Last summer I joined an indoor cycling studio, the Method indoor cycling studio in Kitsilano. This hub of energy sits at the corner of Arbutus and 4th Avenue on the second floor of the building. It is a big space with 60 to 65 spin bikes and large windows on both sides.
I always use the second to third bike from the right in the second row of bikes, right by the window. This is a very strategic move on my part. First, all the keeners: ironman, ironwomen and Gran Fondo competitors use the front row so I'm out. Second, the bikes in the center are in front of the mirror, I do not need to be looking at myself while I bike. Third, there is a pair of industrial size fans on either side of the coach who sits in the front facing everyone and while it would be lovely to have my hair waving in the wind in a Sports Illustrated like photoshoot the truth is I'm no Sports Illustrated material.
Now you are thinking WHY is she so careful in setting up the stage? Well you see my bike is near the window and I can look out! This doesn't mean that I am not biking hard but it does mean that I can easily distract myself. So I look out on to the corner of Arbutus and 4th and at this corner sits this well know diner called Sophie's Cosmic Cafe. So for the last 7 months I have been voyeouristically observing what happens on that corner while I bike.
What happens? I'll tell you. People meet and greet each other at that corner usually because they are going to Sophie's. People say hello at that corner and after their meal people say they goodbye at that corner.
I have seen friends embracing each other. I have seen couples saying goodbye with a quick kiss. New (or what I assume to be new) lovers saying goodbye or hello with long lingering kisses. Mothers and fathers squatting to kiss their kids in their strollers. I have seen short hugs and long hugs and even a few bear hugs. I've seen quick I'll-see-you-soon-when-I-get-home embraces. I have also seen one fairly steamy sexy impassioned goodbye. And today I saw a couple who was clearly having a hard time with their goodbye and kept returning to each other over and over again to kiss a few times.
I am constantly harping on the need to stay in touch. Not just in touch but IN TOUCH. All the scientific evidence (even for worms!) says the more you touch the longer you live. I am a big fan of hugs. So clearly this street corner that I watch from above is doing it's job to promote life.
But I have also read that one of the most important things to do in order to live longer is to foster social connections. As I look down on this corner I am constantly reminded of the importance of love, devotion, affection, attraction, attachment, but most of all friendship. In other words I am constantly reminded of - LIFE!
