Life begins- The Best Evening in New York City

04/21/05

It is spring time in New York City.

I am very busy today. I work and run my errands all day.

It is the first day that I do not go the gym. I feel like I have worked out too much lately, plus tomorrow I have to be my friend- Sean’s personal trainer and join the Cardio strip-teased class, so I should take a break for a day.

To make my day more productive, I decide to participate in the evening chanting at 7 PM at the Cultural Center in the Union Square, and to get my photo for the visa to travel to Canada and France.

Therefore, I put my new white sandal, white t-shirt and my jean with white belt. Equipped with my Ipod, I am ready to go everywhere.

It is such a beautiful day in this wonderful city. Broadway Street is my regular route that I use to walk from my place in Chinatown to my gym in Astor place and then the Union Square.

I love New York City. Beside those beautiful arts, Broadway shows and museums, I love the four seasons here. I love when I can wear different clothes; I love when I can feel the heat of summer, the colorful of fall, the snow in winter and the life of spring.

Walking in the city is one of my favorite activities. I always find some amazingly beautiful things on the way.

New York City is always crowded, particularly, today. People here are diverse by their color of skin, languages, fashion senses and life styles. They are composed of all walks of life from the street artists and homeless people to the corporate moguls and celebrities. Single people are walking down the street with shopping bags; a couple is holding hand and laughing; a father is carrying a baby on his chest while his wife is pushing a stroller and senior citizens are enjoying their evening walk in the park.

By some reasons, I can feel my breath again. The world around me is moving like a scene from a movie and I am a part of it. Somehow, I feel like someone in some other spaces and times are watching me acting on my roles.

Perhaps, the music from my baby-Ipod makes me feel that way. I find that listening to the classical music and walking down the street of New York City in the spring time is magnificent. The most favorite moment is when the songs like Canon by Pachelbel, Air ‘on the G String’ by J.S. Bach and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach playing, I feel like I am walking on the clouds in the sky.

Spring begins, baby leaves are growing and greening both sides of the street. Life begins and hope rises up. It reminds me of the season of life. Those tree look like they died, but energy inside them, in fact, is waiting for some proper factors to make them alive again.

My emotion runs deep into my own land when another of my favorite song- Waiting in Vain by Annie Lenox, starts. I find myself playing this song every time when I walk in the city, in particular, when the weather change quite dramatically. I played this song when the first snow touched the face of this city. Perhaps, her voice is so beautiful, the music leads to imagination and the lyrics is sad. I simply love this song and I cannot resist singing along. One lady gives me a weird look when I am pushing my voice to the top of my lung with my Annie Lennox-wannabe face.

I am so happy. I just do not have words to describe this moment.

My feet hurt because they hate my sandal. Even though I know that they always hate each other, I cannot resist wearing my new white sandal to match with my white t-shirt.

I need a real massage now.

I arrive at the Cultural Center. It has been a while since I came back from Thailand that I have not visited this place. It is like a source of my inspiration, spirit and courage.

There are quite number of people here. I am tearful by some reasons when I start chanting. I just appreciate life and am grateful for everything in my life. Even though I am having many problems surrounding me, I know I will be able to sail through them. I am not afraid of something that is lying ahead because I know life is an endless cycle. The winter will not stay with me forever and one day the beautiful spring will visit me.

I finish chanting and all my wishes have gone to one of our member who just passed away. I am praying for her and her family. Her season is temporarily end, one day in the future, her new season will begin somewhere in some other times and we will see each other again.

I am leaving the Cultural Center with happiness.

I ask myself “Isn’t life grand?”

Tae(Kriengsak Athikomvittaya)