Think Like a Walker

Think Like a Walker 
I should clarify. Think like one that walks. I suppose at times it is also important to think like a walker, as in the supportive device, but for my current argument I wish for you to think like one that walks.

I had this epiphany walking out of Grand Central Terminal and onto the bustling streets of NYC yesterday afternoon. As I was exiting the Metro North Railroad, I was preparing for my 30 minute walk to my sister’s apartment. How could I make the most of the next 30 minutes? I fidgeted between my Blackberry (yes I still have one, scroll-ball and all), and my iPod. I could make a few phone calls that would pass the time rather quickly... or send a bunch of text messages, blindly dodging Time Square tourists and fellow text-aholics. Or, I could plug in my headphones, jam to Regina Spektor and numb myself to the inexplicable commotion that is a Manhattan Avenue at any give point of the day.

However, as my fingers toggled between RIM and Apple, I was overcome by a new sensation: the present. And as you begin to wince at the corniness that is about to flash before your eyes, I ask you to bare with me. For whilst corny, this is exactly what I was feeling. And if there was ever a way I could get you to understand the beauty of it, this shall be it. And if there was every a way for you to feel this way too, I bode you well. And so it goes, my sensation, that is:

The air temperature was perfect, as a gentle breeze kissed my ever-so-vacant cheek. The sun was located at a perfect angle in the sky, as fluffy cloudlings danced around it. Two elderly ladies walked side-by-side chattering, which I hopefully envisioned were my sister and I down the road. A young man, held his lady in his arms, as she kissed her prince-charming and awaited her train to another destination in her life.

The buildings were of every color and height, each reflecting a different ray of the sun’s warming light. A tiny pup looks up at me, just before doing his business on the curbside. I smile at a nearby tree-ling that bears a sign “please curb your dog to support NY Trees mission”. Pedestrians snarl angrily at yellow taxis, while yellow taxis beep “on to the next one”. I laugh.

There are dainty ladies in heels. Models. Dancers. There are business men and suited women. Bikers and dog-walkers. Runners and people-watchers. There are cross-dressers. Women with tattooed legs. Men with blue hair. There are wrinkled faces and smilers. There is laughter and there are arguments. There is a guy sitting outside his window on the 3rd floor. A man who winks at me on the street corner. There is a dude in a dress, and another who speaks like a parrot. There is a couple holding hands unaffectionately. There are running children unaware of evils, yet so very aware of life. There are 65% of people with an electronic device in their hand.

Take a moment to realize all that is around you. Open your eyes. Be present.

Why are you walking? I suppose the obvious answer is to reach your destination. How far away is your destination? 30 minutes? Will you walk the same route back? So, an hour a day? About five days a week? 5 hours a week?

Why not enjoy the journey.