If your ears are the only thing that’s listening, you aren’t hearing.”
―
One bird calls-out to another. I don’t recognize its voice. Or the returned answer from a distant tree. A child laughs as he runs after a dog. A car with a radio cranked to what feels like 85 decibels, pauses next to me. Sound. It’s everywhere, simultaneous, yet disconnected.
I imagine what it would be like to be universal, capable of hearing every word, every sound. As it happens. In a small city neighborhood. As well as in a city, nation, and country in dire pain. Cacophony is a human experience. By definition it judges.
Human ears. Created for hearing. Not capable of discerning all that cries out. For good, evil, or ordinary ignorance.
I turn off the radio and listen to as much silence as possible. Try to recognize the beating of my own heart. Yet realize my spirit is far from alone.
No, I cannot catch every meaningful vibration. I can choose to realize this tiny space around me is not all that exists.
For many this season is holy. And that is good. May celebrations reach deep. Yet may the participants refrain from claiming that their sounds are central for all.
terrypetersen 