Annoyed by Imperfection

 

"There are no uninteresting things, only uninterested people."

G.K. Chesterton

In earlier life, I owned a small country gift shop, The Town Crier.  I engaged with diverse artists and the small cottage industry for third generation weavers, basket makers, and candle makers. I haunted festivals seeking original crafters to bring unique gifts to those who frequented my shop.

While unpacking a shipment of baskets, I noticed a mold looking substance on the reeds and began picking it off. I was annoyed by the imperfection, until I finally realized, the one of a kind baskets were made of pussy willows. I was horror stricken that I had been overlooking the true originality of the offering. I was carelessly tearing it apart.

And is this not like life? With closed minds and preconceived ideas, we make false assumptions. Our thoughts are inaccurate causing our actions to devalue the richness waiting right before us. Perhaps, if we simply slowed down, looked more carefully, listened more intently, our lives would be filled with more happiness and joy.

Hearing or Listening

                                                         "There's a lot of difference 

between listening and hearing."

G.K. Chesterton

We may be aware of music playing in the background of a store, but chances are we are not really listening.  Our attention is spread between the jewelry we see or the material of clothing we touch or the fragrances of aromatherapy.   Our minds may also be distracted by tasks left incomplete or people who make demands upon us.  

The same applies when people are conversing.  We may be looking directly at them, but our minds might be in a thousand places.  We do not get the urgency of their information nor the sense of pain in  their voice.  We are not fully present in the moment.

When we listen, it is an entirely different experience!  We see the excitement in the eyes, the emotion on the face and the intensity of the voice.  When we open our hearts, we can discern the deeper meaning in the communication.  We find ourselves with a new understanding  of who the speaker truly is and where their voice is coming from.  With listening fully, a connection or bond is strengthened, and we may be touched by something new.