Sesame St, your neighbourhood and a road to joy

I have to admit that I am known for my ability to break into spontaneous song in any number of situations.Quite without reason, rhythm or provocation. In fact – it is a skill that I have always quite liked about myself despite some of those around me finding it a little odd, strange and even vaguely annoying at times ha ha.

But I shall not go quietly into the night and continue bravely on, bursting forth into song and dance whenever the mood takes me. And take me the mood did, a few weeks ago as a strolled around my local neighbourhood. And before I knew it I was singing along to one of my favourite tunes of all from Sesame St.

I am trusting that most of you are old enough to remember this amazing kids TV show that I grew up with. It had a cast of most memorable characters including Oscar The Grouch, Big Bird, Ernie and Bert, and the amazing Snuffleupagus.

Anyways – as part of the show they often used rhythms and songs in their teaching – it was an educational programme – the best ever – the trailblazing prototype for all that followed.

You may remember for instance that little rhythme: A loaf of bread, a container of milk and a stick of butter

Or perhaps that orange that used to sing opera?

If not – google and enjoy.

But back to my song of choice – The Neighbourhood Song – which had suddenly overcome me as I walked down the lane and from memory went something like this:

So – who are the people in your neighbourhood,

 In your neighbourhood,

 In your neighbourhood – oh

Who are the people in your neighbourhood,

They’re the people that you meet

As you’re walking down the street,

They’re the people that you meet – each - 

Daaaaaaaaaayyyyyy!! 

[ big finish, lots of arms and a happy face]

So – this sudden outburst and theatrics got me thinking about the importance of community and the huge impact the people in your local area and direct vicinity can have upon you  - and you on them.

For my neighbourhood experience there are heaps of people who very much contribute to my sense of well being and happiness – just by being themselves.

There are my local delhi guys, the local cafe people, the local picture framer , my local car mechanic, my local grocer, my local florist, my local restauranteur, the local post office staff, the local yoga teacher, my local gym staff, my local next door neighbours, my local real estate guy, the local receptionist where I live etc etc

I know all these people by name and love the little insignificant, but oh so important and life affirming interactions and exchanges I have with them all on a weekly basis. We chat about the weather, I might comment on their new shoes or haircut, we talk slices of ham and postage to be paid, tyres to be fixed and brownies to be consumed, pictures to frame and holidays in the making, gardening possibilities and the latest gym workout, yoga positions and kids swimming in the pool.

None of these conversations are earth shatteringly important , or wise or profound or revolutionary – but they are everything.

They are everything and they are nothing.

Inconsequential –  but of the most utmost importance to my day to day life.

These little exchanges of nothingness – of froth – of frivolity – of fascination – they are what make my world a joy to live in. And this is the realisation I had, as I sang my little Sesame St tune and bustled along the street as happy as a girl can be.

So  - why am I telling you this?

Because sometimes the joy of life can be found in the most unexpected places. In the least glorified of our daily activities. In the seemingly mundane tasks that we undertake without a thought.

But with the awareness and recognition and mindfulness that these little thing are actually some of the really big things – life can take on a whole new element of joy and happiness and giving and sharing and being.

A simple walk to the shops, with a trip to the delhi and then the mechanic, can bring total joy and satisfaction to my day, as we briefly chat about nothing in particular. Who knew?

Some of you may be reading this and saying: Wow – you need to get out more.

And that could indeed be the case ha ha ha – but the point is that life is what we make it. And taking the time to fully engage with each moment – to experience the totality and fullness of each and every interaction and exchange, no matter how trivial it may appear, can pay the hugest rewards.

So perhaps you can go into your neighbourhood with a new perspective. Get to know the people you see every day and share a few pleasantries. And if you already do this – then bravo to you and remember to be aware of what a gift it is, just to have this simple supportive human interaction on a daily basis.

I only wish that I could play the Sesame St song for you right here and right now – so then you could take it with you and sing it each and every day as you go about your business.

There could be quite the revolution ha ha ha.

So – on that note I ask you: ” Who are the people in your neighbourhood?”

And do you impact them in a positive way?

Do you bring an element of joy to your neighbourhood and the people in it?

If not – where could you start?

Make the connection.

Share some moments.

Give a smile.

And enjoy your day.

As sometimes all it takes to turn a dark day around, is a smile or a joke or a handshake or a hug or a moment with one of these seemingly ‘insignificant others’ in your life.

And the reverse is true too. That one little word of acknowledgement or encouragement could come at the perfect time to turn someone else’s day around. Someone who sees you as an “insignificant other” in their life.

We are all significant – and often to people that we would never expect.

So – go out into the world and shine your light

It may mean so much more to someone than you think……and that person could be You

 - Christine -