Finding Appreciation And Peace On Train Rides
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Finding Appreciation And Peace On Train Rides

It can be found even in the most chaotic moments.

11
Finding Appreciation And Peace On Train Rides
Time Out

I don’t take off my headphones often when riding the subway trains. My headphones are used as shields against strangers who might want to start a random conversation or to drown out loud unpleasant noises. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this and I know this should change for everyone. Focusing on our phones and music may be the easiest thing to do on trains, but it's not always fulfilling.

Riding trains is a soothing experience when it isn’t too crowded. The swaying of the train car as it moves from station to station, dropping off and picking up riders, is calming. Since I have a short commute to school I don’t get to enjoy my train rides like others. Once I sit down it’s time to transfer trains. But when I do find myself on a train ride longer than 15 minutes I enjoy sitting down and looking out the window, even when it’s underground and there’s nothing to look at except dark tunnels that wiz by.

If I have my headphones on I fumble with my phone to find my favorite song or read the news. I become absorbed in the small world in the palm of my hand and I miss what’s going on around me. But when I decide I’m brave enough to not be attached to my phone, it’s a great experience studying people: their clothes, their belongings, their jewelry.

When I see a person reading a book I know they must be special. I wonder if it’s a good book and if they’re enjoying it. When I see a person with grocery bags I try to imagine what kind of amazing food they will make. It’s common to see people dozing off on the train. I wonder what kind of jobs they have that leave them so drained. I hope they’re OK and that their home isn’t the train.

Even during rush hour I try to find the positive in crowded train rides, where elbows are hitting my ribs and people knock into me every time the train jerks to a stop. It’s important to stay calm and understanding especially when a 6-foot man almost loses his balance and ends up stepping on my foot. It has happened multiple times.

I will admit the subway isn’t the best, far from it, but it doesn’t take away from the peace I find during train rides. It's a common sight to see tourists looking confused at a train map and they can even be a bother sometimes. But their confusion is what unites New York train riders.

We spend a good portion of our time riding trains, getting from one place to another. Some of us know the trains better than others, but it's a part of our livelihood. It's where we come together for brief moments and then disperse. It's difficult to say you've seen the same face twice on a train.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58958
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38061
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959567
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195937
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments