Unto oneself

[051] ... [General]

Someone staying on our road went abroad for a few months, and many changes were seen on her return. The most obvious being the headphone, always tucked on. You don't need to be extra observant to note similar habits by many these days. To some it's a fashion statement, to others the thing to do like all others.

Whether they are walking on the road or in the park, reading a book or riding a bike, travelling by bus or metro rail, they seem always hooked on, obviously listening to music. It's none of our business, but does make us think on the particular habit.

When people go around the normal way it denotes being alert and open to what's around. You observe, talk to someone, spot someone at a distance or even avoid, see a new signboard in place of what was there before, appreciate the plants in someone's balcony, blooming seasonal flowers and so on.

I have often wondered how far music or whatever should be made an inseparable part, all through the day. An overdoing, at least in my opinion (and experience) does the opposite ultimately, turning it to a monotonous routine. You need your own moments to think, ponder over problems, find solutions, work out new ideas, that needs keeping away from distractions to be productive and to contribute.

The headphone strapped around all the time possibly conveys immersed in oneselves, psychologically. I am not sure. Of course habits, relationship and lifestyle vary the world over. My friend who stayed abroad for a while mentioned on not getting to know the neighbours, and down here they come unannounced, to interact, which is considered normal.

I only hope the habit of directing streams of sound right into the ears all the time doesn't land them up in a need to wear a gadget of other kind to hear better even the normal...