I am practicing listening. By that I mean to truly learn to listen. And as usual, when you really set your focus on something it shows up all around you.

I visited with a patient yesterday, checking up on him and any concerns or needs. His nickname is Mickey and he has Alzheimer’s disease. His illness that not only has effected his memory but also his muscles. He is now bed bound and cannot speak. But he can hear. When I talk to him he appears to be really listening to my words, staring at me with his blue eyes. Focused so intensely he rarely blinks his eyes. I do not know if he understands what I am saying as I speak softly to him, trying to reassure him he is safe, that I am only there to help him. As his caregiver and I gently turn him onto his left side I tell him, no, he will not fall out of the bed. I know as a nurse that is a great fear for most folks who are bed bound. I know he is listening because he gradually relaxes.

I am currently attending a virtual Toltec Wisdom class. It was here a few weeks ago I picked up what I consider a priceless tip to really listen to someone. When you are listening, pull that voice into your mind, so that voice is all you are truly listening to. I tell you, this tip is so helpful. I can concentrate on the voice and then I am hearing the words, the thoughts of that person. I am no longer starting to think what will I say when the other person quits talking, something I tend to do often, something I am trying to change about myself.

I have several Mockingbirds that live around Our Treehouse. Mockingbirds are a soft grey color with long grey tail feathers and white stripes on their wings. The bird in the picture above I have named Sonny. He is always around my garage doors, hanging out and singing a lot this time of year. I was out a few days ago, walking up my driveway to check the mailbox, and Sonny was singing as usual. Then I noticed his voice seemed to sing out a little louder. I glanced up and realized he had been following me up the driveway, flitting from tree to tree. I finally gave him my full attention. It was if he was saying, “Are you really listening to me?”. It occurred to me then; why wasn’t I really listening to that bird sing out his beautiful songs? Those tiny lungs could produce song after song, imitating so many other birds. What a talent! And isn’t every song more beautiful if someone really listens to it?r

This morning I sat out on my deck with my cat, Petey, in my lap. I deliberately closed my eyes. I wanted to get quiet, settle in my chair for my morning meditation. But first I wanted to to practice my listening skills. I heard all types of birds singing their stories, one after another, ringing out like a gorgeous symphony performed by a full orchestra. The wind chimes hanging from the porch ceiling chimed right in, and I could hear the wind blowing all around me. I opened my eyes and there was Grandmother Tree, her branches swaying in the wind, fully present to all the sounds around us.

I remember as a child I was given tips for learning to read and write and spell. I was told to listen, but I do not remember anyone teaching me HOW to listen. There are classes on how to give a speech, but I have never attended a class on how to listen. It is a tremendous gift to learn to listen. I am very grateful I have the chance to practice this skill. I am very grateful for the variety of teachers in my life that help me learn to listen, whether that be a person, a bird, the wind, or Grandmother Tree!

c   Love, Joan