One of the simple pleasures I enjoy most in cities is sitting down and watching. Watching people pass by, observing how they/we interact with others, and noticing the rhythm of the city. Each city has its own— from the fast pace of Manhattan to the calm strolls of rural towns.
I guess it stems from my background and interest in urban planning. Sitting and simply observing people as they pass can be as relaxing as watching the sea. There’s something similar about both—the movement and the stillness. And while I’ve long focused on the movement, I’ve started noticing the stillness too. The people who are also sitting.
What do we have in common? What are they doing while they sit? Does the city offer us regular opportunities to rest? How comfortable are we sitting close to a stranger? These are just a few of the questions that pop into my mind from time to time.
In an increasingly polarized world, where divides seem to grow wider by the day, can the simple act of sitting offer a way to connect with others? Can we—do we—allow ourselves to get closer to strangers? To build connections and be empathetic? To, from time to time, change the rhythm, take a seat, observe, and recognize ourselves in other humans.