Monday, June 06, 2011

Whispers & 2x4's



I read a book when I was just out of high school, by Shakti Gawain. 
I think it was called Creative Visualization. 
One of the things that stuck with me was the idea that Life sends us messages and sign posts along the way. 

First it's an intuitional hit... an impulse to do something, ask for clarity, take care of something, be aware of something, change something.  Miss O calls them "whispers."  


Then if we ignore those, we start noticing the messages coming from outside us, other people, situations, "coincidences," mishaps caused by ignoring something.  Like a tap on the shoulder really.

If we ignore those, we stronger and stronger messages.  A nudge, a shout, a shove.

If we ignore those, then comes the 2x4 upside the head (the wake-up call).


Seems like a good system to me. Right up there with Natural Selection.


So I'm trying to remember to check in with myself weekly.
Ask myself... what are my whispers?

REALLY listening.
I've been focusing on really hearing what people are saying.
It's the best short-cut to understanding their actions, motives or choices.  Because people do clearly tell you who they are, what they believe, what they want, what they will and won't do, if you pay attention.  

Two of my favorite quotes: 
"What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say."  (Emerson)

and.... 

"When people tell you who they are...believe them the first time."  (Maya Angelou)



As a writer, I know how important subtext is. 
Likewise, I've begun to realize that if I listen to what people are really saying underneath the words, I will be happier.  It's not a mystical process.  It's just thinking about WHY someone is saying WHAT they are saying WHEN they are saying it.  REMEMBERING to do this is the hard part.

I guess I need more Practice People, Wendy. (wink)
My friend Wendy and I like to think of those who challange or inspire us to better choices are our Practice People.  Because how else do you get good at doing difficult things other than to practice?  We need those challenging or difficult personalities and situations in our lives, because without them, we can't learn to let them roll off our backs.  Without practice, we're stuck on the treadmill of dramas and expectations and disappointments. 

I want off that treadmill.  Fastest way to avoid the 2x4's is listening to the Subtext of Life.  The clues are all there in the Whispers. 


(P.S..... thanks Wendy... I needed a reminder to define writer jargon:  subtext means what is not being said).

~Shephard :)    

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