The Zen Within

The Zen Within

By Tanzania Hughie Posted: July 29, 2020

Image by Tanzania HughieGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

All I need in this world of sin is just a little bit of zen withinGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Who else has been craving to keep that balance that was achieved in the “ Rona” alive and well? Don’t get me wrong I definitely ate my weight in carbs for two weeksGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. But, then I purposed my quarantine to be the space in which I gathered myself to be authentically meGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Keeping that safe space has been hard to maintain since the city has opened back up but, I did a few things I think you can carry with youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. If you want to ease your way back into the swing of things I suggest becoming more activeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It is really hard to find a bike nowadays but Tony’s Bike Shop on 23rd Ave might have a couple on handGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This Astoria staple has been a lifesaver during the pandemic and still gives you that old school neighborhood vibe when you walk inGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Whether it’s getting your tires replaced or getting the latest gadget you’ll find yourself right at home when you enter the shopGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The owner is personable and treats you like family which makes the service feel even more comfortable during these odd timesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Once you get your wheels, grab you a slice from Rosa’s on 21st Street, the family feel is always warm and invitingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Get that slice to go then bike over to Astoria ParkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The bike lane at dusk is romantic and will take your breath awayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It is one of New York’s few treasures that hasn’t been over marketed and marginalized by touristsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Looking for a boozy convo then make your way up 30th Ave, here you can park and sipGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Pull your bike up to The Grand restaurant and sit down and drink some frozeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image by Tanzania HughieGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

After my bike ride and my slice I sat down in the midst of all that’s going on, I watched strong immigrant men listen to a strong Black man give his accounts on what it is like to be Black in AmericaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As I began to digest everything around me, watching men being passionate, couples walking by in the street, and people beginning to resume their normal livesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. At that moment I thought we were getting back to normal, our lives are beginning to reassembleGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Civil unrest, people marching for one united cause for a purpose felt very overwhelming but justifyingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This world went from destroying store aisles for toilet tissue to marching in aisles for freedomGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I witnessed natives praying in their God given tongue blessing the ground we marched on as we came together in solidarityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

During the march for Stolen Lives and Looted Dreams the crowd was some of the most peaceful people I’ve seen in New YorkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As a New Yorker we experience the rude MTA seat hogger, the nosey neighbor, tailgating tourists and the ever so present rodents that live among usGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Still we choose to call this concrete apple our home with joy and we often meet the best of the bestGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. That is who showed up at the marchGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As the smoke from burning sage filled my nostrils my spirit was teleported to a tranquil place where my skin color didn’t matterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I felt one with everyone thereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I felt present with my ancestors and those beings that sojourned before us fighting the same fight of freedomGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As much of a connection, I felt disconnected because I had so many questionsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Why are we still fighting these same fights? Why can’t humanity get along? Why can’t we see each other for the beautiful souls we areGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I often think of what makes humanity great is it’s our ability to examine the human condition and exemplify empathy for one anotherGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The march was all New Yorkers coming together to unite with that mindset radiating and beamingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image by Tanzania HughieGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

If only the whole world could see the beauty that is our little nook called Astoria… I wonder if we see itGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As I reflect on the men and their passionate conversation, marches, and demonstrationsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I realize we have lost our pride and dignity in our diversityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We have had this yearning to want to assimilate to a culture so bad forgetting that right here in Astoria New York we are rich in CultureGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Where else in the world can you experience all of the world in one borough but AstoriaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. All types of food, music, art – we are one big melting pot of a diverse community, it’s HomeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This diversity in culture is what makes America, America and losing our diversity is something this Black woman never wants to see happen to her beloved cityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.