On my walk to the barn yesterday morning I was struck by the sounds of nature; a cacophony of bird calls, crickets and bugs. Everything seemed more alive than the day before. The more I listened, the louder everything sounded. It was like someone turned up the volume, when in fact all I did was tune in.
It occurred to me that when we pay close attention to things that please us, that make us smile, or bring us joy, the impact is greater. The other side of the equation is that when we are bothered by something, give too much attention to it, then it will also deliver emotion, but be draining instead of life affirming.
My meditation today was to be conscious of giving attention to life-affirming moments, and let any that are irritable or irksome pass by.