CREATIVE LISTENING

There is something about listening
really listening,
which opens our creative energy
and allows us to express ourselves
in ways which are surprising,
refreshing,
and unique.

Listening is more than just hearing.
It is about really listening to each other.
It is about paying attention in a way that
is quiet and fascinated.
It is about being drawn in and
attracted to what is being said.
It is about being in the moment
and listening with a sense of
holiness

When we listen in this way,
we open ourselves up and
allow the creative forces within
to emerge,
to flow,
to present new thoughts,
and wisdom from the Ultimate
It is about holy listening which allows
for creative expression
through all the mediums
gifts, and
talents
with which we have been blessed.

TALK TO ME

When I find myself drawn to something,
I have to stop and listen,
because it is trying to
talk to me.

Anything that is alive
has the power and ability
to share a wisdom, lesson, and
talk to me.

The cracks in the driveway
drew me in one day and
between the cracks I saw the beauty
they were revealing to me.

I watched the birds as
they went from branch to branch
grabbing what they needed
telling me you have what you need

I sat in the sun
feeling the warmth wash over me
covering me like a blanket
telling me I am loved

All that is alive
is speaking to us
bringing us lessons
talking to us,
we just need to listen

HEARING

One of the things my students have taught me is to
do more than listen.
They want me to hear them.
They want me to remember
they are on a journey
of their own.
They want to learn from my journey,
but want me to learn from theirs.

Hearing
is not just about being heard,
but about hearing.
It is a process of sharing
the wisdom we have both gathered
with each other, but we must be open to
hearing.

It doesn’t matter who the other is,
whether they are the same age or not,
the same sex, race, ethnicity or class or not.
What matters is that we hear them,
that we open ourselves to hearing their truth,
and ask them to be open to hearing ours.
Let’s change the world today by
hearing.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

In the silence of our sleep Spirit gives us messages which awaken within us in the morning.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

ou can't hear the whisper if you are not making room for silence. Take time to be silent and listen for the whispers

REVERENCE FOR OTHERS

I remember years ago being told the story of a male school teacher who had back surgery over the summer and began the school year wearing a solid plastic cast around the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not noticeable at all. On the first day of school, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in the school. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window as wide as possible and then busied himself with desk work. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he took the desk stapler, in full view of the students, and stapled the tie to his chest. Needless to say, he had no disciple problems that year. I can imagine being one of his student and sitting in awe of him. That sense enables one to practice reverence because it changes the way we see someone.

I had a similar experience when I was teaching. Those who know me, know that I love SPICY foods; the spicier the better. On the first day of the semester, a colleague of mine came into my classroom shortly before class was going to begin. She had picked up a bottle of habanero hot sauce from Mexico. I so wanted to smell it, or at least taste it, but I could not get the bottle opened. I asked if someone could help me and one of the toughest guys in the class, who wanted to show off his muscles, said he would help me if I would drink it. He had no clue who he was talking to. So he opened the bottle and I took several sips, enough to make him walk away saying “I ain’t messing with you Dr J.” From that point forward everyone treated me with the utmost respect.

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WITH EVERY WORD I SPEAK.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you have taught me about hearing how I speak and the intention others hear when I speak to them. One of the things I have come to realize is that I have not always spoken to myself as lovingly as I do know. I used to think it was a good thing that I could speak to people in such a kind way that they did not realize they were bleeding until after I had left. I used to think that was a good thing, but then I realized that the intent behind the kindness was not coming from a space of pure love and compassion.

How could I be loving and compassionate with others, when I was not even being loving and compassionate with myself. So thank you for modeling for me how to be more loving and compassionate with myself. 

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