If the pace you walk is an “exercise” speed or your legs are quite long? The old trolley station is VERY near where I live. And? If your legs are short, or perhaps you are more of an enjoying-your-stroll type of walker? The station feels a little further away. I find the temperature, selection of clothing I am wearing (at the time) in relationship to the temperature AND the company I am walking with all work together to determine my walking speed. Thirty minutes after you first hop onto the trolley you will find yourself at the other end.
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| Riding on the Trolley… |
I spent some time on a Saturday doing just that. Riding from my side of the Trolley stop to the other side of town. For me? People watching is FASCINATING. My favorite things to see? People, of course! I like watching who comes and goes on the public transport. What are people wearing?
Jeans?
Boots?
Sneakers?
High heeled shoes ready to stumble?
Things that catch my eye? Striking features—eyes, eyebrows, noses, cheeks, hair. Hats.
Hand holding.
Stolen kisses.
Stay-away-from-me behavior.
Men getting up from their seats for women to sit down.
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| A captured smile. |
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| Boots, boots everywhere! |
Watching is good. Taking in information takes time. Often I’m quick to JUMP into the things in front of me. Lately I am trying to slow down. I liken this to just putting on my eye glasses.
Without my glasses I can see up close just fine. I can.
I don’t enjoy wearing glasses very much. (Okay, at all.)
Honestly? Without my glasses, people who are far far away turn into fuzzy objects. The further away they are? The less detail I take in. Signs are can become quite illegible. But, when I put my glasses on I can see far away. I understand the lines on people’s faces and the words on road signs.
When I pause from being so busy doing-Doing-DOING? An opportunity to reflect and process is given. An opportunity to see.
Time is like glasses for me. Sometimes it is difficult for me to slow down. And? I don’t like wearing my glasses. There is resistance…
And? When I slow down, and put my glasses on my face? I am able to pursue understanding with the care I believe it deserves.
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| On the way back a man following the trolley tracks on his bicycle. |
I invite you to reflect on the things in your life that you’re not understanding or that are going by too fast. I believe when we take time? Understanding comes.