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Rap and Smiles on the Train
124 | How can we cultivate joy?
A train carriage full of people.
All the seats were occupied, and many people were standing. Almost everyone had a serious expression, some were even sad.
Everyone was busy with the things in their lives, most with their eyes on their cell phone screens.
Suddenly, at one of the train stations, a young Brazilian comes in. He plays a song on his cell phone and starts improvising rap verses, creating verses about what he sees in people.
He walks around the carriage, showing off his art and suggesting that people contribute a few coins to help him.
Little by little, people’s faces change and smiles begin to appear in response to the funny phrases he comes up with.
A few minutes later, he went off to another carriage after winning a few coins and a lot of smiles.
He left but left a different atmosphere. Most people had smiles on their faces, they were no longer just looking at his cell phone, they no longer looked serious. Everyone seemed a little lighter and in a better mood.
The artist, the young artist, took a few coins to help him, but he left much more. He left behind a moment of joy, of lightness, a moment of good cheer. A moment of good…