I pick up and dispose of three pieces of garbage that I did not create each time I go outside. Of course, this doesn't make New York City much cleaner. But it does cause me to slow down for a moment, to become aware of my concrete surroundings, and to apply mindfulness to a specific task. Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to engage with the awkward emotions that arise in my mind from having to bend over and pick up a candy wrapper in front of others on a crowded street. The practice adds about four seconds to my commute.

Ethan Nichtern in One City