Learning Moments

Pavement Poetry from the Street

The street can’t whisper. Yet sometimes she does, and that’s quite a happening (yes, the street is a she, at least for me).

It doesn’t happen when we rush, lost in thought. It’s up to us to slow down, settle into a relaxed pace and arrive with our senses where our feet are walking.

When we truly listen, we might hear the street whispering gentle words, surprising sounds, quiet invitations.

The Street Whispers

You walk over me, day in, day out. 
Without greeting. Without a glance.
As if I am air. As if I have nothing to say.
On your way from A to B.

I feel your steps. Quick. Rushed.
Your head full of ‘must-dos’.

I am your street.

I hear you sigh.
I feel your longing.
For less. For space. For rest.

Slow down.

I invite you. Roll out the red carpet for you.
So that your steps become lighter. Softer. Unhurried.
Come wander. Come listen. Let your head clear in the wind.

Bring me your question. That one that keeps grinding.
The answers lie here, waiting to be picked up.

Look down – see what grows between my sidewalk stones.
Look up – hear what the wind above my head wants to tell you.
See what you didn’t see before.

Let yourself be surprised.
Wonder.

I am here.
For those who dare to pause.
For those who choose to look.

At me. At yourself.

I am the street.

Take a stroll. Slow down your pace and listen closely.
The street has something to say.

And if you’d like to explore this more deeply, join me for a Street Wisdom moment in Alkmaar on August 20 at 18:30. It’s free to join — [register here].

Thank you, Roos Ament, for your inspiration! With gratitude to David Pearl and Philip Cowell from Street Wisdom.

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The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• Related Stories: What I Found When I Slowed Down. A stroll through Amsterdam, a quiet question—and what the street had to say. And: Still a Facilitator, Just Unhurried About the Joy of Going Slower.
• Take a summer evening stroll: Street Wisdom in Alkmaar on Wednesday,
  August 20th at 18:30. It’s a free event designed to shift your perspective — sign up now to join!
• Join the next Unhurried Conversation—a space to slow down, listen, and connect. We meet every 2nd Monday of the month. It’s free, and you’re warmly welcome. Sign up here.
• For more Learning Moments, subscribe to my newsletter and get timely updates straight to your inbox.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.