The Ordinariness of Life at a Bus Stop
Take a deep breath, look around, and appreciate the ordinariness of life.
I decided to take the bus home today rather than the usual MRT. I went to a bus stop near the terminal, hoping to catch an empty bus with available seats. It is a long bus ride, and getting a seat will certainly make the journey a lot more pleasant. The bus I am trying to catch won’t arrive until ten minutes later, so I got time to kill at the bus stop.
Waiting for the bus cannot be any more ordinary and mundane, as many of us have to go through on a daily basis. To me, it is also an opportunity to take a break from my busy schedule, watch the time go by, and indulge in my passing thoughts.
Sitting at the bus stop, I will observe the hustle and bustle of people rushing by, children walking with their parents, and commuters on bikes or scooters. I will even pay attention to the different types of luxury cars going by, each with its unique glamour on the road. The sounds of traffic with the late afternoon breeze create a comforting white noise that I find interestingly soothing to the mind.
In these moments of waiting, I have the gift of time to reflect upon the present moment and take note of my surroundings to imbibe their meanings and spirit. As the minutes ticked by, I noticed the many buses passing by. Some were brightly coloured double decks, while others were regular ones that were plain and ordinary. Each bus is like a small world in itself, carrying passengers from all walks of life to their various destinations.
I looked around at the other commuters around the bus stop, all of whom seemed to share in the same sense of winding down and going home. Looking further, I noticed an elderly on her wheelchair approaching the bus stop. Other commuters were quick to make space for her as she parked herself right in the middle of the bus stop, seemingly knowing what she had to do.
As the bus approached, the commuters gathered at the front of the bus stop, queuing orderly for their turn to get on the bus. When the bus driver pulled over, he didn’t open the front doors for the commuters to board. Instead, he opened the exit doors in the middle of the bus to allow the people onboard to get off. What he did next amazed me.
He got off his driver’s seat, strolled down to the exit doors and opened up a landing plate extending from the exit doors to act as a ramp connecting the bus to the pavement, where the wheelchaired elderly patiently waited. The bus driver then disembarked and pushed the elderly onboard, helping her to tap the travel card and secure her wheelchair. All these while the other commuters wait patiently for the bus driver to finish his duty before returning to his driver’s seat and opening the front doors for the rest to board.
I felt a sense of pride that such good civic behaviour is taking shape in the local society. One of the most admirable traits of any society is its ability to show respect and consideration to its most vulnerable members. Seniors and handicapped individuals are often in need of extra support and assistance, and it is heartening to see our people recognise their needs and take steps to accommodate them.
Showing kindness towards seniors and handicapped individuals is a sign of compassion and empathy. It is a small gesture, but it can go a long way in making these individuals feel valued and appreciated. By being considerate towards the less fortunate, we are not only helping them in their daily lives, but we are also setting an example for our future generations.
I have been waiting for a while, and the bus should be here any minute. I don’t know if it would be a double deck, but I certainly hope it is. The thought of sitting on the top deck, with a view of the city unfolding before me, filled me with a sense of anticipation. It is a relaxing experience, especially on the way home. Just the thought of it melts the weariness away.
In an era where we are constantly bombarded with distractions, waiting for the bus is a much-welcomed pause. It can be a time to disconnect from our devices and connect with our inner selves. We can take a deep breath, look around, and appreciate the ordinariness of life.
Just some thoughts while waiting for my bus.
Join me at Coffee Times to make the most out of your everyday life. Start investing in your life by becoming a paid subscriber.
Taking time to look. Ordinariness becomes extraordinary
I am both elderly and disabled, and your story gave me hope. I get around on a stroller, and have found, unfortunately, that I am either treated as if I was invisible. Please note that this is not self-pity, but a simple statement of facts. Perhaps a lovely bus driver and considerate commuters will come my way!