Mass transit is an integral part of any modern metropolis. Usually, people stumble from ground level down into the station, only breaking away from their gadgets/newspapers to fiddle for their metro cards, before plugging back into what they were doing and stumbling to the platform.
The metro is seen as a facilitative part of everyday life. It’s part of a process in which you get on, get sped to your destination, and continue with your life in the most efficient manner possible. You’re not expected to notice the guy sitting next to you, let alone strike any form of conversation.
Isn’t it ironic that the closer humanity is pushed together (nothing exemplifies this more than being squished in a tube that goes underground, in which escape is impossible), the more we psychologically distance ourselves from each other? Everyone in the tube is just glaring at one another, only shocked out of our bubble when something really extraordinary happens.
(I once saw a man on the Subway in NYC begging for money saying that God had healed his AIDS, and therefore he wouldn’t do drugs again. Something to that extent)
The next time you are studying on the subway platform, I encourage you to step out of your bubble, and observe the world go by for a few minutes. Don’t let life flash by without experiencing the people and concrete around you.
Filed Under
Other moments in New York
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Espressoing
in New York, United States -
A few more days
in New York, United States -
Goodbye
A final Hi meeting
in New York, United States -
meditation, Creativity
The local neighborhood bar has a quiet time between six and nine. It is a place that specializes in coffee, beer and seasonal menus. There is just enough of each for a satisfying snack and effective buzz. After the time when the laptop lids close and before the social gatherings start -- there is a sort of twilight*. Often this time is a fugitive ground rife with creative inspiration and meditative work -- of the kind that results in personal reward.*twilight may refer to civil, nautical or astronomical variety depending on your social or terrestrial condition
in New York, United States -
Web, development
A man positions his mouse on the edge of his browser window. He clicks, holds and drags the viewport first left then right. The content of a video game promo micro site responds and adapts to the available space. To the man, this is more delightful than the game itself.
in New York, United States -
subway, music
A man laboriously moves his piano down three levels onto the subway platform. Classic vocals and strided chords -- he played so well I swore he was blind. Oblivious to the heat on that August stage, he was most in touch with his audience -- whom he elevated with his music.
in New York, United States -
Feminism
A woman should do exactly as she pleases no matter what a man may think.
in New York, United States -
Travel
As the Dalai Lama once said, "It is a time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room."
in New York, United States -
stars, Grandma, Love
"No one understands me," she said. Her grandmother was silent for a minute. It seemed she was searching for an answer in the star speckled sky. "But no one understands anyone in this world, darling. We are all unique. It is what gives us a sense of wonder."
in New York, United States