Stop, Look, Listen and Feel
Do you remember the old saying, “Stop, look and listen”?
It pertained to being careful as you crossed the street.
As I lay in bed toward morning, I listened to a thunderstorm.
Hence, it reminded me I still needed to write my blog for this week.
What came to mind, was how much I enjoy listening to a thunderstorm.
Consequently, I began to think about many things I enjoy.
First, you need to stop or slow down long enough to become aware of things in your life.
What are things you enjoy or appreciate as you look around?
As I finished working in the yard, I was sitting still, and a hummingbird came very close to me.
I love seeing them. I’ll never forget seeing several of them at my friend, Denise’s feeder in Indiana.
I felt awe, wonder and joy at this sight!
How about you, what do you enjoy listening to?
As a result of growing up with a mom who loves music, playing piano and the organ, as well as singing in the church choir, I developed a love of music.
However, my singing voice is not the quality of my mom’s! Only I still absolutely love to sing.
As I’ve told you before, one thing that shifts my energy is putting on music as I’m showering or cooking.
The joy I feel as I sing, creates inside of me, an upbeat feeling or attitude.
God knows we all need to have more of this in our lives.
How often each day do you stop, look, listen, and feel?
I have talked often about living on autopilot.
For instance, when you drive someplace, and you are suddenly there. That’s living on autopilot.
Your mind wanders as you drive to your destination, without remembering much of your journey, when you arrive.
Does this ever happen to you?
As a result of becoming aware of what is going on around you, you will be more awake and alive.
Furthermore, when you consciously look around and pay attention to others, you will have awareness of what may be going on with them.
You will be of help to them as you notice they may need some extra kindness, inspiration, or attention.
Also, as you stop, look, listen, and feel, you’ll find appreciation for more that you do have in your life.
Remember the Emotional Scale I have shared?
You will be living on the left side of this scale more often.
Your vibration will be raised so you will receive more of the people, places and things in your life that will bring you joy.
I’ll share this important scale at the bottom once again. I urge you to print it and keep it where you can look at it throughout your day.
Stop, look, listen and feel is a great way to live, don’t you think?
I love to listen to my grandchildren’s and my parents voices, when I call them or see them.=
Their voices bring me happiness.
Similarly, sitting out on our deck and listening to the birds sing and other sounds of nature, creates immense joy inside of me. When I get to be near an ocean, I love the sound of the ocean waves. I have an ocean wave meditation audio on my phone I enjoy.
Because I choose to be aware of my surroundings, I don’t miss as much.
I do look at my phone a lot. Whether it’s checking emails or social media.
As I began to consciously put my phone aside or on silent, I found it was easier to focus on the person I was with.
When I really look at the person, I’m with and listen to what they’re saying, it shows respect and that I care.
Which brings me to the last point in stop, look, listen, and feel.
Feel. Are you aware of what you are feeling throughout your day?
If not, you may be living within situations you aren’t thrilled with.
Finally, I find when I allow myself to feel, I’m honoring myself.
No matter what the feeling may be, since I’m aware of what it is, I’m feeling, I’m able to look at where I’m at.
I may choose to stay there for a while. Or I may choose to move forward, using appreciation as the tool to shift my emotions.
Either way, I’m living on autopilot less and less.
In other words, learning to practice all of this, will help you create a happier life.
Today with so much division, violence and behaviors I don’t recognize, I know if people would live from these principles, this world would be a better place.
Send me your thoughts on all of this. I’m interested to hear them.
With love, appreciation and prayers,
Connie
Here’s a link to listen to a short song from 1974, with one of my favorite singers, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye:
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