The Subway Buddha

They say the only two absolutely certain things in life are death and taxes. That list is incomplete. The third certainty has been overlooked, but is nonetheless true. Fact: nobody enjoys their commute to work. No matter how great your job is, no matter how close it is to your home, getting to work is simply not fun. So to curb the boredom and improve the time I spend traveling on my way to work, I look for little things every day to make the trip a bit more interesting. Some days it's a stranger's outfit that is so ridiculous I think, "What do they say when they look in the mirror before leaving?" Some days it's a conversation I eavesdrop on and cannot help but laugh along when I hear about this girl's on-going escapades with her ex-boyfriend. But today, well today went above and beyond the rest.

As I boarded the 7 train to go across town everything was business as usual. The car's air conditioner was broken, the guy across from me had a blank stare on his face that somehow gazed through my head, and then the wall, and on into infinity, and there was a woman in business attire aside from her awkward tennis shoes she dons to minimize her time spent in heels. Needless to say, I pulled into my stop disappointed. That is until the train conductor got on the intercom...

"42nd Street, Grand Central, transfer is available to the 4,5,6, and Shuttle. Connection is also available to the Metro North."

More business as usual as I stand, waiting, in front of the door like a lab rat begging to be released into his cheese-scented labyrinth. The doors do not open and I'm feeling a bit frustrated when the conductor comes back...

"Enjoy the weather," he says in a kind and almost practiced stage voice. "Get to work safely today, and no matter what your destination, remember, happiness is always the way."

Everyone on the train stairs at each other in a moment of awe, then the train erupts with laughter. Our own personal Buddha on the subway. What a phenomenal way to start a Friday.

I've been thinking about his words all day and I've concluded the Subway Buddha is wise. Happiness is always the way. And for a second I began to think, "then why am I on my way to this job??" only to realize happiness can be found in the weirdest places. Sometimes even a hot crowded tunnel deep underfoot a busy city can be the saving grace of your day. You just have to keep your eyes and ears open (or maybe just turn down the ipod once in a while).