Meditations From A Subway Car

"Wonder - is not precisely Knowing." Emily Dickinson

(art by Sophie Blackall)

While in Seoul, I either walked or took the subway. More often than nought, they were crammed pack with people. Most found such cramped travel to be irritating or something to get through to go from one place to another. Overwhelmingly, no matter their age, people were on their smart phones. Connecting to social media, they disconnect from those around them.

I either sat or stood and watched them. Some smiling at what they saw. Some mindlessly swiping through whatever site they were on.

I watch a young woman peel a brown egg and then eat it. Where did she put the shell?

All of these people are filled with love and loneliness, dreams and desires, hopes and heartaches - the longings of each hidden heart. Some so tired that they fall asleep.

Each one of these people is a magnificently complex universe clothed in skin. Rich stories of their own lives, of their ancestors who came before them. All in this one place at this one time. Some sitting right next to or standing right next to another person made of matter searching for meaning to all of this. Sometimes people brush past one another, briefly touching, a small form of contact. Strangers - at least in this moment.

When I wear my Frog and Toad t-shirt, I get a few looks, a few smiles.

The Japanese have a phrase “Ichigo Ichie,” which means “One lifetime, one meeting” or “One moment, one encounter.” It is an approach that emphasizes the uniqueness and preciousness of each encounter, of every moment, being present and mindful to it because it will not be repeated. Each moment fleeting and, because it will not come again, being of great value. If only each and every person on this subway car knew this. I approached each day this way, especially on subways, observing and noticing.