Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Where do you live?

In order to save money and gas Dylan and I are now taking the train into work. It's taken some getting used to (on my part - Dylan loves it) but we've definately got a nice routine now. One of the many benefits to taking the train is people watching. I've noticed that many people live inside of their heads. Now, I know that some people like to talk on the phone or listen to the radio/mp3 or read a book. That's not what I'm talking about. You can see that they are not looking around them, they don't take any notice of their fellow travelers. It's quite sad. Today it was particularly cold so we stood inside of the heated enclosure waiting for the train. Some people chose to wait on the platform. Most people just barreled out of the door without seeing if anyone was behind them or next to them - just rushing outside to stand and wait. Others would exit to the platform but pause for a brief moment to check to see if anyone was behind them so as not to slam the door in their face. I watched peoples faces. Some people smiled or made eye contact with the other passengers while others were totally blank. The blank faces are what fascinated me. What was going on in their world that had them so deep inside of their heads? Did they have a sick family member? Trouble at their job? Trouble with a significant other or child? Dreaming of warmer days or snow? Struggling with infertility? Wishing for something or someone? For some reason I find these people a challenge. Every now and then I'll catch their eye and smile. Now, it's a scientific fact that if someone smiles at you - you will automatically smile back (if you don't believe me - try it - it's fun) - so I smile and watch them leave their head for a moment. So... where are you living right now? In your heart or in your head?

10 comments:

  1. I'm completely out of my mind right now so it must be that I'm living in my heart. Then again I over analyze everything so I must be in my head. I don't know where I am. See what I mean, even my post doesn't make sense! LOL

    I'm glad Dylan likes the train.

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  2. Anonymous1:00 PM

    I'm definitely living in my head right now. This morning as I drove to work, I followed one of the guys I work with. He was driving a company van - white, blue, neon yellow with the phone number that I answer all day long in huge print across the back. I drove for 3 miles behind him and didn't realize I was following one of our vehicles until he waved out the window at me at a stoplight and I had to stop and process why somebody would be waving at me.

    Then when I got to work, I began doing all kinds of Thursday morning tasks, until I snapped out of it and realized that today is only Wednesday.

    What's the cure for living inside your head?

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  3. Stop - look around you - appreciate the world - appreciate another person - I don't know. I guess we all have our moments where we are in our heads and other times where we are out. Dylan definately pushes me outside of my head.

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  4. Anonymous5:32 PM

    Only two choices? What if I live in my navel? or my bowels? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) :-)

    Sigh. I don't know -- I'm pretty sad right now so probably living deep inside . . . somewhere. Depending upon my mood, people smiling at me can either lift my spirits and make me feel connected, or can seem like an intrusion into my private space and pain. But don't stop smiling -- I think it's a good thing.

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  5. in my heart at the momemt. my temporarily broken heart...we just got back from our visit trip to our son in guatemala and i'm so sad...but he was great so i read your blog to look forward to our time together soon...

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  6. Anonymous9:33 PM

    I totally live in my head. Truth be told, I'm pretty much an introvert. Socializing does not energize me, it exhausts me. Talking to strangers is awkward and stressful for me. When I am on the train/plane/shopping, whatever, I generally just want to be left alone. These are my "alone in a public place" respites from the constant social contact of work and being with my husband at home.

    I don't think it's sad. It's just different than many people.

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  7. Responded at Speckblog, dear. I found this very interesting.

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  8. Anonymous12:58 AM

    I'm hoping to be on cloud nine very shortly :)

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  9. I am living in my head but feeling everything in my heart. Does that make sense??

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  10. Yes Krissy and I responded to you as well :)

    Sassy- you are soooo right! Like a bunch of drones.

    Dennise - makes a lot of sense.

    I guess my use of the word sad is wrong. Not everyone is sitting on the train fighting some inner demon and sometimes we need a break from the world of smiley freaks like me.

    Just me getting bloggity I guess.

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