I RECENTLY stopped using earphones to listen to music, especially while in transit. Apparently, I have mild to moderate hearing loss and I would rather blame it on the poor modern contraptions than admit it may be age-related. In the past, I would not be caught dead without them because it helps me block out outside noise and allows me the privacy that I need. I always have at least two pairs inside my bag, and its charger so that I can easily charge the used up set immediately.
You realize a lot of things when you step out of your daily routine. It was difficult at first (I was irritable) but soon as you get used to it, you discover something new and actually start thinking why you haven’t done it sooner!
I’ve become more aware of my surroundings. I know I see what is around me but I don’t really see the details of it. Like, the new coat of paint on the house on the corner where I turn left on my way home. Or the new cafe that has opened a walking distance from where I live. There’s a lot of new information that I’m being exposed to just because I have consciously decided not to zone out with my earphones. Yes, even if my zone-out music is mainly Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy.
I have learned too, to listen more intently to people. I have realized that it’s fun connecting to other beings, human or not. I am especially awed by the tricycle drivers I chat with, as I listen to them discuss their beliefs and lives with me during that short distance between Sutherland and Davao Doctors Hospital. Apparently they live double lives.
Driver 1 talked to me about Kapa and how he has been part of it for four years. Although he has gained so much from it, he never stopped working as a tricycle driver because he feels that life should go on normally despite the good fortune. Indeed it’s a far cry from collecting garbage but he remains thankful for it, as it fed his family at that time.
Driver 2 goes on Tanod duty at night. I asked him why he does it even when his day job demands so much energy and he said that he likes keeping his area of duty safe. I don’t really know if the position comes with a stipend or what, still I think it’s commendable for someone to want to look after his fellowmen, don’t you think?
I think I’ll lay off on the earphones a little longer... Seems like the world is more beautiful even without the background music!
Happy Sunday Everyone! :)