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Fashion your life around a garland of good deeds...

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Public Transport....aarrggghhh mrt!

I took the MRT home today, in peak hour. And let me say, it is not a pleasant experience.
Firstly, I have decided to use public transport more regularly to cut costs and to do my bit ecologically. I have already made a pledge to myself to cut back on my holidays and work travels so I may reduce my carbon footprint, one step at a time. But being stuck in the MRT during peak hour sucks. Really.
There's always the inconsiderate traveler, the one that stops at the entrance of the train, or stands extremely close to you, or those who practically press themselves up against you as if you weren't even there no matter how many times you say "excuse me."
Then there are the passengers that ignore. They look like robots abducted them, pulled out their 'social consciousness' microchip left them there, on transit waiting for the next activation. You could be looking straight at them, ask them to move over a wee bit or if they wouldn't mind taking their lovely heel out of the flesh between your toes and they still wouldn't say a word and just turn away.
And the guilty looking person, plonked in "needy" chair, never looking up once to see if there really was an old lady or man on the train. Hoping nobody's going to poke him in the shoulder and get him/her to give up the seat.
Before I had got onboard, I was going through my yoga practice. Running through my head, what my body was feeling after one hour of power yoga and my mind was at peace. I felt stronger. I was standing straighter, breathing deeper and my muscles felt tired but empowered.
But somehow today, being around the MRT crowd left me feeling blocked and frustrated.
And I know sometimes, it's as easy as 'snapping out of it", training your mind to shut out.
Then I think, oh gosh, I don't want to be that sort of traveler, the one that is in robotland. Numb.
I want to be polite and considerate and hopefully encourage those around me to do so too.
I don't know why I am writing this... maybe it is a plea.
Let's be thoughtful and respectful of each other's space.
And become aware of your natural contribution in energy towards those around you.
We, as Singaporeans are so educated and well-read and modern, how come we still need campaigns for courtesy?
Are we that barbaric, still?
Not to see the bigger picture and how we effect the Universe. I do not believe so.
So I hope the next time I am on the MRT, which will be soon, I notice better social responsibility and we can ALL help each other live harmoniously and maintain a peaceful way in this already chaotic world.

Namaste.

1 comment:

Aidan said...

Well written, I would go nuts on MRT if not for my Ipod and drumsticks. Hopefully the new generations will grow with a different mindset