When was the last time you heard the sound of silence? Even if you live in a smaller town, this is infrequent, from the sound of crickets to your neighbours laughing overwhelming our eardrums.
Let’s change how we listen, rather than trying to affect what we listen to. Rather than drown out the world outside, let this meditation invite in the world in, in a receptive manner.
Have a seat where you can hear the world inside and outside. Let the sounds mingle for a minute.
Imagine yourself as the centre with sounds coming in all directions. Feel as if every sound is moving toward you, without penetrating you.
Feel yourself become more open and more relaxed.
Feel gratitude for everything that you do hear and do experience.
You are a part of this active world, and you have the opportunity to take a step back and be the observer.
Every once in awhile, even if it’s for a millisecond, there may be a brief moment of soundlessness. Can you hear it?
Once you do hear it, no sound can disturb you. You realize that sounds come and go, are near and far, but they always move on.
Embrace your noisy life. It’s an incredible example of the impermanence of everything around you.
