The Noise Around & Within 

The world is so incredibly noisy right now. Others demand (or we demand of ourselves) that we shift priorities, move things along more quickly, and do more with less. But, as you well know, the noise is coming from other corners as well. The noise accompanying the rapid cultural, technological, and political shifts we are now experiencing can bring with it fear and uncertainty.

With all of the turmoil and negative energy outside of us that can hijack our attention and emotions, it is so easy to lose track of the quieter signals within us. I suspect you are in this community because you know they are there and are seeking a greater connection with them. It could be the soft voice of our intuition or the Spirit within us. It could be the sign of neglect of our bodies. Or it could be the emotion beneath that practiced composure we have so carefully refined.

Listening Differently

How can we listen differently so we can cut through the extraneous noise and discern what really warrants our active attention?

Mindfulness doesn't ask us to fight the noise and silence our thoughts. Nor does it require us to analyze them or fix anything within us. It does ask us to witness the signals with care and respect.

 That same inner listening becomes the foundation of how we meet the world around us. This is inner listening with curiosity and kindness rather than judgment.

Finding Steadiness in the Listening

And it is this listening that builds steadiness, an invitation to respond with greater clarity. We start to catch the early signs of pressure before they turn into exhaustion. We notice when we are becoming reactive rather than responsive. We can discern better when we need to pause and reclaim our ability to choose how we show up and how we respond.

For me, in my quiet moments lately what I hear most are tired and annoyed fingers from too much time on a laptop keyboard. I hear a need to continue to let go of some of my own expectations. To step back from the constant doing and move forward with greater focus. Slow down. Carry less. Be present for myself and others more. Listening differently, more deeply, is a good way to lead us back to what really matters.

From Awareness to Self-Leadership

Quite frankly, that's not just self-awareness.

It's an important part of self-leadership.

And it's how mindful attention can turn into care not only for ourselves but for others and for the systems we move though in a way that can help foster greater inner peace amidst it all.