Listening is becoming more and more an important aspect of my journey.

Obviously, it’s one of our senses, but don’t we sometimes take it for granted? We think, oh, I’ll always be able to hear clearly. Or, what’s there to hear that I haven’t heard many time before? We think that sense is just included in our head, but there’s something to be learned here.

I often take hikes. They can be along a walking path or in a residential neighborhood. Lately, I’ve been paying close attention to the sounds surrounding me, and here are some thoughts.

Who among us hasn’t jumped into a pile of raked leaves? If not jumped, at least you kicked them, right? Why do we do that? Because it’s darn fun! We toss the leaves about, see the various colors and shapes, and listen to the crunching sound of the dried leaves. Even in my mature years, I can’t resist a pile of leaves — there are somethings one should always do.

A couple of days ago, I was walking and noticed how some folks had cleared their fallen leaves, and others had not. I enjoyed walking through the leaves and kicking them. Then, I noticed the crunch of the leaves. Those leaves have given us the first hints of spring, shared their beautiful green shapes during summer, and now, the gorgeous colors and crunch of fall. As I walked and kicked the leaves, I noticed something very interesting. There seemed to be peace within the leaves.

Post walk, I paid attention to my opening of a bottle of Luccio Chianti. I noticed a number of sounds. First, the pop of the cork. Then, the gurgle of the pouring wine, and finally, the sound of swallowing as I finished my sip of the beverage. I wished the light spicy licorice taste had a sound to it.

At a Veterans Day event, it was arranged to have a group of elementary school students sing to the assembly. As they sang, I watched the faces of the children and focused on their singing. Did it matter if they all hit the right notes? No! What mattered was hearing their voices as they sang the songs. Within those voices, one could find the beauty of music, and the students received a standing ovation at the end of the program. As we used to say in the Navy, that was ah … outstanding!

The memory of that student program helped me enjoy a glass of Chateau Ste Michelle’s apple and oak tasting chardonnay.

While growing up on the farm, we thought crows were a nuisance. They made a lot of noise, and always seemed to be around. Now, I love the cawing of crows. I enjoy their easily identifiable flight patterns and their stark black color. Now, I smile when hearing them caw to each other. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what they are saying about us?

And then there’s the sound of silence.

I seek and welcome silence. I try to find it everywhere. Naturally, it’s easier to notice in some places than others and that’s the challenge. I listen for the sound of silence in nature. Yes, it’s there — especially when we can tune out the noise we humans make. Even in a coffee shop, I find it in the soft murmuring of the patrons. Of course, that’s not real quiet, but there’s comfort to be found in that gentle environment.

Maybe silence is golden because it brings stillness to our otherwise hectic lives. Even with a bit of noise, it can be calming.

As I bring this to a close, I anticipate sipping some Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc tonight. I’ll listen to the wine’s voice with its hint of grapefruit flavor, and simply be quiet.

As you all know, we are heading into a very busy and noisy part of our year. During these frenzied days and weeks, may I suggest we always find a place of silence?

May your days be filled with laughter, joyful conversation and whatever else gives you peace. Just don’t forget to crunch the leaves!