The magic of flash mobbing
In my next life, I want to come back as a flash mobster. I’ve become a huge fan of flash mobbing, especially in London. Probably because the city’s weird, wired and wonderful nature makes it the perfect place to flash mob.
That’s not to say that SA isn’t a great place to flash mob too. If you were in Port Elizabeth last month, you may have been lucky enough to see students from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University doing it. They were members of its international, award-winning choir, flash mobbing shoppers at the Greenacres Centre with a wonderful a cappella routine. (It’s available on Youtube if you’re interested.)
I think the world would be a much better place if there were more flash mobs. Flash mobs bring spontaneity back into life. They make you smile, instantly break down barriers, and look at life through new eyes.
A flash mob is defined as “a large group of people that assembles suddenly in a public place, performs an unusual or pointless act for a brief time, then quickly disperses”. The term is generally applied only to gatherings organised via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails.
Most of the flash mobs I’ve read about or been lucky enough to stumble across, have been vibrant, noisy movement, dance, music, and singing events.
Buddhists in London stage a meditation flash mob in the 17th Century cobbled square of Covent Garden in London last week. Picture: Copyright STEVE SILBERMAN
The latest was quite different, more muted and mindful: a group of Buddhists sitting still and quiet in meditation on the cobblestoned streets of the 17th century Covent Garden square – one of London’s busiest, bustling, touristy shopping areas.
This was the second flash mob organised by Wake Up London, a Buddhist sangha (a Sanskrit word commonly used for a Buddhist group). The first that I missed was earlier this year in Trafalgar Square, another busy area of London.
Among Wake up London’s stated aims are:
1. To create an environment for people from all walks of life to come together in meditation.
2. To spread awareness of meditation.
3. To come together as a community to send positive intentions out into the world.
4. To show that leading by example is the best way to lead. Simple acts can stimulate major paradigm shifts in thinking.
A perfect and mindful way to Wake up SA with a flash mob, I’d say.