Were You Talking to Me?

Listening to the World While Perambulating

The light, the persistent drizzle was a mild annoyance, but it didn’t stop me from progressing. As I crossed the street to reach the walking path, I encountered a woman walking her dog. “Have a good day,” I said, sounding upbeat. The woman responded with a couple of words like “U2.” However, as I passed her, she asked, “Were you talking to me?” I stopped and confirmed that I was. Oh, I thought you were on your phone,” she said. We both laughed as I replied, “I’m old school. I listen to the world as I walk.”

I often find myself in situations like this. I may be old-fashioned or prefer the tranquility of experiencing life without using AirPods and my iPhone. God gave me the gift of hearing. In that case, it is essential to remain attentive to the world around me – not only to the whispers of the wind, the melodies of birds, and the familiar faces I encounter daily. Through this mindset, I have formed meaningful connections with individuals such as Peter, Cindy, Joe, Sam, and others. If I had been engrossed in my phone, conversations, or listening to music or podcasts, would I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with them?

As I embark on my daily walking routes, I find myself weaving through a tangled web of pathways reminiscent of wet spaghetti flung into the air or the mesmerizing art of spinning pizza dough. With the footbridge at Nomehagen Park closed for construction of a replacement, I’ve been venturing along new trails and routes to complete my walks. During these solitary strolls, I often want to vocalize my innermost thoughts. The footbridge shut down in mid-April, and the anticipated completion timeline spans nine months. I long for the company of my friends, even if our paths occasionally intersect on these new routes. It’s puzzling to me why it takes nine months to construct a bridge to which I could toss a stone from one side to the other with practice.

At an age where throwing a stone more than a few feet seems like a distant memory, nine months feels like an eternity. As I navigate my new routes, I’m making new friends and longing to rekindle old friendships before the first winter storm hits. I cherish my connections with people as I genuinely listen to the world around me. It’s incredible how we can inspire each other, share laughs, and offer support despite any barriers or boundaries. When I walk by and say hello, it’s because I’m not engrossed in my phone or lost in a podcast. I value the old-fashioned joy of simply listening to my neighbors.

My Apolytus Moment

Listening to the World While Perambulating