I’m learning to open my ears.
Its funny, because ears are always open. They aren’t like shuttable-eyes. They sit there on the side of my head open all of the time.
But I close them. I singly focus on a task and I close my ears. I don’t hear my husband trying to tell me about what his day will hold in the morning when I am trying to get the kids ready. I don’t hear my girls when I am trying to steal a half hour or so on the computer. I certainly don’t listen to anyone when I’m distracted by a whining little girl (or two).
Small things I don’t hear unless I take a minute to stop. Small words with big meanings uttered from toddler mouths sail right past me because I fill my brain (and my ears) with other things. I often don’t listen to the quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) nuances that drift from my back seat after a long day at first grade.
I have to listen because one day my back seat will be silent. I may not wish back the whining, but I will miss the chatter and the laughter. I have to get this now or it will be too late.
Listen.
Listen to my daughters talk to each other. Listen to the fatigue in my husband’s voice. Hear my girls play in the back yard. Listen to the world alive and recognize it.
Good post Sarah. It can be easy to close your ears without even thinking about it. You’re right about it being gone and quiet too quickly, but even then there are other things I close my ears to.
Sarah! i am just catching up on your blog…i love what you are doing here.
it seems like you always write things that i too could write…except i dont’ think to and i don’t have the eloquent and graceful words that flow so easily here.
love it! such simple yet profound reminders.
What a wonderful post. It has left me in a puddle of tears. Thank you for sharing your insight. xoxo
oh how often i do this. get so caught up in my own thoughts or “to do” list and don’t really listen.
i need to be more focused and truly listen.
Great reminder to Cherish the noise!
my downfall is my laptop. when someone approaches me and starts talking while i’m using my computer, i tend to only half-listen. it takes conscious effort to actually hear them.