Life consists in learning to live on one’s own, spontaneous, freewheeling: to do this one must recognize what is one’s own – be familiar and at home with oneself. This means basically learning who one is, and learning what one has to offer to the contemporary world, and then learning how to make that offering valid.
Thomas Merton, Love and Living
I had a good night’s sleep but I still did not want to get up. I rode the red steed to Mugs and was wide awake by the time I arrived. Emily was my barista and she fixed me up with an Old Town mocha. The morning was off to a great start. Later I met my daughter and grandson for breakfast at the Silver Grill and of course ate too much. I have been eating out way too much. I notice it in both my pants and my wallet.
One of the Native American style flute makers almost always has a short video describing each flute. After describing it he usually says, “And, here’s its voice.” Then plays it for 45-60 seconds so you can hear it. Maybe we can say that learning who we are is really finding our voice and offering it to the world. And, at this present time we need a few good, sensible, nurturing voices who live on one’s own. I am not advocating those voices necessarily to be booming on any news media, social media, blog or Youtube but in those places where we spend most of our everyday lives: our homes, our work, the coffee shop, a restaurant, grocery store, etc. And in my mind that begs the question, are we willing to offer our voices? It is a lovely day in Colorado, sunshine and clear blue skies. Have a great day!
8 Comments
Joan Heiman
And what a gift to run into you on the Spring Creek Trail (on your way home from that big Silver Grill breakfast). Even a five-minute conversation with you, Monte, added to the splendour of a perfect Colorado early Fall day. With gratitude, joan
Monte Stevens
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I also consider it a gift anytime I meet friends, even along Spring Creek Trail. We’ve encountered each other a couple times now. It’s always a treat!
Jeff
Beautifully said!
Monte Stevens
Thank you, my friend!
Tom Dills
Love the Silver Grill! And so great to have breakfast with your daughter and grandson. Enjoy your lovely weekend!
Monte Stevens
I actually do not get town there very often. I was surprised at how much food was on that plate and how much of it I did eat. And, I hope you enjoy your weekend.
Earl
We are surrounded by many voices these days; some are just noise, while others hold value. We must recognize that not all valuable perspectives align with our own. We must listen in a way that allows us to separate the chaff from the grain, and often, the quiet voices that are so frequently drowned out turn out to be the true gems. Listening is an art that requires practice. I believe that our voice might often be best expressed through a few thoughtful words or a simple act of kindness.
Have a great weekend, Monte!
Monte Stevens
Thank you for your insightful words, my friend! I am in the process of learning to listen to both the whisper deep within me (not just my thinking) and the voice of those around me that are seeds that nurture and produce good grain. I’ve heard it said, “Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth” to be rather solid advice. Enjoy your weekend.