The spiritual New York
Let’s level set on the meaning of spirituality.
Defined as: “Spirituality is the broad concept of a belief in something beyond the self. It may involve religious traditions centering on the belief in a higher power, but it can also involve a holistic belief in an individual connection to others and to the world as a whole.”
I moved to NYC almost 7 months ago from Singapore where I lived for 9 years. Before that spent most of my life in India barring a stint in NL, Europe. India is one of the first few countries that come to mind when you speak of spirituality. Or at least its history. Places like Varanasi, great Himalayas and Kumbh Mela.
I visited NYC 2.5 years ago for 2 weeks, fell in love and then eventually made it here. I love almost everything about the city, but I never thought I will see it as a spiritual place. Not based on what I had seen during my first visit or what I saw in Hollywood movies / daily shows or even what is said and heard about NYC. It is the finance capital of the world and last thing you expect is spirituality. You expect people to talk and walk money.
Somehow, I feel otherwise. Thanks to my Dog, Barnie. I walk around the city all the time and at a slow pace so I get to experience it. People are busy or at least they look busy. With the pace at which they walk, the time they utilize talking on the phone aloud, impatience when it comes to crossing those fading zebra crossings or unnecessary honking that can turn heads in Singapore.
But behind all this fast-paced chaos, I also observe a human connection. One human with another and also deep connection with self. When I am walking Barnie, people come to play with Barnie, even though they have to put a break to their marching, or have to call back whoever they were talking to. Barnie is one of those big 85 pound chocolate Labrador with a mind of his own and at his will, can decide to lie down on the street refusing to move an inch. Then usually appears some or the other angel who will start playing with him and start hopping in the direction that I want to go in to make him move. There are 3 connections that I see here. They are trying to help me, that’s one. They are connecting with Barnie and they believe, rightly so, they can communicate with him and make him do what he is refusing to and thirdly with themselves. They prioritize this over whatever they were going to do. And the happiness you see on their face is obvious. And this is not one-off, this is a frequent happening. Almost, as frequent as Barnie’s will to test my patience. Thank you, NYC!
Another bit is people speaking their mind. If you are new here, you may find it rude. However, when I think about it more, I see it as a closure to something negative that could have stayed with them if they had not blurted it out. And when it accumulates, it leaves one distresses and irritated and worse is that you can’t even figure out why. There is no ill feeling left within you.
During my walks, I have made acquaintances with many of the homeless people. Its needless to say how difficult their life is, especially during winters. But most in my vicinity look happy. At least they don’t look envious or dejected because of the people walking around them who have homes to go back to. They smile and wave when they see us. A genuine one. It melts my heart. There is one homeless person who has two pit bulls and a lot of books in his small tent. I have never seen him not smiling. Sometimes I see kibbles leftovers around where he is located. You can see he knows how to be happy irrespective of what his circumstances are. He is connecting with his soul and also the world around him seamlessly. If I can’t call this spirituality then I don’t know what I should.
Then comes the beautiful Central Park. You walk around and all you see is happiness, relationships with nature and amongst people. When you enter Central Park, you know it has a different energy. It calms you down. You feel connected to everyone who is sharing that space with you including the trees and squirrels. And it’s all smiles and contentment.
Most people who live here love it here. Some know what they like about it some don’t. I am still figuring out what all I love about it. There is obviously so much more. But trying to get the foundation right first. If you are here, congratulations that you are part of this spirituality!
