4/365 Listen With a Gentle Ear
Our world has grown noisier. Due to technology, we live in a time of tremendous change, and there is no off button. You can’t quiet the thundering hooves of a herd of wild horses, and like the horses, there is no way to control the speed of change and the accompanying “noise” of its frenetic energy.
We have evolved from a time not long ago when we used to turn on the TV or radio to get the news of the day, or to be entertained with a favorite show. There was a beginning and an end of each program. If there was “nothing on,” we’d tune out and turn it off. We’d return our attention to our lives, our families, our friends, our jobs. We’d do whatever we did back then in the absence of programming’s constant presence.
Today, vast changes follow us through the day, distracting us with dizzying amounts of messages. Phones beep and buzz with alerts. Have you noticed that there is an electronic soundtrack that plays nearly constantly? Even our cars beep at us! Apps make it easy to fill the silence. We’ve been conditioned to crave distraction. Meditation is one way to alleviate the weight of it.
For people wanting to deepen their commitment to a meditation practice in 2024, but unsure of how to go about it. I can tell you what has worked for me. Awareness of my background soundtrack, and availing myself to simple silence. The first step is to recognize that our world is noisy and to understand that we make a conscious choice to be on the receiving end of the chatter. Or we choose not to be.
When I am on my daily walk, often in nature, I note the familiar sight of passersby with ear buds. I’m not meaning to judge, but maybe just by acknowledging these thoughts, I am. What is the cost of peace when the noisy soundtrack plays on, even among trees?
Are you up for a challenge? Become aware of the sounds vying for your attention each day. Then consider how you might turn down the volume. Could these silent interludes be the prequel that help direct your meditation story? Developing your ability to be in silence might be the catalyst - and the invitation - to go deeper. What message inside you wants to be heard?
