Magic of the trains

If you've ever been on a train for a few days, especially in Kazakhstan, then you probably know this feeling. When you get off the train at the end station, you’re rested and cheerful. And you go forward, confidently, without any doubt, as if you are entering a new life.

Why is this happening?

If you discard a good sleep, supported by the train’s motion, as well as the opportunity to do nothing, to take a break, then there’s still something left. Something that is hard to describe in one word. It's such a special attitude towards people. Attitude on the train.

In my opinion, it’s the real magic of the trains. Yet we don't even notice it. And I think it's worth telling about it a little more.

When you get on the train, at that very moment, your attitude towards people is changing. You unconsciously reject any demands and expectations. Any negativity. You accept every fellow traveler – the neighbors in the carriage or compartment – just as they are. They're just people, they're just going with you, in the same direction, and you accept it.

You know this journey will end. Sooner or later, the train will arrive at the end station. You won't meet these people anymore. That's the reason you accept everyone as they are. Do they talk loudly? Do they snore? Do they smell of alcohol or smoking? Anything else? You don't have any complaints. You don't even have any thoughts about it. You know the train will arrive at the end station. It's all going to end sooner or later.

And - having so easily got rid of the burden of negativity - you notice everything else. Everything kind and positive. You appreciate the beautiful sights you see from the window. And smiles, and funny stories. And your thoughts. About the place you’re going from. About the place you're going to. And – most importantly – about the place you are at the moment. Here’s the train, and here you are. You can't get off this train at this moment. That's why you accept this train and all the people in it. You accept everything. You even accept yourself, just the way you are.

You're just realli in this very moment...

But why isn't life like this?

After all, life is like a train that moves from the past to the future, through the endless unknown. There are better carriages, yes. Super ultra premium elite luxury. And there are worse carriages.

And there’s this carriage where you are. And all the people around you. Your fellow travelers, just people going with you, in the same direction. Why are there any demands and expectations, criticism and misunderstanding? Why is there no politeness and respect, no smile and kindness?

Don't you understand – sooner or later, this train will arrive at the end station. Sooner or later, this journey called life will end. You can't get off this train at this moment. So why is there negativity and anger, demands and expectations? Can't we just be in this moment and enjoy this journey together?

Okay, here's a different way of looking at the train metaphor. Some of us don’t like trains. Some of us may think it’s pointless trying to be positive and polite when other travelers are negative and rude. It's much better to focus on your own business and have a car.

A car is also a metaphor. It’s the metaphor where you are the driver of your own life. You choose the road, the music, the temperature, and the destination. And you take everyone you love with you. Yes, you see others, in their cars, or those on the trains. But you don't care, you're not trying to show them your way. All that matters is that everything is fine in your car. Sinatra is singing, and there’s a beautiful sunset outside the window.

And some of us may find a better metaphor in a motorcycle.