Philip, our doorman, told me earlier today that his train was delayed last night, so he didn't get home until 2:15 am. He takes the 1 to 96st, then the 2 or 3 to 14th, then the L to Brooklyn, and then a bus after that. Long way home after a shift that gets done at midnight. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could live where they work?
I started the day with Tae Kwon Do behind Grant's Tomb. It's been awhile since an open field of grass, and open hours of time. A woman asked me about it, said it was a beautiful day, and I agreed. "Gets me out of the apartment, I don't have a dog, " I said pointing to hers. Yes, she said, she very much agreed, seemed to be overwhelmed with gratitude for her companion. I finished my workout, and as I walked home, the bells of Riverside Church were ringing for the end of service.
Later in the day, after sunset, I watched from above, two people on the soccer field in Riverside Park, do some sort of martial art with very sharp hand movements, and a contraction and release of the core. I watched not only the way that they moved but more intently the way that one taught the other, she shadowing him one move of a form at a time, taking breaks, then starting again, and again. Just the two of them. So much love in teaching.
There are many ways to define a community. Even when going solo, there are others watching, listening, and an exchange is happening. We can give simply in our presence. And others are giving to us. Ringing bells to mark our days, sharing their gratitude, their difficulties, allowing us to enter into those or sheltering them from us, practicing their devotion in an open space for all to see and hear. Summer in New York, on a blue sky day.
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