Be Still and Listen...

“But it hurts!”

“It is only a scrape. Look there isn’t even any blood.”

“But it hurts!”

“Be still and listen.”

“I am listening, but it still hurts!”

At that point, mom became firm with her request for me to be still and listen. I was directed to close my eyes and tell her the first thing I heard. I tried to quiet my sobs and not think about my knee. It was a song! (bird singing) It was explained this was a mommy bird being thankful for the dinner she had found for her babies. Next, was a deep-throated croak. I was told Mr. Frog was directing traffic in the woods. I had to giggle as my mental image was of a frog with a stop sign like the crossing guard at school. Again, I was still and listened. A faint smell of honeysuckle drifted on a gentle breeze that caressed tear stained cheeks. It reminded me of grandma’s hugs. In the distance, the talking water (babbling/bubbling stream) and periodic single bark of a dog could be heard. There was the soft rustle of dried leaves. A squirrel was hurrying to get home, made me think my dad.

“I miss daddy.”

“I do too, but he will be home soon (military). That dog is protecting his family just like daddy is protecting us.”

I had closed my eyes and opened myself to the treasure filled world around me. The pain dissolved without notice, a great weight was lifted from my young heart. I felt a peaceful contentment that replaced my worries and pain. I was smiling at all the special treasures surrounding me, filling me with a renewed sense of wellbeing. By the time mom asked if I was feeling better enough to finish our walk, the fall was a distant memory. The knee was fine and my young mind was at rest. No pain or grey clouds loomed on my horizon. My heart bubbled with joy much like the bubbling stream. We gave thanks for the beauty we were allowed to share.

...and so the journey began. That was nearly forty-five years ago but the lessons of the day were never forgotten. Being still and listening represents many things to many people. For me, it became a way of minimizing the negative effects of daily life on my wellness. Personally, the simple act of gratitude adds a completeness to a cycle removing the negative effects on wellbeing.