Once or twice a week I take the trek to London for my Jivamukti and flamenco classes. I have really come to embrace this tube stop. Each day, including weekends, a quote is shared. Perhaps people are too busy to glance at it, but I look forward to reading what unique thought is shared to the locals by Tube staff. Today I noticed another traveller smiled as she passed by this obscure quote.
As you exit the tube station veering left and turn down a side street,this inspirational phrase lines the sides of a building : Do what you love, Love what you do. I feel compelled to take a photo each time. It’s as if life is a piece of artwork as you watch people pass this sign. Are they doing what they love? Do they love what they do? Am I?
As I re-entered the tube today, a man was playing an ethnic celebratory song. I am not sure what country it was from, but it brought joy to others. A man yelled “Ole’” and offered him a pound as he did a quick snap of the fingers with the music. I had to return to film the musician, as I did a group of three girls strutted their stuff to his song.
Cities can be draining , especially after a long work day and minimal
personal space on public transportation. But there are moments where musicians try to unite people with their gifts, or tube workers try to encourage reflection. We may spend our time thinking these moments are simply moments in between our life occurrences. The space between what matters most. We stick to our own zone, blocking others out through looking at our smart phones, listening to podcasts , or reading the newspaper. Some peopIe even take naps. We avert our eyes. We don’t want to catch a stranger’s gaze. To avoid is the industry standard.
But the older I get , I recognize there is importance in simply noticing. Noticing these moments we take for granted, that we may be “alone” but traveling with strangers. Recent research has stated the number of friends people have is decreasing , as we increase friends on social media. There’s an increase in loneliness .
But there’s potential to connect if we simply are present to the moment and observe what’s happening around us. We can connect as humans, as Londoners , or people who are simply passengers on the same mode of transportation .
My challenge for you is to take notice:
Observe the love of strangers offering up their seats.
Observe fellow passengers looking over another’s shoulder to watch what’s playing on their smart phone.
Observe the incessant spirit and talent musicians have as they play for change
Observe someone struggling with their suitcases up the stairs, and offer help. Wouldn’t you want the same?
In these moments of transition, the space in between, there is power. We can transform drudgery to smiles, and inspiration. We can connect and get energised by the small daily miracles of life. It’s always available to you, all you have to do is look.
It Only Takes A Smile 