Trip #250 Sumner Street to Niles Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on January 26, 2019, and was published on February 18, 2019.
Despite having a regular meditation practice, I still find it nearly impossible to retain a quiet focus once I leave the cushion. How can I perceive the world without judging, categorizing, classifying? My senses light up with input (Sights! Sounds! Smells!), and then the monkey mind gets busy attaching significance, meaning, explanation, and interpretation through its constant chatter. But for a moment, I see the scene and bring my attention to my breath, and the rise and fall of my chest. I hold still and press the button. In that time, my mind quiets. Then the Polaroid ejects with a mechanical whir and the conversations return.
Field Notes: Newly re-done sunken sidewalk stairs that run along Sumner Street near Niles. Nice view of downtown from here!
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
