How to become a translator
of the language
of moving water:
Be out there, listening,
with ears that hear,
and a feeling of gratitude.
Understand that it cannot
be interpreted using mere words;
but expressed only with
a receptive heart
and a grateful awareness
of your current blessings.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Arkansas River - Buena Vista, Colorado
2. Payette River - Idaho
When we decide to slow down,
to leave the phone at home,
and go outdoors to engage in
intentional listening,
we will be practicing
the concept of yutori.
And we will be rewarded
as we contemplate
our life space,
and express gratitude to God
for our experiences outdoors.
A soft breeze whispering through
the fine needles of White Pine.
Birdsong streaming from
the density of green woods.
The rapids of a mountain stream
rushing over rocks, splashing boulders.
The faint chirp of crickets
on a late summer evening.
Gifts we can give ourselves.
When we decide to listen.
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. White Pine - Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
2. Indigo Bunting - Cannonsburg State Game Area - Kent County - Michigan
3. Taylor River - Gunnison County - Colorado
There is more room to listen
when you choose to go outside.
There's an expansive space to contemplate.
Find your personal place to meditate.
It's easy to calm your own chatter,
to intentionally practice listening.
Ready to receive quiet inspiration.
A gift you can give yourself.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Coronado Island - San Diego, California
2. Estero, Florida
3. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan
Now that you have
escaped the screens and devices,
the crowds and the traffic,
the offensive noise of he world,
you are fully capable
of engaging in
a deep, spiritual activity
of reflective listening.
Mindfully considering
the source of natural sounds.
Respecting the simplicity
of its genesis,
as you listen with reverence
and quiet alertness
to the silence that
precedes and concludes it.
© 2024 Richard Havenga
