in the Sand". Like you, I know He has brought me out of each dark tunnel into the light, and will forever continue to do so. Good for you for recognizing both the art of listening and the gift of living in the present! I trust that you will continue doing what you need to do to take care of yourself! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteLovely post (as usual). Thank you for taking the time to write it.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to be "present" and live in the present. Very nicely said. I do believe that God's messages are delivered in a timely basis if our hearts and minds are open. Hugs.
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