December 3: Day 156

STONE TEN CONTINUED
 
Harmonize: I look for the harmony in all spiritual belief systems and seek to add my voice to the music of the Earth. I seek peace with myself and with all people.

Instruction: Listen to the music of the earth.

The earth has music and a rhythm that will resonate if we take the time to listen. From the birds fluttering in the air, to the gentle breeze that tickles the leaves, to the sounds of water as it makes its way to the ocean, the earth has a harmony and a rhythm that comforts us and brings us peace. At other times, the music is loud, crashing down in seemingly angry chords that demand our attention. Not only does nature provide music for the earth, but man has also created sounds that add to the music of the planet. Often these sounds, like the angry tunes of danger, blare at us to get our attention and seem out of tune and rhythm, but at other times, the sounds comfort us and bring us peace. A mother holding a newborn infant has a sound so beautiful it escapes the ear and must be heard with the heart. Rush hour traffic often sounds more like the tuning up of an orchestra and not harmonic at all, but those who understand the nature of the universe understand that even seemingly discordant sounds have a place.

If we want to hear the hidden harmonies of the earth, we must take time to listen. Our thoughts try to interpret this process by distracting us with the events of the day that await us, or with events that are behind us, or events yet to come, but even our thoughts can add to the music. We don’t have to interpret our thoughts as interruptions but as notes of a song yet unknown, perhaps yet unheard, but certainly a song that will play out if we will simply allow it. Sometimes we separate religion from spirituality, and that can be beneficial in many ways, but if we look for ways for these two concepts to work together in harmony, we can discover that both have a harmony that can add to the beauty of our journey as we play out the music that is with us through all of the experiences of life — good or bad, and happy or sad. When we trust the music and the universe, it is a step in the direction of trusting one another, of honoring our collective journeys, and of seeing that life will be whole when we add our voice with loving acceptance of all that is.

Look for ways to find the beauty of the universe today. Even in the midst of chaos and strife, if we listen attentively, we may find the rhythm of life, the sound of peace, and the cadence of love.