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Peace of Mind Post July 2025 Not All Voices Speak Out Loud Are You Listening Anyway?
Have you ever paused and truly listened, not just with your ears but your mind, heart, and whole body? If not, July 18 might be the perfect day to start. That’s because it’s World Listening Day, an annual global celebration dedicated to the art and act of listening. While it may sound like just another fun or quirky day on the calendar, it’s a great reminder of how important listening — truly listening — really is. I’ve always had a natural inclination to listen closely, but I’ve worked on it deliberately throughout my career. As an estate planning attorney, I know how critical good listening is, not only to understand the law, but to understand people. And the more life experience I gain, the more I realize that listening isn’t one-dimensional. It’s not just about words; there are layers, subtleties, and so many voices worth tuning into.
When it comes to my work, it’s important that I hear what’s not being said. It’s about reading between the lines, catching emotional cues, understanding unspoken concerns, and knowing when silence says more than words ever could. Whether I’m meeting with a client or collaborating with colleagues, listening with intention allows me to build trust, catch critical details, and advocate more effectively. About a month ago, I had the chance to attend a performance by Yo-Yo Ma with the Pittsburgh Symphony. I almost talked myself out of going, but I’m so glad I didn’t. It was an incredible evening, and not just because of the music. During the performance, Yo-Yo Ma shared the story of composer Antonín Dvořák, who once taught at the New York Conservatory. What struck me was how Dvořák urged his students to listen to other voices, the voices of Native Americans, immigrants, and people from all walks of life. He believed that by listening, these young composers could enrich their work and ultimately shape the future of American music. That message stayed with me because even though I’m not a composer, listening to people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is just as relevant in my profession and life. But not all communication is verbal. One of the most profound examples I’ve experienced comes from my time with horses. They don’t talk to us, but they do communicate. It’s our responsibility to listen and observe their behavior, energy, and cues. That lesson applies to people, too. I’ve worked with individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and autism, and I’ve seen firsthand how verbal communication can fade, but that doesn’t mean they stop communicating. We just have to listen in different ways. So, on World Listening Day, I’m reminded of just how powerful a quiet moment can be. Listening is more than just a professional skill; it’s a way of life, a path to understanding, and, in many cases, a bridge that connects us in ways that speaking never could.
Lucy (mom) and Sprout (baby) communicating without words.
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When a Colorado wildfire threatened one of Lockheed Martin’s plants last summer, the big defense contractor decided they needed better fire protection measures. So, the company called in an unlikely emergency workforce — a battalion of 1,200 grazing goats. Lockheed contracted Goat Green, a local Colorado company, to put its herd of hungry Cashmere goats to work clearing 98 acres of wilderness terrain near the company’s worksite, which includes a $350 million satellite-manufacturing facility. The terrain is too steep and hazardous for machine clearing or human crews, but it posed little challenge to the goats. Their mission: to eliminate fuel for future fires and clear paths for firefighters, if needed. The goats could mow down an acre of land dense with plants and underbrush in a day, eliminating invasive vegetation and reducing the terrain to a nearly level, trimmed surface. The goats’ work also prevents overgrowth near powerlines, where fires often start. Lockheed embraced this unusual fire-protection strategy after last year’s 580-acre Quarry Fire came within a mile of the company’s Waterton aerospace facility near Littleton. Five firefighters were injured battling the blaze, which forced the evacuation of 600 homes and put thousands of Colorado residents on edge. Goat Green has contracted with parks, government agencies, municipalities, farms, ranches, and private land owners across 15 states to provide low-tech clearing services. The company’s workforce consists of 1,500 Cashmere goats native to the Himalayas and comfortable in cold, dry temperatures. Unlike most domestic goats destined for the slaughterhouse early in life, Goat Green’s employees work for about 12 years for as many as 265 days a year. Kids are born on the worksites and learn to eat a wide range of weeds and forage as adolescents. These goats even have a retirement plan: After losing their teeth, they live out their final days in peace on a ranch. After a dozen wildfires in the last 10 years in the Littleton area, residents are bracing for another wildfire season. The area is a little bit safer this year, however, thanks to the goats. As one regional fire-protection official said on Facebook, “These goats are a wonderful partner to us.” Hooved Helpers Ward Off Wildfires GOATS ON THE JOB IN COLORADO
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Creating a kitchen space that supports individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia requires safety precautions and thoughtful design that promotes independence and familiarity. During a recent visit to the renowned dementia village in Amsterdam, I witnessed firsthand how reimagined living environments can empower those with memory loss to maintain daily routines, including meal preparation, in a meaningful way. Here’s how to design a memory-friendly kitchen that encourages activity and well-being.
