Appendix B: Listening-SONG (L-SONG): Measuring Listening to the SONG of Life
Rate your level of agreement or disagreement by circling a number between 1 and 6 for each of the statements below that reflect your current (within the last month) beliefs and behavior about listening where:
1 = Very Strong Disagree
2 = Strongly Disagree
3 = Disagree
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly Agree
6 = Very Strongly Agree
Note, for questions 12-15, the “Divine” refers to your highest values, ideals, and beliefs that give meaning and purpose to your life.
| 1. When I think about “listening to myself” during the past month, I have found it challenging to get clarity about my personal needs in life. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 2. I often go most of the day without “checking in” on my emotional state, that is, taking at least a moment of silence to find out how I’m feeling. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 3. I take an intentional break or retreat to be in silence and solitude without media for at least an hour once a week. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 4. I cultivate a sense of mindfulness at least three times a day. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 5. When interacting with strangers during the past month, I generally find it difficult to “focus” on their needs. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 6. I try to connect with what my friends/family are feeling by asking them about their feelings. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 7. I have given “deep empathy” to someone in the past month. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 8. I feel at home in the natural landscapes that I’ve visited this past month. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 9. I make it a habit to spend at least a half hour in nature every day—rain or shine. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 10. I surround myself in my “home” with reminders of nature, such as: flowers, potted plants, shells, open windows, natural light, plants, and images of nature (pictures, photos, posters). | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 11. I listen to plant life (e.g., flowers, plants, and trees). | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 12. I can easily tap into listening to the “Divine” no matter what the circumstance/situation. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 13. I practice prayer and/or meditation for 15 or more minutes daily. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 14. I have a close connection with the “Divine,” which I define in my own terms. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
| 15. I have a strong sense of the presence of the Divine in other people. | 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 |
For reference (not for participants completing L-SONG as part of a research study):
Items 1 – 4 are listening to self
Items 5 – 8 are listening to others
Items 9 – 11 are listening to nature
Items 12 – 15 are listening to the Divine
