Listening to Harlem

In Harlem New York, kids play basketball on the streets while police barricades protect them from harmful traffic.  The barriers are imprinted with inspirational sayings.  “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud” says one.  The barricade metaphor is strikingly obvious.  As the kids are protected physically, they remind us of how we need to protect each other mentally and spiritually.  Wouldn’t it be nice if while waiting for a traffic light we were reminded of this.  Of how we owe each other respect and gratitude for the life we have been given.  Why we are here on earth, and the importance of putting our own ego to rest and uplifting others.

The evening was filled with dance, music and culture.  Near the restaurant a drumming team was playing while a lady celebrated by demonstrating traditional African dance.  What was striking about the drumming team is that it comprised both black and white musicians.  People were on the street walking their dogs.  Neighbors on the “stoop” just sitting and talking about the day, their crappy job, the kids, or maybe just listening to each other.  Taking the time to enjoy a magical evening with a friend.  Although the words might not be said, just the act of listening says everything about how much you care about the other person.  We demonstrate our love for each other by opening our ears expanding our mind and shutting our mouth.  Much like meditation,  listening is a skill we should all develop.  Turn off our own thoughts which swarm the brain with judgment and bias.  Focus on the words being said to us and understand the meaning behind them.  Feel the other person’s emotion.  Love them for who they are.  Listen carefully to the intonation and flow of the words.  If there is a slight crack in our friends voice, it might mean that whatever is coming next may be the most important thing they have to say.  It is as if we have a third eye for listening that we all need to find and turn on. Maybe we can call this the third ear.

Listening takes practice.  I notice and absorb the sights and sounds of a bustling Harlem neighborhood.  Above the roar of traffic or the raucous motorcycles doing wheelies on the street, I hear a bird chirping, or a baby crying.  People in the open-air restaurant are talking and laughing.  A couple is having an argument three tables down. Likely about some meaningless and trivial topic saying harsh words they will regret later.  Above droning street noise, if you listen really closely, you can hear the wind rustling in the trees.  Pay close attention and the trees will speak to you echoing the words of laughter, pain, joy and lost love.  Trees remember everything.

Once sound is created it never stops.  It continues throughout the vast atmosphere of planet earth until it hits the stratosphere where space does not allow sound waves to pass.  Instead it is reflected and returned to earth as an echo.  Our words literally come back to us.

Next time you open you mouth and express yourself to another person, be sure the words come from your heart and not your ego.  Because once said, words can never be retracted.  As much we we would like to have one, there is no rewind button on our lips.