Hawk Talker

​My piano teacher said, “Music communicates in many ways. What if you composed a melody where your music goes down the scale from higher to lower notes? In most of your songs, melodies ascend.”
 
How could I do this? That evening I struggled to compose a descending melody. Without a point of reference, or awareness of an example, it’s difficult to create new music.
 
This morning I heard a descending melody on the radio. I never heard the descending melody in the song until my piano teacher asked her question. When we pause and pay attention to what we experience, we raise our awareness in the present moment. If we increase awareness in one part of life, we elevate attention in other parts as well. 

---

The next day I met a client to discuss his business brand. We focused on potential customers and how Ben could increase sales. He observed, “It seems like every time I meet a potential customer on her terms, I gain a new customer. Like, if I listen deeply to her concerns, I increase my awareness of what she truly wants. If speak to her real issues, I make a connection, and close a sale.”
 
On my way home, I reflected on Ben’s insight. A descending melody played in the background. As I listened I felt awareness of the music move down and out of my body, opening me to new experiences in the world. Upon arrival, I got out of the car and walked up the path. A hawk flew across my way and perched on a tree limb twenty feet ahead. I paused and looked at her.
 
“Owah,” hawk greeted.
 
I had never heard a hawk utter this sound. Intrigued, I continued to walk toward her and responded, “Yeah.”
 
“Owah,” she replied.
 
We continued our conversation, “Yeah,”
 
“Owah,”
 
“Yeah,”
 
“Owah,”
 
“Yeah,” until I stood directly beneath her.  Hawk turned her head, gazed at me, and flew away. I entered our home to find Suzan and share my realization, “I am Hawk Talker!”

If this essay is meaningful, please like or tweet below or leave a comment. Thank you for your interest and possible action you may take.

Richard Wilberg, MS, PLCC, ACC 
Life Coach for Personal Fulfillment and Career Success