Like millions of other Americans living in large metropolitan areas, I take the train into work. It is an easy, eco-friendly mode of transportation and, frankly, beats the heck out of sitting in traffic for hours every day.
Every day, each of us pour into and out of the train packed with hundreds of other commuters. We stand together on the platform, heads down, eyes buried in our smart phones. We pile into the train and sit together typing furiously on our PCs, heads in our iPads or Kindles. Out of the train, we walk together in a mass pack of people through the city streets toward our offices, client meetings, and work places heads filled with music streaming through the ear buds stuck into our ears. It is public transportation in 2013...and it is like this in every western country I have been to.
A few days ago, I was standing on the platform waiting on the train, ear buds stuck in my ears, head buried in my iPhone. For some reason, I can't remember exactly why, I looked up. As I raised my head I noticed something. The trees were full of leaves ... when did that happen? Ok, it is May, but I guess I hadn't really noticed the spring pass into summer.
I took out my ear buds and put down my iPhone. The city was full of life. Birds were singing, trees were full and swaying in the breeze. The stones on the outside of the buildings glistened in the morning light. Two older people waiting for the train were discussing grandchildren. The sun felt warm and calming on my face. I took a deep breath of summer, sun and happiness.
Mindfulness. It is something that I decided to focus on in 2013 (some would call this a New Year’s resolution...I refuse). I read up on it ... I even subscribed to a new magazine called …wait for it … "Mindfulness". Yet, I had completely missed this transition of winter to summer ... even though I had been outside in this very spot every week for the last 6 months. I guess I haven't been doing a very good job.
Since that moment, I must admit still migrating with the masses, ear buds in, iPhone in hand. But I am trying to look up more often - notice the people around me, look at the trees, buildings, rivers, birds, the list goes on.
Next week I am going to put that iPhone down. I am going to leave the ear buds out. I am going to look up at the trees and listen to the birds. I am going to smile at my neighbor even if they think I am crazy. Do you think I can do it? Will you join me?
