Clarity

I am in DC. It feels great to be back in an actual city. As it’s not a hint enough with the song, I feel awake. Being able to walk to destinations and not have to drive, being able to see the city and people how it’s meant to be. We have created a super fast-paced society, where we are rushing everywhere. One more lane, one more car, that will solve the problem. It hasn’t, it won’t. When you are able to walk you have a chance to take things in, then you have a moment to reflect. In that moment you can actually slow down and think and then when you act I think only then we can act but not react.

It is a city that has history and tradition. The way things are designed here is to emanate greatness. When you are in presence of these plazas, parks or monuments, you feel inspired to be better. They are not only beautiful but the are also designed with a thought. They are grand and great, but they are also meant to make you feel you can be a part of them. They are not massive to the point they crush you, which I feel like the big difference between the modern architecture versus let’s say pre-1980s. Ugly cities just have this effect on you, they just make you numb and and dull.

Anyway, this has been a convoluted rant about how we can design and maintain our environments in a way that inspires us. I’ve seen a perfectly managed cafe today at Tatte location on 14th street, I think where you are and how well-maintained things are effect what you do eventually. This is true for your city, your street and where you work. This city has inspired me to write and reflect again.

My walk took me to Capitol Building. The way Pennsylvania Avenue and National Mall leads to this monument is another brilliant design idea that’s been forgotten. Your journey should have a clear goal, often times we are not tired by the journey itself but by the lack of a clear destination at the end of it. Having a target just clarifies your journey and makes hindrances/obstacles tolerable, negligible even.

Today I’ve learned something and remembered some basic principles I’ve lost along the way. It was a good day. I’m enjoying an Anaerobic Process Honduran coffee at Grace Street Coffee to finish the day. I do wish it was a for here cup though.