Living in Shanghai has allowed me to experience many firsts, attending an international school, learning the Chinese language, and daily interaction with cultures from all over the world.
While each of these experiences have made me a much more conscious individual, there is another encounter that has made me grow tremendously.
Riding the subway in Shanghai.
The Subway
Today I decided to meet my father up for lunch as he soon leaves for a business trip and as you may have guessed, I’m taking the subway. 
As a matter of fact, I’m writing this very post on my i-Phone.
When I first moved to Shanghai, the thought of taking the crowded transportation system intimidated me greatly. Fortunately, my good friend (and experienced subway rider) Mike, turned me on to the great benefits of riding the subway.
At first I rode the subway sparingly , but it wasn’t long before I became a regular user, especially when I visited my girlfriend in downtown Shanghai.
Because riding the subway was a simple way of saving money and it allowed me to reduce my carbon footprint, becoming a regular was a no brainier.
While it took a while to get used to, before long I actually started to rather enjoy riding the subway. Not only does taking the subway give me time to reflect but I also enjoy the interaction with the hundreds of people who ride the subway.
Connectedness
One of my favorite reasons for riding the subway is I can’t help but feel connected to humanity when I do.
I absolutely love the energy of the subway. Each day the energy is noticeably different. Sometimes it is negative, while other days I can’t help but feel the positivity of the passengers aboard.
I love experiencing the ups and downs of human emotion.
Riding the subway gives me the chance to fully immerse and connect with the thousands of people who use the subway daily.
While it can often times be crowded, I have come to thoroughly enjoy my time on the subway.
A positive habit I have adopted is to give my seat up to someone who looks as if they need it. Not only does this make me feel better but it also gives me an opportunity to make someone’s day.
I am regularly amazed at the politeness of (some) Chinese who gracefully refuse the seat.
(Ironically, I was just pushed out of the way by an elderly Chinese woman I kid you not.)
I love watching people interact with each other and am often greeted with smiles. I also enjoy watching the plethora of little kids I routinely come across.
I do my very best to smile at as many people as I can and sometimes start some small talk with some of the passengers ( my Chinese is still fairly weak.)
Many of my most euphoric moments have occurred during the walk home from the subway. This no doubt is the result of the connectedness I often feel when riding the subway.
Personal Development Express
Not only does riding the subway give me time to connect with humanity, I also use it as a time of growth.
Because I am often on the subway for 20-30 minutes, I quickly realized the potential of using the time to better myself as a human being.
Luckily, unlike when I’m in the car, I am able to read with out getting sick; therefore I take advantage of the 20-30 minutes and often read a book.
If I’m not feeling in the mood to read I also have enough time to fit in a 20 minute motivational podcast to boost my spirits. I often listen to a Philosopher Note or two.
I also sometimes take out my I-phone and jot ideas down for future posts.
Riding the subway often gives me sudden spurts of inspiration as well. I can’t tell you how many post ideas have come to me during a subway ride.
Taking the subway also gives me time to simply slow down. Sometimes I simply focus on my breathing and zone out. And while the subway isn’t quiet enough for me to experience full scale meditation, I occasionally listen to some meditation tunes.
I can’t tell you how valuable the 20-30 minute subway rides have benefited me as a person. I’ve written numerous articles, read an entire books (obviously in not one trip), and took sometime to contemplate some of lives most difficult questions.
The subway truly has been my personal development express. 
Taking the subway
Having grown up in the suburbs of Texas it wasn’t often ( OK never) that I found myself taking the subway.
Living in Shanghai has really opened my eyes to how convenient taking the subway can be.
While I don’t always take the subway I do my very best to use it as often as possible.
Do you regularly use the subway? Or are you a subway virgin?
Assuming there is a subway near you, I highly suggest you give riding the subway a try.
No related posts.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a subway near me, known as the DC Metro. I pretty much avoid it at all costs because it’s crowded, smelly, dark, and dirty (though not in comparison with other public transportation). However, I braved it this morning and found that it was really quite a pleasant experience. So funny that you would write about this post on today of all days. I found the people on the Metro interesting. It really wasn’t very crowded. And I had a nice ride to reflect and do some work I’d been meaning to catch up on. I’m really glad that I took the Metro today and got a new perspective. I’m also glad I read this post because it’s inspired me to spend even more time riding the Metro!
