anthology of life

what do you hear?

Silence. 

The sound can be inviting.

But it can also be scary. 

Imagine yourself, reader, sitting in silence. 

Maybe you are in a library and hear the shuffling of pages and the occasional typing. 

Or maybe you are in a coffee shop, listening to the sounds of coffee beans grinding and the soft playing of music. 

Perhaps you are at home, sitting in your favorite spot. 

Wherever you are, stop a moment and find the silence. Close your eyes, don't worry, I'll still be here. 

Close your eyes and empty your mind. I know, I know, easier said than done. But really try. Find the silence. Find the break in your busy day. 

Now, stay there a few moments and breathe. In and out. Very slowly. Maybe take five breaths just like that. 

What do you hear in the silence?

Your breath? 

Listen again. Breathe in and out. 

Do you hear your heartbeat?

Now, listen once more. In and out. 

What breaks your silence?

A thought?

Someone laughing?

A car passing by?

Let's listen for something a little smaller.

Maybe the scratches of a pen on paper. 

Or the soft clink of a cup landing on a table. 

Perhaps it's the sound of a dog barking in the distance.

How about the sound of wind breaking through leaves of a tree?

Or the flapping of birds' wings? I personally enjoy the sound of a hummingbird's wings. 

Stay in this moment, reader. 

Watch the world with your ears-- just for a little while. 

what did you hear in your space? would love to read your responses!