PRE-EMPTIVE LISTENING

Listening has an immediacy which the other senses don't have. This is because sounds are sometimes very sudden and over in a split second. Smells and sights usually last at least a few seconds.

Listening panoramically is related to how we normally listen; it's far easier than panoramic vision.

Listen actively for short sudden warning signs, such as bangs, cries, or barks; even quiet sounds, like a twig snapping, are important.

In its most sensitive form, panoramic listening is an active receptive presence, it is pre-emptive listening, always ready and waiting, a second before things happen.

Being alert to changes and movements in the immediate environment is vital to any animal's survival. And especially these days with the cacophony of machines, it is necessary for animals to listen-out.

It depends on where you are and what sort of background noises there are, but i often listen-out for dogs and children; at night for hedgehogs and owls. I don't often hear them; that's irrelevant, listening-out for them is the vital part.

Listening-out for specific signals is a helpful step, but it inevitably limits a full panoramic awareness; so always check for any, especially quiet, or distant surprises. Listen-out for things which aren't there yet, but might happen anytime.

There is no better, more direct, or readily available way than listening-out to stop thinking, or at least slow the thoughts down for a few seconds and enjoy a moments inner peace.

If we empathise with animals' way of listening, we can't think. If we start thinking, we are not able to listen out for sudden sounds.

Panoramic listening requires and stimulates nowness like no other sense.

The Priority Pages continue with The Magic Terrace
Chapter One continues with Breathing, Smelling, and Tasting

Back to Chapter One : The Animal Teachings
Back to THE SENSE OF IT ALL Priority Pages