Sacred Life Sunday: Listening

I am often in the company of people who talk more than they listen. I am a great listener and a receptive audience. I don't interrupt. I laugh easily and sincerely, and ask questions I genuinely care hearing answers to. Sometimes I revel in my role as listener, and sometimes it causes resentments to fester, because sometimes I need to be listened to, too.

This past week I did not have enough open time and empty spaces in which to listen to myself. It was a fun, full, active week of work and socializing and I am spent. Creatively, physically, emotionally spent.

Too tired to think about taking my own photos today, so I'll share one of my Flickr faves. I soooooo need to be like this girl! Quiet. Still. Contemplative. Undisturbed.

I know a whale that will come to the boat whenever
she can, and nudge it gently along the bow
with her long flipper.

I know several lives worth living.

Listen, whatever it is you try
to do with your life, nothing will ever dazzle you
like the dreams of your body,

its spirit
longing to fly while the dead-weight bones

toss their dark mane and hurry
back into the fields of glittering fire

where everything,
even the great whale,
throbs with song.

~Mary Oliver

Visit more sacred lives here. Photo by Jenny.

Comments

[Olivia]

Beautiful, Carla. I wish you time this week, listening to your body, to your self. Love, O

[Marilyn]

Thanks for the reminder - I could be a better listener...(ahem)...especially to myself. Love the photo, and although I'm familiar with several of her poems, I'd never seen that by Mary--lovely.

[Kate Robertson]

I love the picture and the poem as Mary Oliver is a favorite of mine. I hope you have some completive time this week. A question, is the Sacred Life project ongoing, for some reason I thought it was something you did for a month. I might be interested in doing the same if its ongoing.

Kate

[Kikipotamus the Hobo]

I wish for you some restorative peace and nurturing.

[Deb]

you really make a difference to me. going through some similiar marriage things and your blog and sharings soothe my soul right now, give me hope all will be well in the end.

wishing you peace and someone to hear you.

[daisies]

wishing you peace and rejuvination and plenty of time to just be and listen to your heart's song .. xox