Are You Listening?

Quotes and Notes #282, August 13

Don't say anything, just stop and listen to the pretty.

Don’t say anything, just stop and listen to the pretty.

“Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.”—Dalai Lama—

Yesterday, my mother said, “There are so many talkers and so few listeners.” I’m guilty—we all are, probably. At times, I find myself in a conversation, thinking about what I’m going to say next instead of really listening. I am definitely getting older, though, and perhaps wiser. I am learning to concentrate on what someone is saying to me to a point at which I understand as much as possible. This concentration is then followed by a thoughtful pause, and then by a response—if one is necessary.

Sometimes ego is responsible. We wish to say something that enhances our appearance of intelligence. Sometimes, no answer at all is the most intelligent option.

But we can always share a smile
Everything is going to be all right.
John P. Schulz—“Sweetie Drives on Chemo Days.”

Can You Smile and Say “NO?”

Quotes and Notes #260, July 22

Push your distractions aside for a while

Push your distractions aside for a while

“Information overload (on all levels) is exactly WHY you need an ‘ignore list.” It has never been more important to be able to say ‘No.’”—Mani S. Sivasubramanian—

With things to do, things that keep pounding our on consciousness, seeking attention, and choices—so many choices, our inner focus may become brittle and fractured. We must practice escape to concentration as a trigger to meditation. It is important, at times, to push the mental fragments aside.

“No.” is a word. It is also a sentence and perhaps a philosophy. Try it.
And it is all right to share a smile while saying “No.”
Everything is going to be all right
John P. Schulz—“Sweetie Drives on Chemo Days.”

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