Earphones and Postcards

"Aanhin ko ang paraiso, kung mag-isa lang ako dito?"
What's the use of being in paradise if I'm alone?

Earphones

Jay and I frequent 'Starbucks' because we're looking for eye candy he needs the stickers and I just want to hang out. Aside from drinking crazy calories, a portion of our evening includes him handing me his earphones so I could listen to his tunes. He then either tells me a back story, repeats a portion of the song (because I have bad ears), or laughs because I usually react with--

"Ah, mah heart!" I put both of my hands on my chest while listening to Sara Bareilles' 'Winter Song' which he likes more than Sara's 'Bluebird' (I still think 'Bluebird' is better.)

"Here, listen to this!" Jay is like a musical magician, effortlessly pulling the rabbit melodies out of his top hat to compliment my mood. 

"Why are you doing this to me, Jay?" He smiles and hands me the earphones again anyway. I plug them in my ears and jokingly clutch my left chest.

See, music is pretty great when you listen to it alone. It's even better when you share it with others. Not illegally of course. I think it's similar to travelling.

Better Alone?

With travelling and listening to music, there are those who prefer to enjoy it alone and those who prefer to have companions. I've heard a lot of interesting stories from advocates of solo traveling. I've yet to try it for a whole weekend but it's okay since travelling with others is already a rewarding experience.

Better Together

Other things are better experienced together. If a trip is life-changing, shakes you to the core, or is just so beautiful, why choose to immerse in it alone? Isn't it selfish to not bring a person with you so that you can both enjoy the trip? Vividly describing and showing photos after your amazing vacation is great, but wouldn't it be nicer if you just brought that friend along? 

Choosing to be with a travel companion instead of going out alone extends and enhances love from self-cherishing to become "others-centric." From seeking joy by yourself, you are choosing to share this joy with someone. <cue Jack Johnson's 'Better Together'>

Postcards

Do you remember the overused phrase people write at the back of postcards? Whenever I find myself in stillness, I quietly look at the view and remember a friend or someone back at home. There is always this longing for me to share such a beautiful moment with someone. It's not really loneliness, it's more of just wanting others to see what I am seeing. 

I am in paradise, and yet I feel a dull ache. I sigh and think, "You would've loved this. I wish you were here."