~I Listen~ I Listen to the trees, and they say: "Stand tall and yield. Be tolerant and flexible. Be true to yourself. Stand alone, and stand together. Be brave. Be patient. With time, you will grow." I Listen to the wind, and it says: "Breathe. Take care of yourself -- body, mind, and spirit. Take time. Be quiet. Listen from your heart. Forgive." I Listen to the sun, and it says: "Nurture others. Let your warmth radiate for others to feel. Give yourself without expectations." I Listen to the creek, and it says: "Relax; go with the flow. Tend to what's really important, and let the rest go by. Keep moving -- don't be hesitant or afraid. Lighten up -- laugh, giggle." I Listen to the mountains, and they say: "Be there. Be honest. Be trustworthy. Do what you say you're going to do. Be true, genuine, and real. Speak from the heart. Don't cheat." I Listen to the birds, and they say: "Set yourself free. Sing." I Listen to the clouds, and they say: "Be creative. Be expressive. Let your spirit run free. Let yourself be light and gay, but let yourself be heavy and sad. Cry when you feel like it." I Listen to the sky, and it says: "Open up. Let go of the boundaries and barriers which you have created to protect yourself. Experience change. Fly." I Listen to the flowers and small plants, and they say: "Be humble. Be simple. Respect the beauty of small things. Respect the beauty of humility and truth. Let go of perfectionism. Love yourself as you are; it opens the door to change. Practice acceptance." I Listen to the bugs and flying insects, and they say: "Work. Be productive. Use your hands. Focus on what's in front of you. Ignore the past; there is only the present." I Listen to the moon, and it says: "Love. Share love. Make love. Be romantic -- touch and caress. Allow yourself to be loved. Be gentle, kind, and understanding. Use candles." I Listen to the stars, and they wink and say: "Play. Dance, be silly, have fun." I Listen to the earth, and it says: "I am your mother. I give you life. Respect all that is around you. Find beauty in all things -- living and not -- including yourself; for we are all one -- not separate. Be especially respectful to the very young and the very old, for they are both very near God. Give up the belief that you are a higher form of life; there is no higher form of life. We are equal because we are the same. When you return to me, I will welcome you, and I will set your spirit free. Love and nurture your children; cook good food for them, and hold them very close to you often. Hold me close to you often as well, and I will hold you in return; I will support you. Have faith.  ~Dr. Charles Roper~