Dani!
I’m glad you had a pleasant experience on the subway! It’s interesting isn’t it? How having a different perspective can alter the way you feel?
Great news for you: a little insider into new lines opening soon…
- Early July: Line 8, Yaohua Road to the Aerospace Museum
- Late 2009: Line 7, Line 9 (Yishan Road – Middle Yanggao Road), Line 11 (North)
- Early 2010: Line 2 (Hongqiao – Songhong Road), Line 7 (N. extension) and Line 10
2020 mileages: 877 km. Enjoy the ride!
I miss taking the subway in Shanghai. I must agree, it is very interesting watching people around you. I enjoyed noticing people’s moods, and etc. I also loved watching and experiencing human kindness, like when people gave up their seats to the elderly.
.
Great post bud =D you reminded me of my ordinary, yet interesting, days in the subway.
Bud, thanks for the shout out in your post! It was quite pleasant to hear about the wonders of the subway. I don’t recall if i ditched you or not on the ride? I recall leaving someone behind anyways, thanks for the good subway habits!
You should mention the hundreds of beggars too!
I’ve always been intrigued by subways. The routes, the stops, the transfers, and the people. Just as the tracks intersect at various points our lives are about the connections we make with others. I often look at the other passengers and wonder who they are, what their life is all about, and if I might actually meet them one day.
Sadly there is now subway in San Diego, and the trolley lines have limited scope, so I have to visit New York, Paris or London to get my fix underground. Maybe someday I’ll even make it to Shanghai!
I took the bus for half of last year, because of car issues and necessity. I totally relate to all that you say in this post… I had a good 20+ mins/day to concentrate on reading, and it just made me slow down and appreciate life. It also makes you notice those around you in detail, and how related you are to one another… I miss using public transport now! Thanks for the good reminder, and inspiring post.
Whatsuuuup Bud?!
wow. you wrote this post on your iphone?!? bonkers. zen like monkish patience you have
really like your observation of connectedness on the subway. definitely feel that too. one of my favourite things to do (specially with girls as a date plan) is to mission to the top of a mountain (usually you can drive up) or sneak up the fire escape of a high building and look over the city at the lights and feel how you are a part of that. how you are that… also helps you realise the triviality of “my story” because each light is a big epic movie sized “story”… and none of it is a big deal.
inspiring stuff.
gave it a stumble
keep well bro
alex – unleash reality
p.s. add a stumble link to your sharing bar
I took the subway daily when I lived in Madrid and in Bucarest, and the only reason I’m not taking one in Las Palmas, where I live, it’s because we don’t have one. The only thing I dislike from subways is how stressed people act in the subway, specially in Madrid, where everybody seems to be in some weird competition.
Great post man, nice to see more personal stuff. For some reason, reading this made me wish I lived in Shanghai as well.
“I want to learn chinese!” haha
If you perfect the language, that is a skill which will benefit you so much throughout your life.
@Alex Thanks for the heads up!
Glad you found it inspiring!
@Miguel: I too have found that a lot of people are in a hurry. I simply smile at them and radiate peace, because that is what they need.
@Glen: It’s a shame I won’t be in Shanghai much longer or I would gladly have you stay at my place! Chinese is harder than it seems
Interesting slice of life presenting both the external and internal aspects of your experience – makes me wish there was a subway around for me to ride!
Shanghai sounds like a nice place and you make me want to visit it someday.
I prefer taking the subway rather than bus in my country, Singapore. We call it the M.R.T.
It’s faster and more comfortable.
You should try it if you visit Singapore. It should be less crowded than the subway in Shanghai.
Interesting post, Bud! It’s definitely an inspiration to be more outgoing and friendly.
My experiences with the subway have mostly been in NYC. To be honest, I’m not much of a fan. Especially on a hot and muggy (and smelly) day! Although, I do ride a commuter bus and highly value the hour per day of reading, reflection, and relaxation it gives me.
A benefit that you didn’t mention is that you save mental energy by not having to fight with traffic. This seriously made a significant difference in my energy levels when I stopped driving to work.
@vin
I’ve never been able to drive!
Great article! It reminds me of when I could still ride the tram. Even though they are different they are kind of the same. I used to have the same experience but now I live in Florida and can’t have it anymore