Listening Meditation

Claude Lorrain's Landscape with a Piping Shepherd, c. 1629–32

French artist Claude Lorrain absorbed nature by sketching outdoors, studying the changing effects of light and transcribing them in a way that was unique to his time. Here, Claude creates a tranquil atmosphere of a lush landscape in the early morning light where we can almost hear the sounds of nature and of the piping shepherd guarding his flock. 

Take a moment to bring all your awareness to listening. 

• Find a seat outside or by an open window, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. 
• Begin to notice the different sounds around you.
• Notice the loudness, the softness or the rhythm of what you hear. 
• As you listen carefully, what do you notice? 
• We can also practice this same careful listening with others and with ourselves. 
• Take a deep breath in and deep breath out and listen.