Listen

I Listen to the trees, and they say:

"Stand tall and yield.

Be tolerant and flexible.

Be true to yourself.

Stand alone, and stand together.

Be brave.

Be patient.

With time, you will grow."

I Listen to the wind, and it says:

"Breathe.

Take care of yourself - body, mind, and spirit.

Take time.

Be quiet.

Listen from your heart.

Forgive."

I Listen to the sun, and it says:

"Nurture others.

Let your warmth radiate for others to feel.

Give yourself without expectations."

I Listen to the creek, and it says:

"Relax; go with the flow.

Tend to what's really important, and let the rest go by.

Keep moving - don't be hesitant or afraid.

Lighten up - laugh, giggle."

I Listen to the mountains, and they say:

"Be there.

Be honest.

Be trustworthy.

Do what you say you're going to do.

Be true, genuine, and real.

Speak from the heart.

Don't cheat."

I Listen to the birds, and they say:

"Set yourself free.

Sing."

I Listen to the clouds, and they say:

"Be creative.

Be expressive.

Let your spirit run free.

Let yourself be light and gay, but let yourself be heavy and sad.

Cry when you feel like it."

I Listen to the sky, and it says:

"Open up.

Let go of the boundaries and barriers which you have created to protect yourself.

Experience change.

Fly."

I Listen to the flowers and small plants, and they say:

"Be humble.

Be simple.

Respect the beauty of small things.

Respect the beauty of humility and truth.

Let go of perfectionism.

Love yourself as you are; it opens the door to change.

Practice acceptance."

I Listen to the bugs and flying insects, and they say:

"Work.

Be productive.

Use your hands.

Focus on what's in front of you.

Ignore the past; there is only the present."

I Listen to the moon, and it says:

"Love.

Share love.

Make love.

Be romantic -- touch and caress.

Allow yourself to be loved.

Be gentle, kind, and understanding.

Use candles."

I Listen to the stars, and they wink and say:

"Play.

Dance, be silly, have fun."

I Listen to the earth, and it says:

"I am your mother.

I give you life.

Respect all that is around you.

Find beauty in all things - living and not - including yourself; for we are all one - not separate.

Be especially respectful to the very young and the very old, for they are both very near God.

Give up the belief that you are a higher form of life; there is no higher form of life.

We are equal because we are the same.

When you return to me, I will welcome you, and I will set your spirit free.

Love and nurture your children; cook good food for them, and hold them very close to you often.

Hold me close to you often as well, and I will hold you in return; I will support you.

Have faith."

- Dr. Charles Roper -