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“It’s not the hearing that improves life, but the listening.”
- Milhaly Csikszentmihalyi (1934 - ), Hungarian-American psychologist
In the probable winter of my life, I think I’ve finally learned some things. I admit to being a slow learner. But, as the adage goes, “Better late than never.”
Some things may talk to us, but we often don’t hear because we’re not listening. And who would blame us? They’re not things we ordinarily associate with talking.
Our figurative transceiver may not be tuned to the right frequency. Or the S/N (signal to noise) ratio is too weak. Or maybe it’s not even on.
I’ll mention just a couple things: your car/vehicle and your body.
The former you can change, and often do. So it’s not as important, but it’s still important. A smooth-running vehicle and reliable transportation contribute to your sense of well-being and, if you drive, is part of a well-ordered life.
Recently, my eldest sister, in her mid 80s, contacted me with a question about her car battery. She is in pretty good health despite having had both hips replaced and wearing hearing aids. She drives a 2015 Toyota Camry with about 18k miles on it. She loves the car, which affords her mobility. Living in a senior assisted facility, this assumes some importance.
5 years ago, in a town near where she lives, someone driving perpendicular to her at an intersection ran a red light and smashed into her car, totaling it. With good…
