As we left church and headed to our car, Stephen told me that during the service he had had an epiphany. It involved the young family that had sat behind us. As her kind parents tried to hush her exuberance their determined toddler babbled loudly. Stephen, sensitive to high-pitched noises, grew increasingly bothered. "My discomfort was rising, when suddenly I heard a voice say, "Be glad you can hear her." Realizing that she was only a child he turned and smiled at her. She smiled back. He no longer felt annoyed.

I too had experienced something wonderful. For the service that day members of the congregation had volunteered to perform. We read our poetry, played musical instruments, led a meditation and contributed our thoughts to a Creative Day service. When it was my turn I walked to the microphone and began. As I strummed and sang I observed how I was feeling and "listened" to the energy.

I felt less than calm. There was a slight catch in my voice. My fingers seemed to me to be unsteady. I stumbled on some of the chords. Knowing that I was probably the only person who would notice this, I ignored the inner feelings of self-criticism, steadied myself and continued. I looked out at the familiar smiling faces and my heart felt glad. The erratic energy dissipated. I sang on joyfully.

If he had persisted in his feelings instead of listening to that voice, Stephen would have missed his epiphany. If rather than transcending them I had allowed myself to be influenced by negative feelings, my song might have turned out quite differently. Instead I soared into a final note often difficult for me to reach easily and comfortably. As I concluded and heard the applause I felt a sense of gladness and appreciation for the opportunity to give of myself and at the same time to receive.

May you learn to listen to yourself and may you benefit from what you hear.

©  Tasha Halpert
Used with permission

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Midi playing ~ "My Reflection In Your Eyes"
composed and © Bruce DeBoer
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© 2007 Adelle North

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