…That if you listen you will learn?
The key to listening is an open mind, without it you will not truly hear.
I am reminded on my path that the road does not always reveal itself. Inspiration and clues sent forth to provide a softer and easier way are there for the taking. My experience has provided me with such tidbits… but I have also missed many along the way and created diversions and roadblocks, pain, confusion and even sadness and loss.
It could be said that these roadblocks were lessons that may (or may not) have provided me with alternative maps and valuable instruction towards the truest meaning of my path. I cannot possibly know if a path is pre-destined or determined by the tools and tricks provided to us through programs and books. Likewise I cannot be sure if luck is a part of the process in a lifetime. What if I am not in a place that would provide me the inspiration and thus I am forced to find out by more difficult or even arduous methods?
There can be no denial that life’s path is, or can be, a matter of ‘right time, right place’ or the dreaded opposite. But the point of listening is not about missing out on hearing something that you do not know exists… or that you are not in proximity to. It is about making sure that you are in your now and out of judgment in order to hear what your higher power has put you in place to experience moment by moment. Life truly is not worth the ride if we cannot experience it as it is occurring in front and all around us. There are things to see, hear, feel, understand, question, grasp and retain… as a page in the diary of your own experience.
It could also be said that something not heard or experienced is simply not destined for your path. But I must question, for myself, just how much I can “control” as a soul who wants to work towards fulfillment and betterment of my soul and relationship with the God of my own understanding. If I am in the right frame of mind or judgment it is entirely possible that I will be in a more willing state to HEAR what will inspire and change me, and possibly change the course and direction of the path I am living. The bottom line for me must be that I do not know if the path I will experience in the future is a set one or one that could take different routes depending on the way I react or understand the current place I am within it.
Very existential.
The final point I would like to raise about how we listen is within our own judgments of who might be able to inspire. I have often found myself in a place where I don’t feel the person or persons I am in the presence of has anything to offer. The question I have had to ask myself over the years is “how do I know where I will hear something that might change my life completely?” Is there some sort of law that only certain”types” of people can provide me insight?
When I am in a meeting of alcoholics anonymous, for instance, it is not required that someone have a certain amount of time to provide a message, a line, a story or a piece of information that can move me, inspire me or turn me around on a situation or problem that I am currently facing. If I allow myself to “tune out” because I don’t think this person is going to be able to offer me anything I may miss something that could do wonders for me… or simply make me feel better.
For me the choice of opening my mind, heart and ears to wherever I happen to be has provided me with insights and wisdom that has allowed me to grow and become more and more the person I honestly believe I am meant to be. What has happened as a result is something that provides me with happiness and pride. What could happen fills me with faith and hope.
And all I do is truly listen without judgment.
Be Happy. Be Well. Be.