One of the ways I use Recording and Listening is to create what I call “Audio Love Lists,” which are ongoing recordings with lists of things I love and appreciate about people in my life.

Each person I love gets his or her own track within my “Love List” folder on my recorder. I record when people do something helpful for me — like when my son fixed a technology problem yesterday. I record when people send me gifts — such as how my mom always mails me books she’s enjoyed reading. I record after I’ve had a wonderful conversation with someone, when I’ve done something memorable with someone, or when a happy memory pops into my mind.

I also record portions of loving letters, texts, or voice mail people send me. Sometimes when I am in person with someone and we’re laughing about something, I capture a moment of that laughter or a bit of that person’s voice on the recorder.

Some of my “Love List” Recordings span way back to several years ago. When I listen to these recordings, it is so much fun to be reminded of kind things someone did or funny things they said. It’s like their spirit comes to life through all the recordings specifically about who they are.

If I am having a difficult time with someone or feel angry about something, I make it a point to sit in a quiet place and listen intently to the recordings of love I’ve made about this person. Inevitably, that “best of” compilation puts everything in perspective and helps me align with the love I have rather than the conditioned identity I was caught within.

I know conditioning would rather I forget all about the deep well of connection, appreciation, and memories I have with people in my life. But these specific kinds of recordings are a wonderful tool to strengthen relationships and to remind me of how much love is in my life.

Oh, and — not only are they so much fun to make and listen to, they are also so joyful to share as gifts for the people I love. Can you imagine how great it would feel to know that someone has been keeping a secret dossier on all the wonderful things you do, say, and are?! (Speaking of which, how about creating an Audio Love List for yourself!)

Try it. I’ll bet you find, like I did, that making these Love Lists and listening to them moves us into being in the process of love and appreciation for all, not just the people in our lives.

Gassho

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