I was in New York City for a week and a half. Exploring new buildings, walking down the streets, looking and observing the atmosphere around me. It was definitely a busy city. Everyone was rushing; walking in a fast pace with coffee in one hand and their cellphone on the other.
I went on a subway to reach Flushing city. I observed that people in the subway automatically switches their focus into music once they enter. Why do I say so? Well, everyone in the subway had one thing in common.
Headphones.
I thought it was a coincidence that 7 out of 10 people in the subway plugged their ears. I thought it was a normal thing. Perhaps a habit. But nope, it wasn't. Day and night, the people that enter would rather listen to music and stare into space.
It seemed like a rude approach when I noticed it. I never understood why they were so hooked to it.
I can’t help but to look at their emotion as they closed their eyes and waited for their stop. It’s rude to stare but hey, I was curious. Curious to know who they’re listening to. Was it a band? A solo artist? Podcasts? The radio?
I wanted to know.
He smiles. She smiles.
He taps his fingers. She taps her fingers.
He bobs his head. She bobs her head.
He lip sings. She lip sings.
They nod.
They listen.
It was a beautiful thing to see. Just by that, I understood more. I knew more.
And you should too.
It was self explanatory. Very, very self explanatory.
I won’t be telling you what it is. But instead, put on your favourite song after reading this, close your eyes and just listen.
Listen.
