Would you stop to listen?
The Setting: In Washington, a Railway Station, a cold January morning, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
He finished playing and silence took over. Of all the people walking through the station that day, very few people stopped to notice. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
The Experiment: Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by Gene Weingarten of the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . .
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
An excerpt from mountainwings.com
A Nurturing Family
"Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family." Virginnia Satir
1. Appreciating Individual Differences
In a nurturing family, each person is valued for who they are — not who others expect them to be. Differences in personality, opinion, or life path are seen as strengths rather than sources of conflict. When family members can be themselves without fear of criticism or rejection, they develop a stronger sense of self-worth and belonging.
2. Tolerating Mistakes
No one gets it right all the time. In fact, mistakes are often how we learn compassion, humility, and resilience. Families that can forgive, reflect, and move forward together create an emotional safety net. This tolerance helps children and adults alike develop confidence and self-acceptance, knowing they don’t have to be perfect to be loved.
3. Keeping Communication Open
Open communication is the heartbeat of a nurturing family. It means being able to express needs and feelings honestly, listen with empathy, and respond without judgment. When everyone feels heard, it strengthens trust and reduces misunderstandings. This kind of communication invites deeper emotional intimacy and connection.
4. Allowing Rules to Be Flexible
Every family needs structure, but rigidity can stifle growth. Flexible rules — ones that adapt as children mature and circumstances change — encourage responsibility, creativity, and cooperation. It’s about balancing guidance with freedom, and understanding that love doesn’t depend on strict adherence to rules.
Creating a Nurturing Environment
Building a nurturing family doesn’t happen overnight; it’s an ongoing process of awareness and intentional care. It begins with each member’s willingness to grow, to listen, and to love — even when it’s hard.
As Satir reminds us, feelings of worth don’t grow in perfection, but in understanding. When we create space for appreciation, forgiveness, openness, and adaptability, we give each other the freedom to thrive.
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Harbouring hate and resentment
"A Rattlesnake, if Cornered will become so angry it will bite itself. That is exactly what the harboring of hate and resentment against others is - a biting of oneself. We think we are harming others in holding these spites and hates, but the deeper harm is to ourselves." E. Stanley Jones
Hope can be given...
“Just as despair can come to one another only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.” – Elie Wiesel
Never underestimate the power of kindness... a kind word, a smile, helping someone push a heavy trolley to their car... all these little things can turn someone else's world from despair to hope - and you have that power.
Never underestimate the power of kindness... a kind word, a smile, helping someone push a heavy trolley to their car... all these little things can turn someone else's world from despair to hope - and you have that power.
Look in your heart and see the truth
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth, you are weeping for that, which has been your delight. Kahlil Gibran
Take time to breathe today
Sounds silly doesn't it, take time to breathe today, after all we are all breathing all the time... But if you will just stop what you are doing, just for a minute or two, and give yourself some time alone - and focus on your breath, breath in and breath out... you will start to feel the benefit of relaxation. Let your thoughts drift, simply bring your awareness to your breath in and then your breath out, then keep focussed only on your breath for a minute or two, or 20 if you can.
If there is somewhere in nature you love to go to - picture this place in your mind, or have an image of nature you like to gaze at, and bring your awareness to your breath.
The image above is from modresdes.blogspot.com
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