¹lis·ten

verb \ˈli-s^ən\

Definition of LISTEN

1: to pay attention to sound <listen to music>

2: to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration <listen to a plea>

3: to be alert to catch an expected sound <listen for his step>

Listen to me!

For the past several weeks, the statement “LISTEN!” has to varying degrees, been playing inside my head like a song - at times subtle, at times obnoxiously loud.

Mind

For those with racing minds (think Type A’s, ADD, ADHD) it can be literally painful to slow down and quiet the mind. Slowing down long enough to set aside time for quiet can be a maddening thought, I know because I’m one of those people. However, it is only when we get really quiet and check-in with our body that our true emotions and thoughts begin to settle into place, preparing a space where we can truly listen.

Listen for what? Well, that depends on the person.

• Food: For some it might be the food that they are using (or abusing) is literally making them sick but they are in denial about its effect on their entire body chemistry – the consequences of eating these toxic foods are literally making them ill (i.e., depression, fatigue, brain fog, chronic allergies and sinus conditions, digestive and skin disorders and more) but they tell themselves that something else is the root of their problems. What is your body telling you about the foods you are eating? Check out this interesting article on just how important your gut is to your emotional health.
• Work/Life Balance: You know you are in an unfulfilling or unhealthy position with your leadership or employer but you are making excuses for why you must stay. While you might legitimately need to stick with an unfulfilling position, are you doing all that you can to manage your work/life balance?
• Relationships: Some people seem to attract relationships that are emotionally and physically draining. It might be a sibling, a parent, or a friend that just always seems to be monopolizing your mind and energy. Are you creating healthy boundaries in your relationships?

Body

When you take the time to get in tune with your body, it amazingly sends you clear messages about what is working for you and what is not – whether food, relationships, career – the body has a lot to say. Your body is always speaking to you. The question is, are you listening?

I firmly believe that the Universe gives us great opportunities to learn life’s lessons and each time we choose to ignore the opportunity and consciously or unconsciously not listen, the lesson will manifest itself in physical ways that get your attention.

For example, I had a client who shared that she was constantly emotionally running from things – she didn’t want to get too close to people and if she did, she would run away – literally moving to another city or even relocating to a new state. What I found amazing is that at one point when she was again feeling that she was allowing herself to get too close to people, she felt she literally had to go for a run and while on that run, she hurt her ankle so badly that for two weeks, she couldn’t run! We laughed about it but I truly believe the lesson there was the Universe grabbing her by the ankle and letting her know that it no longer serves her purpose to keep running…she must stop and face her fears and get grounded in why she has this fear of intimacy and trust. It was the Universe saying to her; You are not listening to me so I will make sure you physically have to stop and pay attention!

Spirit

It’s taken me a long time to realize I’m not a great listener and that I struggle to quiet my mind and nurture my spirit. So, I’ve decided to make a dedicated effort to do so and have signed up for a Transcendental Meditation program. I’m not saying this is the answer but as I have spent the last few weeks trying to stop and listen, this opportunity presented itself over and over and over again. We’ll see what happens and if it helps me get quiet.

Webster’s defines the verb listen as paying attention to sound, thoughtfulness, giving pause and consideration. What I find fascinating is that we all have this inner wisdom that is constantly begging us to slow down and listen but why don’t we? How can we be expected to listen to our children, spouses, colleagues and friends if we aren't comfortable listening to ourselves?

So I ask you, are YOU listening? If so, what is your mind/body/spirit telling you? And better yet, what are you going to do about it?

Live well,

Shelley