On Listening to the Who not the What

I’m getting pretty tired of being asked “So, what are you doing now? What’s new?” as if the “DOING” is the most important aspect of life.

It seems to me that too many people place too much importance on “the doing” and “the new” and the materialism and action. I like action…but not at the expense of thought, thoughtfulness, expression, and “NOT DOING.”

Not everything we do has to be filled up with the action of “doing something new” in order to keep other people entertained, interested, and involved in our lives.

When I’m asked, particularly by someone I haven’t seen in a long time, “So what’s new—anything?” and I say, “No, not really. I’m doing the same I’ve been doing…”, this doesn’t mean I am devoid of anything interesting.

Yes, I’m still working on the same three art pieces I’ve been working on all year. But I do have thoughts and reflections on those pieces. Simply because I don’t have something tangible for someone to increase their blood pressure over doesn’t mean the things I do have going on in my life aren’t exciting.

I want to say to these people: Take time to listen to others. Really listen. Instead of having to fill up the time with materialistic “stuff”, whether physical or social. Take the time to get to know someone (me, in this case) not just “WHAT” they/I do, but “WHO” they/I are/am, what they/I think, and why. Especially about the little things.

We have a bird feeder on our patio. We sit and watch the birds at the feeder as often as we can—in the mornings over coffee and in the evenings over cocktails. My husband—a biologist/animal behaviorist—told me he has learned so much more than he had know before about various suburban bird species by sitting quietly and watching them at the feeders. It’s not “exciting” activity filled with suspenseful action. It’s quiet, and subtle, and filled with gems

Let’s learn to listen and let the quiet, subtle gems be our reward.