Finding Connection in Chaos: Lessons from London's Sidewalks
Lesson in Flow, Connection, and the Far Reaching Influence of a Mindfulness Practice
The Enduring Impact of Mindfulness: Lessons from London's Chaotic Sidewalks
As a dedicated mindfulness practitioner, I have come to appreciate the remarkable flexibility of the practice and the profound ripple effects it can have in our lives. My realization of mindfulness's far-reaching influence became tangible during my journey to London in the fall of 2022.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city's chaotic streets, I witnessed firsthand how the practice extends beyond the present moment, shaping our experiences in unexpected ways.
Finding Connection in Chaos
New to the practice of cars driven on the left side of the road, I found the bustling sidewalks particularly overwhelming, especially while navigating the tunnels of the underground. In the States, the 'rules of the road' also generally apply to pedestrians. Not so in London!
Amidst the chaos, I found myself reflecting on the 'swarm of bees' activity that’s part of an activity we have in the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum. A profound moment at a Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society conference over a decade ago came back to me.
Walking the Path of Mindfulness
While at that conference, then the UMASS Center for Mindfulness Director Saki Santorelli led a “swarm of bees” activity for over 100 mindfulness teachers, researchers, and clinicians. It starts with standing still and then gradually beginning to mill around another, increasing speed. At random times, Saki would shout, “Change!” and we were to change direction as well as pick up the pace. As we gained speed, moving randomly through the crowd, Saki said to bring mindful awareness to seeing and moving through the spaces between each other.
It amazed me how we could still maneuver among each other with relative ease - and speed. The experience of navigating the crowd, being attentive to the spaces between individuals, left a lasting impression on me.
Finding Flow in the Crowd
In London, negotiating what seemed like a veritable wall of people coming toward me in the underground tunnels, Saki's words echoed in my mind: 'Look for the spaces!' Shifting my attention from individual pedestrians to the spaces between them, moving through the crowd felt effortless. I experienced a state of flow and an unexpected sense of connection. I couldn't help but wonder if others were also attuned to these spaces or if it was an innate quality of Londoners.
These surging walls of people coming toward each other - no one crashed (that I saw). Mostly it was contactless that people somehow moved around each other. The ability to navigate through the crowd without collision further emphasized the significance of observing the spaces and the remarkable coordination that seemed to exist among the pedestrians.
Mindfulness in Daily Life: Embracing Open Space
After the activity, Saki reflected on how becoming attuned to open space, rather than what’s blocking us, might also apply to everyday life. For example, managing a day of email. Saki mentioned that he incorporated the "look for the spaces" practice into his work life. It’s thought provoking to consider how this perspective shift could affect a whole day, even a whole life - not just a trip down a sidewalk.
Personal Space and Mindful Awareness
In “looking for the spaces” I realized later that this also leads to a greater awareness of the space around my body. Upon returning to the States and navigating the San Francisco Airport, I noticed a stark contrast. Walking behind those who saw no one coming toward them, it was as though they would spread out and take up the entire walkway. As someone approached, they would move to “their side” of the sidewalk. As I walked more quickly to get to my next flight, I found myself saying “Excuse me, may I pass” on multiple occasions.
From Loneliness to Connection
No longer feeling the sense of flow and connection I had while moving through the swarm of people in London, I now had a feeling of disconnect and a surprising loneliness. I became acutely aware of the profound sense of connection I had experienced amidst the chaotic London sidewalks. Navigating through a sea of people demands an awareness of everyone around you to avoid being trampled.
Initially, my concern was avoiding the chaos, but I discovered something much deeper. What if we all developed our mindfulness skills? I had a renewed sense of awe of how long-lasting and far-reaching the benefits of mindfulness practice and MBSR can be.
Embrace Transformation: Discover the Power of MBSR
8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) trainings are regularly offered by numerous experienced teachers worldwide, including myself. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who is interested to embark on this transformative journey and personally experience its profound effects in your own life. Engaging in MBSR training can equip you with invaluable mindfulness skills that have the potential to enhance your well-being and bring lasting positive change. Don't hesitate to explore this opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
