Midnight Journal: Sadhaka Dristi
Post 3/12: The Invisible Artists
When you pause for a few minutes at places like Grand Central Terminal or walk through Central Park, something interesting you notice, simply stand there for 15–20 minutes and observe, the city reveals its small performances of life. Someone stands in a corner playing a violin or saxophone, a dancer spins with unusual rhythm, and artists sketch caricatures, turning the noise of the city into a moment of art.
Yet the strange thing is this - the crowd rarely sees the beauty. People walk quickly with their eyes on their phones, chasing the next meeting, the next train, the next obligation. I myself have had a few moments there - brief encounters and talks with these artists reminded me how powerful a small gesture of appreciation can be. A smile, a pause, a nod… sometimes that is worth more than the coins dropped in the box.
I had a few incidents in my US visit that touched my heart. They reminded me that humanity is greater than money.
One day, I went to buy a coffee near the metro station. The coffee cost $3.70. I had some coins and thought I had paid $4. But I didn’t realise that some of the coins were not two-dollar coins. In reality, I had paid only $2. The coffee seller looked at me, smiled, and said, “It’s okay. Go ahead and enjoy your coffee.”
I thanked him and left the shop. While walking later, I realised that I had paid only half the amount. It didn’t feel right. So in the evening, I went back to the same coffee shop and paid the remaining money. Something beautiful happened then. When the people in the café understood why I came back, the whole place started clapping. In that small moment, I felt something powerful - honesty and kindness still exist in this world. ❤️
One day in Central Park, I met a guy from Vietnam. He was standing there with a camera, offering to take pictures for people. He simply said, “Pay whatever you wish.” He took many beautiful photos of me. He didn’t rush, he didn’t ask for money, and he did it with genuine kindness. After he finished, I gave him a small amount - just enough for a coffee and also money in Indian currency as a small gesture from my side. The moment he received it, his face lit up with happiness. It was a joy that is difficult to express in words. Then he gave me a warm hug. That hug stayed with me.
Sometimes I feel the way begging happens in many places in India could change. Instead of asking, people could offer something - a service, a skill, a small effort. Because when work comes with sincerity, people respond with respect and generosity. Just watch this Video. I feel success should be like this for people who dream big !! Service with a human touch ❤️.
There were many other moments during my stay in the US when people helped me without any reason. Strangers would stop and show me the way when I looked confused. Some helped me understand the public transport system, which was not always easy for a newcomer. Others guided me while buying food, shopping for daily needs, or simply figuring out small things in the city.
Looking back, I realise that everywhere I went, I was surrounded by good people. In a city where I did not know a single person, life somehow became so easy because of the kindness of strangers. For all those moments, I silently thank the support of my divine that guided me and placed the right people around me at the right time. 🙏