27 March 2011
Central Park
After a week of trying to immerse myself in New York's energy, I've found that I'm better off immersing in my own energy instead...
Maybe I was taking my teacher's advice too literally. I'm learning that being present doesn't mean I have to try to be a New Yorker...I just have to be myself.
I've been thinking a lot about what brought me here, what kept me here...and what I love (or loved). I could easily write a list of things I don't like about living here. But I swore that I wouldn't put negative energy on this blog. I also thought that since I don't have a lot of nice thoughts about New York...that was the very reason to write a list. It's sort of a then and now kind of scenario.
I came to New York for college. I decided that commercial art was what I'd major in because I thought it was the best way to make a living in art. I also LOVED Broadway musicals and the thought of being so close made me giddy :) I thought I could maybe get involved with making television commercials since I loved TV so much. I also saw my big Sister living here and sort of followed...as little Sisters tend to do. I suppose when you don't really know what to do, imitation will at least get you going for a while.
As rough a time as I had trying to find my way in college, I slowly figured out that Advertising Design (my major) was not for me. But having that background and education, staying here made the most sense and to be fair, I did enjoy living here.
Late night runs to the corner deli for a toasted bagel with cream cheese for cheap and wandering around The Village.
Going out to dinner with my friends, spending hours chatting in cafes (that hasn't changed much...although now I enjoy cooking for my friends and spending time at home).
I used to be on a dart team with my boss and we all went out once a week to compete and have drinks...staying up late and cabbing it home.
Getting all dolled up to go to crazy clubs once in awhile.
Late nights at my friend's apartment in college, eating, drinking wine and laughing hysterically at John Henson on Talk Soup.
Lots of amazing concerts. Paul McCartney (3 times!), Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Leonard Cohen, The White Stripes, Rasputina, Nine Inch Nails...the list goes on.
I've met, befriended and in some cases, let go of some amazing people over the years. They no doubt have shaped my life and (good and bad) I am nothing but grateful to have had them in my life.
This city introduced me back to nature...oddly enough. By taking an herbal medicine class, I was finally shown the right path. And it just so happens to be one that leads out.
I enjoy the fact that I have a huge sprawling park near my current apartment. A "quick" trip to the store yesterday turned into a meandering stroll along the bridal paths and some nice meditation beneath some pine trees.
All in all, New York has brought me everything that is currently happening in my life, in all different sorts of ways. So I am grateful for that.
XO