Time: Middle of the day on a Sunday
Coordinates: Bandra, Mumbai
Setting: Coffee shop by the sea
Observation 1 (outside): The water lightly crashes on the embankments and distinct groups of people, disparately spread, unwind on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. They are oblivious to the traffic on the adjoining road because they are either talking among each other or typing away on their phones. There is one particular group sitting right next to the water and just staring into the vast expanse, as if trying to see where the sea ends and what lies beyond. The sea does look like it's unending, fading away into the distance, somewhat inviting the onlooker, somewhat giving the message - never stop exploring, never stop wondering, never stop discovering.
Observation 2 (in the coffee shop): The gentleman on the next table in the coffee shop has been religiously typing away on his smartphone for a while now. He sips his coffee grudgingly as if it is more of an interruption to his engaging conversation but also as an obligation because it will get cold. He might be messaging a family member or a friend but he is fully engrossed and unmindful of his surroundings. I think to myself that he could have done his chatting at home as it seems like a sheer waste to not take in his surroundings. But then I also think that may be he comes here often and the ambiance allows him to have his best conversations.
A sweet old couple with their grand daughter walks into the area and grabs the table next to the gentleman typing away on his phone. As if in perfect synchronisation, as the sweet old man make himself comfortable on a chair, the "typing gentleman" gets up and makes his way out of the area. The sweet old lady, instead of taking her seat, politely asks her husband what he would like to drink and then decides to check the menu and share the available options with him. Their cute little grand daughter calls out to the sweet old man from the counter. She asks her 'Daadu' whether he'd like a chicken wrap with his coffee. Soon after, she walks into the seating area which is well ventilated; she sneezes three times because of the slight breeze that hits her. As she gets accustomed to the change, she goes towards the balcony and looks out at the sea, as the breeze lightly brushes her cheeks. She seems to quite enjoy the view and the breeze.
This scene took me back to the time when I used naturally reject change because it meant getting out of my comfort zone. The scene also reminds me of the fact that whenever I did make an effort to adjust to a new environment, I ended up getting accustomed fairly quickly and enjoyed myself more than I ever thought I would. And then I think to myself, "change is an enriching and enjoyable journey, one just has to adjust a little to enjoy the ride."
Observation 3 (behind the counter): I see a male staff member with a hearing aid. When I ask him for a few tissues, he simply gestures to the lady next to him. I realise the situation and at the same time, spot the tissues at the end of the counter, so I just help myself. As I walk back and take my seat by the window, the person with the hearing aid brings my coffee and looks at me, as if waiting for a verdict. I quickly check the temperature of the cup and give him a "thumbs up". The coffee is nice and hot, just the way I like it.
I like these places that give special attention to the differently abled. It reminds me of the fact that every person has his/her shortcomings or weaknesses but respecting an individual and tapping his/her strengths always has a dual benefit - it will get the job done and it will generate gratitude in that person's heart. And gratitude, in my books, is severely under-rated. If only I would focus more on what I have received and achieved, I know I would (more) often be smiling wide.
...and smiles travel.
Coordinates: Bandra, Mumbai
Setting: Coffee shop by the sea
Observation 1 (outside): The water lightly crashes on the embankments and distinct groups of people, disparately spread, unwind on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. They are oblivious to the traffic on the adjoining road because they are either talking among each other or typing away on their phones. There is one particular group sitting right next to the water and just staring into the vast expanse, as if trying to see where the sea ends and what lies beyond. The sea does look like it's unending, fading away into the distance, somewhat inviting the onlooker, somewhat giving the message - never stop exploring, never stop wondering, never stop discovering.
Observation 2 (in the coffee shop): The gentleman on the next table in the coffee shop has been religiously typing away on his smartphone for a while now. He sips his coffee grudgingly as if it is more of an interruption to his engaging conversation but also as an obligation because it will get cold. He might be messaging a family member or a friend but he is fully engrossed and unmindful of his surroundings. I think to myself that he could have done his chatting at home as it seems like a sheer waste to not take in his surroundings. But then I also think that may be he comes here often and the ambiance allows him to have his best conversations.
A sweet old couple with their grand daughter walks into the area and grabs the table next to the gentleman typing away on his phone. As if in perfect synchronisation, as the sweet old man make himself comfortable on a chair, the "typing gentleman" gets up and makes his way out of the area. The sweet old lady, instead of taking her seat, politely asks her husband what he would like to drink and then decides to check the menu and share the available options with him. Their cute little grand daughter calls out to the sweet old man from the counter. She asks her 'Daadu' whether he'd like a chicken wrap with his coffee. Soon after, she walks into the seating area which is well ventilated; she sneezes three times because of the slight breeze that hits her. As she gets accustomed to the change, she goes towards the balcony and looks out at the sea, as the breeze lightly brushes her cheeks. She seems to quite enjoy the view and the breeze.
This scene took me back to the time when I used naturally reject change because it meant getting out of my comfort zone. The scene also reminds me of the fact that whenever I did make an effort to adjust to a new environment, I ended up getting accustomed fairly quickly and enjoyed myself more than I ever thought I would. And then I think to myself, "change is an enriching and enjoyable journey, one just has to adjust a little to enjoy the ride."
Observation 3 (behind the counter): I see a male staff member with a hearing aid. When I ask him for a few tissues, he simply gestures to the lady next to him. I realise the situation and at the same time, spot the tissues at the end of the counter, so I just help myself. As I walk back and take my seat by the window, the person with the hearing aid brings my coffee and looks at me, as if waiting for a verdict. I quickly check the temperature of the cup and give him a "thumbs up". The coffee is nice and hot, just the way I like it.
I like these places that give special attention to the differently abled. It reminds me of the fact that every person has his/her shortcomings or weaknesses but respecting an individual and tapping his/her strengths always has a dual benefit - it will get the job done and it will generate gratitude in that person's heart. And gratitude, in my books, is severely under-rated. If only I would focus more on what I have received and achieved, I know I would (more) often be smiling wide.
...and smiles travel.
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