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Teva Tip #12 - Listening to Creation and Creator
Believe it or not, you're more likely to hear many animals before you see them. Listening is an extremely useful skill – in nature and
elsewhere.
For example, whether or not you want to see a snake, be sure to listen carefully for its slithering sound. Through forest debris, it's very easy to hear the rustle of leaves. Of course, the rattlesnake will generally, though not always, shake its tail. It sounds like a loud baby rattle! Likewise, it's often possible to hear birds when you cannot see them. And if you hear the leaves making noise overhead, look up and you're likely to see a squirrel.
At night, listening is even more important. It's nearly impossible to see very far in the dark. Of course, if you've spent any time
outdoors in the late evening, then you know it rarely gets "pitch black." Still, sound carries very far in the cool, night air and this can be either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your interests.
If you're looking for nocturnal animals and talk or make noise while you're waiting for them, chances are unlikely you won't see any. They can hear at least as well as we can. On the other hand, if you find a place to sit quietly, you will soon hear the sounds of "the night."
To hear better, cup your hands around your ears to make larger "receiving dishes." We call this making "deer ears" and they can nearly double
your hearing range on cool evenings. Make a list of sounds and see how many you can identify. Listen carefully and you might be surprised at what you hear.
The Shema tells us the same thing when we want to experience our relationship with Creator – "Shema Yisrael, Listen, Israel, Ado—i is our
God, Ado—i is One."
How does one "listen" to God? The same way you listen to God's creations. Find a quiet place to sit and make no noise. Creator speaks in many different ways – thought thoughts and pictures and the sound of the wind blowing against the leaves.
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