Finding Your Fortress of Solitude

Last week, New York City was blanketed with the most snow we’ve seen in years, and New Yorkers got the chance to take a day to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in their bathrobes while watching the snow hit the proverbial fan. We were encased in a momentary Fortress of Solitude, and I took the time to think about where to find peace in this otherwise hectic town.

As I watched the snow pile up on my windowsill last week, I wondered how other people were coping with such copious amounts of snow. I turned on my kitchen television to see the ubiquitous newscaster standing in Central Park as cross country skiers passed by and the anonymous runner in hotpants and a sweatshirt kept right on runnin’. Said newscasters did their best to flag down New Yorkers enjoying the snow to interview them about such “wild weather.”
I watched, coffee in hand, and realized how overworked New Yorkers truly are. During the summer, I get the chance to work in Central Park as an Art Instructor for a day camp, and I certainly find Central Park to be one of the Fortress’ of Solitude that is build into the city.
But what about other locations?
Prospect Park is to Brooklyn what Central Park is to Manhattan, offering incredible space and solitude, but with enough people to not feel lonely if you’re on your own.
Brighton Beach is a great place to find some quiet if you’re willing to take a nice long ride on the subway. In the winter, this becomes a spot for quiet contemplation and meditation. Just make sure you bundle up.

When the last snowflake fell on Wednesday, we all realized that the next day would involve getting on the train, riding to work and trudging through the brown snow. But for a brief moment in time, many New Yorkers got the chance to take a deep breath and sit in our own Fortress of Solitude. Except for this guy.