I've become so accustomed to the swirling of the espresso machine, the beat of one 80's song rolling into another, and the chattering voices all across the room, that I barely notice them anymore. The sounds seem to lull me into comfort so warm and gentle, a restfulness that magically inspires or moves me. They are like subliminal messages- discreet and unrecognisable to the eye, yet powerful to the heart and soul.
You know that saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"? Well, with coffee shops, it's the complete opposite. What happens in a coffee shop- a rush of ideas, clever conversations, inspiration and deep connections- seems to expand out into every aspect of my very being.
I can't help but to share the story of the Indian yoga instructor who just took a seat next to me, or the stone mason who brought over a book to lend me, or the cute barista who the customers don't realize is also a talented graphic artist.
I could sit here for hours, facing this window to the world outside, and actually, I do, often. It's a classroom that allows me to choose what I want to learn, but often I don't know who is going to teach me until they just walk in through those dreamy doors. The best lessons are those that creep up on me, without me even realising that I needed them.
My teachers are sometimes regulars of the coffee shop, or strangers who stop by only for one visit, and the moments of deep contemplation, away from the rest of the world, that open up new spaces in my mind.
At times, it is the white orchid tea, warming me with every sip, that seeps into my senses and reminds me to feel, just feel. And other times, it's the bite of banana bread, soft and sweet, showing me the art of tenderness, delicacy, and taking your time. But the most profound lessons seem to come from those large pots of green tea the sages of all drinks, giving me a sense of profound meditation... on life, on my purpose, on where I am and why I should be in that very seat at that very moment.
The .... coffee shop. One of the most intriguing spaces for learning, living and loving.
-Tasleem
You know that saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"? Well, with coffee shops, it's the complete opposite. What happens in a coffee shop- a rush of ideas, clever conversations, inspiration and deep connections- seems to expand out into every aspect of my very being.
I can't help but to share the story of the Indian yoga instructor who just took a seat next to me, or the stone mason who brought over a book to lend me, or the cute barista who the customers don't realize is also a talented graphic artist.
I could sit here for hours, facing this window to the world outside, and actually, I do, often. It's a classroom that allows me to choose what I want to learn, but often I don't know who is going to teach me until they just walk in through those dreamy doors. The best lessons are those that creep up on me, without me even realising that I needed them.
My teachers are sometimes regulars of the coffee shop, or strangers who stop by only for one visit, and the moments of deep contemplation, away from the rest of the world, that open up new spaces in my mind.
At times, it is the white orchid tea, warming me with every sip, that seeps into my senses and reminds me to feel, just feel. And other times, it's the bite of banana bread, soft and sweet, showing me the art of tenderness, delicacy, and taking your time. But the most profound lessons seem to come from those large pots of green tea the sages of all drinks, giving me a sense of profound meditation... on life, on my purpose, on where I am and why I should be in that very seat at that very moment.
The .... coffee shop. One of the most intriguing spaces for learning, living and loving.
-Tasleem
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