Puzzle Time!
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MEETS COMFORT sign Tips for Those Living With Dementia
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Labeling drawers and cupboards with words or images is also helpful. Store frequently used items within easy reach, and remove clutter to avoid overwhelming stimuli. Safe but Functional Layout Safety remains a top priority, but that doesn’t mean the kitchen must be off-limits. Install appliance locks, use induction cooktops (which don’t get as hot), and keep sharp tools in secure but accessible locations if needed. Non-slip flooring, rounded counter edges, and clearly defined walkways further reduce risk while maintaining independence. Calming Design Elements Choose warm, homey lighting and avoid harsh contrasts in flooring or countertops, which can cause disorientation. Consistent, soft color palettes support a sense of calm and familiarity, along with simple decorations to avoid distractions.
JULY IS YOUR REMINDER TO CARE FOR YOURSELF Caring for Someone With Dementia? July is recognized as Self-Care Month, and for caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, this reminder is vital. Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be one of the most meaningful and loving acts a person can offer, but it can also be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. As a caregiver, it’s easy to hyperfocus on your loved one’s needs and forget to care for yourself. But here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Think about the safety message you hear whenever you get on an airplane. If the oxygen masks drop, you’re told to put your own mask on first before helping others. The same is true for caregivers. If you’re not breathing, you can’t help anyone else breathe. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Without it, burnout creeps in, patience wears thin, and even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. And while the person you’re caring for may not be able to say it, they need you to be healthy, steady, and well-supported. So, what does self-care look like in the midst of caregiving? It doesn’t have to be spa days or long vacations (though if you can, go for it!). It can be small, intentional moments like taking a quiet walk around the block, listening to music that lifts your mood, calling a friend just to chat, journaling or praying for a few minutes a day, getting enough rest whenever possible, and, most of all, asking for and accepting help. It also means giving yourself grace. You won’t do everything perfectly. You might lose your temper or feel overwhelmed, and that’s okay; you’re human. Self-care is about recognizing your limits and honoring your own needs, too. This month, take the opportunity to reflect on how you’re doing and what you need to feel a little more balanced and whole. When you care for yourself, you’re not just doing it for yourself; you’re doing it for the person you care about, too.
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
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Listening Beyond Words
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Company Enlists Goats to Reduce Risk of Wildfires Creating a Dementia-Friendly Kitchen Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Caregivers, Take the Pause You Deserve
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The Surprising Ways Plants Support Each Other Nature’s Hidden Network
How Plants Talk to Each Other Underground
You probably don’t think of plants as chatty, but they have a lot going on underground. Scientists have discovered that thin fungus threads in the soil connect many plants — nature’s version of the internet. These threads help plants share nutrients and even send messages to one another. The fungi grow around and between plant roots, building a bridge from one plant to the next. If one plant gets sick or bug-bitten, it can send a warning. Neighboring plants “hear” that signal and might boost their defenses. It’s somewhat like a heads-up before a storm. It’s not just gossip, either. These fungal helpers also help shuffle nutrients around, especially from bigger, well-fed plants to smaller, struggling ones. In return, the fungi get sugars and energy from the plants. It’s a win-win. This hidden teamwork has real-world effects. Farmers and gardeners who know about these underground networks can change how they treat their soil. If the fungi are wiped out — say, by chemicals or heavy digging — plants lose their lifeline. But if the networks stay intact, crops tend to grow better and fight off threats more easily.
This is still a growing field of research, but it’s changing how we see plant life. If you want to dig a little deeper, check out a recent book, “The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth” by Zoë Schlanger. What looks like a quiet patch of greenery might be a neighborhood full of chatter. You just have to know where to look.
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