I wasn’t listening. Not because I didn’t want to. I couldn’t hear.
If I could just . . . Why can’t I ever . . . Damn you, Jess. I was frustrated. Another day gone and not enough accomplished. What was the matter with me?
I hated myself.
Three miles out and I couldn’t take it anymore. My headphones were too much. I wanted to throw them on the ground.
Instead, I yanked them off, and I was greeted by a sound.
Conk-la-ree! . . . Conk-la-ree!
A moment later, from a bank up ahead,
Coooo . . . Coooo.
And then,
Chirp chirp! Chirp chirp!
And, then, all three*—a simple symphony. Otherwise there was no sound.
Except, what was that?
Mmmmmm. Mmmmoooo.
Cows on a distant hilltop.
I almost laughed.
A breeze rustled nearby grasses; wildflowers danced and bowed.
I ran on.
And I didn’t put my headphones on.
…
*red-winged blackbirds, doves, and crickets
Images: View after my run, and Pinterest (red-winged blackbird)
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shift 
It’s good to reminded to tune into one’s senses. I was told this would help with anxiety and it’s true. Thanks again for the perspective tonight.
It *is* true, Terri. Every time I tune into nature I think that the way things are in the world (rush! rush! rush!) are definitely not the way God intended them to be.
Thanks so much for continuing to read and comment. It means the world to me. :)
Nothing is more beautiful than the sound of nature. Even the blow of the wind plays you the sweetest symphony.
And I am happy with the synchronicity. My latest post is also about listening. It is listening to your heart.
Have a wonderful day, Jess! And thank you for another interesting post. Many blessings and much love to you. ♥
The same to you, Subhan! I’ll go check out your post right now. And yes, nature is the best of all symphonies…
By the way, I have been meaning to respond to your question about the Paulo Coelho blog, so please don’t think I’m ignoring you! Just been busy… I know you can relate. :)
That’s alright. Just take your time, I understand. Take care!
Thanks, Subhan!
Beautiful sound of nature :)
Exactly! Thank you for reading and commenting! It means a lot to me. :)
Have a nice day :D
Thank you! And you as well!
i think i am one of very few people who doesn’t listen to music all the time, only in the car. glad you got “connected” to the world again!
Actually, I really only listen to it in the car, while I’m running, or sometimes when I’m cleaning. The rest of the time my world is fairly silent. But your point remains. Thanks for reading! :)
Its not every day in life that you find yourself smiling after having a frustrating day. The sound of nature has some magic in it.
P.S. – Thanks for sharing the English tip. I hope this is the correct usage.
Yes, mother nature is pretty awesome, really. And yes! You used it perfectly! :)
Great post, Jessica–we need *more* of this…
Thank you :) And, yes! We do!
Jess – just gotta say…I LOVE your writing(s) !!
Thank you, Renita!
Wonderful how the music of nature soothes the savage critic within. Be well. ♥
So true—it really can. The same to you! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Such a valuable lesson!
Thanks, Subh. :)
=)
:)
Very cool, I loved it.
Thanks, Paul! :)
We block out so much. Good to take those headphones off for awhile. Very sweet and direct poem.
Yes, we can choose what headphones to tune into: our thoughts, the “noise” of daily life, music/TV/internet/etc., or… nature? (Gasp.) I think we need more of the last one. :)
Thank you so much for stopping by and your kind words.
Thank you. I think you’re on the right track with your blog. I’ll follow it.
Thank you! I’m honored.
I think with the current pace of life many people forget what they are missing by not ‘listening.’ I did a similar post sometimes back. People forget that the journey is as important as the destination. Interesting blog, count me on board, i will look forward to your new work :D
Thanks, Anurag! I fully agree about the importance of the journey. Because isn’t the ultimate destination death? Why do we rush so much? And I think most people really do agree, but in the rush of “life” we sometimes forget… We forget to enjoy the little things. I’ll have to go back and take a look at your post. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! It means the world to me.
I was touched by this post not only by its initial mystery, but as a drummer who always feels the rhythm, inspired through auditory waves…predictably reconnecting me to my/our circadian dance on a wondrous planet and its unique cosmic rhythm. I’m alive.
I know exactly what you mean here Jessica.
I’m so glad to hear that. I love that feeling—feeling alive. There’s no other way I’d rather be.