Listen

As I mentioned, I love the start of a new year. I also love resolutions, intentions, making lists of things I will change, improve, learn, do, stop doing. This year I keep hearing about another way to go about this--select a word that defines your intention for the year and focus your energy on the word and its meaning for you.

I did not have to think about this at all--my word came to me immediately. Listen. Listen to myself, my heart, my body. Listen to my children, my husband, to my family. Listen to friends without seeking to answer. Listen to all that there is to learn. Listen to God. Listen to music. Listen to the wise and inspiring words of artists and writers. Listen to stories. Ask questions. Listen some more. Speak less and listen more. Listen to my breath. Listen to the sounds of my home. Listen and thoughtfully respond. Or just keep listening.

I think of this as a year-long meditation. For me, the greatest benefit of meditation is that it helps me be aware and present. And I think that by really listening I will be aware and present, content, at peace. So. What is your word? I'm listening.


The image above is from CabaretVoltaire, four artists who take photographs of graffiti across the world. I've bought this picture to inspire me.