5 Little Things

5 Little Things that Create the Opportunity to Listen

While we cannot always guarantee that we will listen, we can implement some structures in our lives that provide the opportunity to listen.

1. Quiet Diet: It was mentioned as part of Noise Awareness Day to have 60 seconds of no noise from 2:15-2:16pm.  Why not challenge yourself to take those 60 seconds everyday in the middle of the afternoon - set your alarm to it (some people even set their cell phone alarms to highlight the 'praying of the hours'.
2. Light a Candle for Bills:  when sitting down to pay your bills, pause a moment and light a candle, simply to be mindful and hold gratitude for the abundance you have.
3. Ask and Receive:  We all know people who physically have a difficult time hearing (and some hearing devices accentuate background noise).  Take a moment to ask those individuals what is the most helpful to them for you to communicate with them, and then receive their wealth of insight and the gifts they offer.
4. Drop a Note: sometimes the noise in our lives is not audible.  Sometimes it is internal static/anxiety and the tensions of obligations.  Take a moment to drop a simple note of remembrance (to re-member) to let someone who comes to mind know that your are thinking of them and holding them in prayer.
5. Pause before meals: we used to sing as a blessing at meal times.  As our household has gotten louder, we have come to hold dear the moments of silence we now take before meals - cherished time to be present together, to not have to talk, to be grateful, to breathe, and to listen.

I am sure you have many more ways.  I welcome your additions and comments.