I want to focus completely on perceiving the world around me, and listening to the quiet voices as well as the louder ones. I want to watch the mannerisms of those passing by, feel the tilt and lull of others' voices in unfamiliar languages, accept the conflicting emotions that accompany each relationship. I want to remove the perceiver from perceiving, and if this can't be accomplished--then I hope to accept my emotions as honestly and compassionately as I can. I want to banish impatience, and give time instead to waiting, and watching, and becoming bored. I want to wonder about others, and to wander unknown places, and to observe this world as completely and greedily as I can.
Cassidy, have you read Brenda Schmidt's collection of essays, FLIGHT CALLS: An Apprentice on the Art of Listening? It's an excellent example of listening.
ReplyDeleteYes-- such a fantastic book! Will revisit it soon, I think.
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