Taken at The Chelsea Hotel
This morning, instead of walking quickly to the train, listening to a podcast, I walked slowly, listening to nothing. While riding the train, instead of reading a book via my glowing iPhone screen, I closed my eyes and listened to music in the dark. Even though I spent years working in music, I've somehow drifted far away from a regular habit of listening to it. Opting instead for reading and listening to podcasts. Mostly.
Listening to music and really focusing on it was really nice. I was able to actually pay attention to what what was being sung in the songs instead of limiting their content to little more than a background soundtrack to whatever else my attention was split towards. Closing my eyes was probably crucial in the experience. Instead of finding a nondescript space to stare at for the length of the train ride, the darkness that came with my closed eyes allowed me to focus much more of my attention on the songs and, in turn, appreciate them.
I'm going to try and keep up this practice. My track record with new habits isn't great, as I'm sure is the case with most people, but I'll give it a shot all the same. The songs I listened to this morning were: 'Don't Take Your Guns to Town' by Johnny Cash 'Same ol River' by Sam Bush 'Rejoicing int he Hands' by Devendra Banhart
Thinking about the concept of moments has taken up a good amount of my time lately. I've been trying to slow myself down and focus on what's around me more. I'm stopping to watch simple moments unfold and I'm appreciating them more than I have in a long time. Probably since I was a child.
Instead of drowning out the sounds of the world around me as I get myself from point A to point B with a podcast or some music, I've let myself listen to what's going on around me. Instead of charging down the sidewalk with blinders on as I head toward the PATH, I've been meandering and stopping when something catches my eye. Kinda like this little guy.
It's been rather nice.
