The Call of the Loons - Communicating from the Heart

The Call of the Loons - Communicating from the Heart

I've just returned from three glorious days at our family's small island cottage.  The weather was perfect and each day greeted me with vibrant sunrises, blue skies and magical sunsets. As a heavy rain poured down late one evening, I could almost hear the trees laugh as they were refreshed, once more. With every visit, I am compelled to savor the richness and magnificence of nature and I remain both humbled and inspired.

I am so grateful to my grandmother and my parents, for gifting us with their love and the joy this place brings to us all.  Here, there is no electricity, cell phone or internet access  - everything runs on propane, simplicity and serendipity. The only important calls you receive are the ones most Northern Canadian cottagers yearn to hear - the ethereal, magical and haunting call of the loon.

As I hear their calls, I am inspired to be still, to listen carefully and to take each one in. They seem to connect with the very depth of my soul and once heard, they are never forgotten.  Why is that, I thought? Intrigued to learn more, upon my return I did some research and learned that there are four distinct calls which vary both in length and depth.  The most common one heard - is a tremelo - a wavering call that is to indicate alarm or to announce it's presence at the lake.  The next is a yodel which is the male loon’s territorial claim. The wail is the haunting call that loons give back and forth to figure out each other’s location. And finally, hoots which are soft, short calls given to keep in contact with their mates and between parents and their chicks. (Source:1)

Fascinating stuff, I thought!  Upon reflection, I know now why I hear them so clearly: this kind of communication is deeply lacking amongst human beings today.  Each of their calls allow them to connect with each other in a deep and meaningful way. They know what they want to say in each situation and they do so, clearly, distinctively and concisely.  And perhaps, most importantly, they communicate from the heart with care, concern and love for one another.  

So perhaps we would be wise to take a page from their book and apply some of the lessons I've learned from the loons:

1.  Be clear and concise in your communication with others
2.  Speak from the heart - it strengthens all connections
3.  Listen clearly to what the other person is saying - you will improve the outcome
4.  Be aware of your volume, speed and tone - you will build rapport and be heard
5.  Listen more than you speak - there is no communication without it
6.  Give a hoot from time time - we need to stay in touch with one another
7.  Hearing the sound of someone's voice strengthens relationships - make the call
8.  Master your vocal image - your voice is part of your brand and your signature
9.  Unlike loons, humans feel the impact of words spoken - choose them wisely
10.Communicate with compassion and respect - it's part of human nature!

And lastly, be authentic and true to who you are.  Otherwise, sooner or later, others will call you on it!  
Source: 1:  http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/common_loon/sounds


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