Now, I don’t go back as far as having the family huddled around the radio in the evening, but I do have memories of my father reading me a story before bedtime. The art of listening, either by a parent, or technology, has been around for ages and although it’s now in a different format, the effect is still the same.

My father would nestle into bed with my sister on one side and me on the other. His deep, yet soothing voice, would wash over us as we winded down from our day. The warmth of our bodies together, the gentle murmuring of his voice- all created a sensation of trust, love, and imagination.

In turn, I read to my own children. We had our favorite books and read with funny voices. One year, their grandfather bought them a set of books with tapes. They would listen for hours to the stories, while they looked at the accompanying picture books. Learning to read on their own wasn’t far off.

So when a friend suggested that I listen to podcasts, I decided to reconnect with the magic of listening once again.  I laid out my yoga mat, set out my Mac Air, and began to listen….

As my body moved into it’s familiar poses, my mind relaxed and was sparked by the unfamiliar story unfolding in my mind. It was the perfect balance. Listening to a story took on a new twist, literally, and I joyfully connected with a stochastic past time.

Radiolab.org, presented by NPR, was mind-blowing. For example, the story of Lauren Boxton who, at ten years old, sent a balloon into the sky with her name on it, only to be found by another ten year old girl is another far off part of England, by the name of Lauren Boxton!  Another story examined the theory of people being able to really change by observing baboon behavior.  Each story was told with interest and discussion. So, roll out your yoga mat, take a stroll through the neighborhood, or cook your evening meal and listen to a story for a change.

http://eventualmillionaire.com/   – interviews extraordinary people

http://fourhourworkweek.com/podcast/   – is business oriented

http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia   –  is amazing!

https://themoth.org/podcast   –  try it!

http://www.accidentalcreative.com    –  funky!

http://www.goodlifeproject.com   –  positive!