Change of Pace

Slow it down.

• Brakes

Usually around the time right before I leave New York City for another country, I become the most observant of how we do things here and at what speed. Because it is inevitable wherever I land [in this case the UK] I will once again be somewhat excited for the refreshing change of pace. No judgements here because I choose and love to live in NY City. The pattern has been when I return home after these visits, I aggressively bring back and apply what I just temporarily inherited from another culture to the streets of the concrete jungle. The theme being more polite and slowed down. The random hellos and smiles to strangers, the much more relaxed pace while driving or the awkward out of place friendly smile on an overcrowded bus. This time though I said to myself, rather than waiting until I return, why not do all of these things now. This way while I am away, I won’t be thinking well, if only I acted like this at home more – regardless if my fellow residents do the same. And that took me to a further observation. What is everyone’s default mode as far as behavior towards others? And why is everyone in such a rush? SLOW DOWN. As a 47 year old observer and participant of life, more often than not I see that default mode being rude as opposed to kind or rushed as opposed to relaxed and more aware. So what often is much easier grasped while away from this town, I would say to try and get it and do it here and now. Next time you are in the car and someone wants to merge in your lane, don’t speed up, slow down and let them in. Give up your seat on the subway just because. When driving anywhere, do it slower. Hold that door for someone. How about a kind hello to a stranger or a little more than usual amount of interest in someone else’s life whether you know them or not. Don’t worry if you don’t get it in return. You will ultimately feel good. What you say? How could you let that rude driver cut in front of you? No, you are not submitting to that person, you are doing a good service for yourself and for that person who is either at that moment going to give you their peace [the courtesy wave] or later going to briefly exhale and somehow realize that a good deed was done to them. A change of pace can really do some good. What is your speed?