Look up. Maybe you’ll see the clouds drifting quickly between the concrete skyscrapers. Look down and you’ll probably see the thousands of feet walking right next to yours as you scramble to make the street crossing before the countdown hits zero. The city is unlike anywhere else, you can be everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.
My favorite thing about the city is how small I feel. So insignificant yet so grounded, like no matter how windy it is or how many people walk by, I won’t float away because she’s got me. The city. So grandiose, always showing off and always bragging with her loud voice. The millions of cars honking, some with drivers and to my surprise, some without. The huge double decker busses rumbling down the one ways, overflowing with people from all corners of the world. I can hear the live music from the café on the corner, playing unapologetically while patrons are chit chatting about their plan for the day as they order their eggs and benedict.
I can feel the big ideas and limitless possibilities bounce between people as I walk down the sidewalk. We’re shoulder to shoulder, but it’s allowed. There’s an unspoken understanding between city folk, almost like a grand family gathering where we’re all excited to be there so we accept the fact that we’ll be close to one another. I can feel the heat too, coming from the kitchen of the sushi restaurant as I walk by the open door. Or perhaps it’s coming from the steam that’s pouring out of the manhole I just tripped over. Either way, she’s alive. The city is alive and moving, breathing loudly for all to hear.
There’s something new to see with every glance, like my brain is capturing a picture each time I blink or look in a new direction. Over there I see an older woman carrying all her bags as she boards the downtown bus. Turning the opposite way I see two men chatting over afternoon coffee, they seem to be strangers but find commonality in their endeavor to find caffeine. Behind me are tall trees trying to compete with the urban jungle around them but it’s nice to have some green in the mix to break up the concrete. Observing the city makes me feel alive, it’s like being part of a living organism that needs each part of itself to thrive. The city makes me feel valued.
For many, the city is too much, too busy or too overwhelming. I understand this, as there is often a darker side to our favorite things. People can lose themselves in a sea of people and feel alone or invisible. The city can swallow you whole if you don’t learn how she operates. You might find yourself deafened by how loud it is all the time, or beaten down by everyone else’s heavy footsteps as they march in the same patterns day in and day out.
Yet, I find magic in this place. The buzz of people as they create their path forward. I think the city is the best place to do it because although your cup might be too full, it will never be empty here. There will always be a place at the table– the chaotic, beautiful, diverse, smelly, happy, full table. So, if you haven’t had the opportunity to breathe in the smoke or the smog of a glorious city metro, this is my challenge to you friends. Next time the chance comes around, explore your city, or any city for that matter. Take note of the bookshops, cafes, cocktail bars, mom n’ pop shops, museums and music. The energy of it all may surprise you and who knows, you might actually like it.
“I think I can see my dreams up there”
CoffeeShopVibes 