As I listened to a radio news broadcast, I noticed the sound of the host inhaling between sentences. Then, I began to listen for it. And I could hear it in the reporters and interviewees too.

Sometimes the inhale was sharp. Other times it was drawn out. Plenty of times it was imperceptible.

Our ear naturally filters these sounds. But surely, before we speak, the inhale occurs. Most of the time, it’s likely audible but ignored.

Soon enough, I realized that I was listening for the breath and missing the content of the newscast.

When we toggle between these modes, it can be fun. Focusing on the subject and filtering the background, then focusing on the background and filtering the subject.

Surely, there are infinite layers to explore. Most of it, most of the time, goes completely unnoticed.