The sky was blue, the air fresh and the sun brightening everything up on a wonderful quintessentially English morning. I was walking along the river bank near Worcester Cathedral and it was a delight to see families out early with the children playing quietly or feeding the swans on the river. Also the air was filled with the ringing of the bells from the Cathedral. Apparently the bells are one of the best ‘rings’ in the world. A sound so familiar. A sound so stirring. A sound that I have heard so many times. Sadly, so often the pace of life means we do not stop the mental ‘noise’ that blocks out the splendid skill of the bell ringers and the majesty of the bells themselves. The ringers stopped and then started again with a new peal – it was wonderful to enjoy the sound, in such a perfect setting, on such a glorious day. They did this three times and each different peal certainly lifted my spirits.
It got me thinking about the bells of Birmingham Cathedral I had heard only a few weeks before. This time it was in the early evening and I was taking the time to stroll through the city and enjoy the very pleasant feeling of being well ahead of time for once and so I was able to enjoy the moment. I was on my way to an award ceremony and speeches for Chartered Managers – I feel privileged to one of the thousand or so who are so qualified across the world and I knew an interesting evening lay in store. After a hectic day it was good to feel relaxed and open to the evening ahead, rather than stressed and tired like so many people end their working day.
It got me thinking that in the fast pace of daily life….. How often do we fail to hear what is going on around us? How often do we fail to hear what people say? How often do we make decisions based on what we think someone has said, when in reality we have failed to really listened at all? The double edge to these questions is that we can be equally deaf at work and at home.
So how would you answer the questions? I know how I should answer them. And with that thought humbly ringing in my ears I will aim to try to listen more often. Will you?
My good wishes,
Peter
