Exploring the Streets of Bengaluru: Face Reading and Shared Risks

Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from stepping out into the world, engaging with people from all walks of life, and embracing the shared risks that come with unconventional learning experiences... Suneel

My recent stay in Bengaluru took an unexpected turn when I decided to explore the back lanes of MG Road. Little did I know that a chance encounter with a psychology student would open up a fascinating experience of face reading right there on the bustling streets.
As I strolled down MG Road, absorbing the energy and chaos of the city, my attention was drawn to a student of psychology standing just after the Metro station. What caught my eye was a playful cardboard sign that boldly declared, "Myth: Psychologists can read faces. Fun Fact: Psychologists can actually read faces!"
Intrigued and amused, I approached him, struck by the audacity of his endeavor. Leaning against an electric pole, he invited people from the street to get their faces read. It took courage to stand there, challenging societal norms and inviting strangers to participate in this quirky street psychology experiment.
I couldn't resist engaging in the fun myself. I approached him, expressing admiration for his boldness. "This needs a lot of courage and guts," I remarked. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to have my face read without revealing that I, too, belonged to the world of psychology as a life coach and trained social worker.
As he studied my facial features, he shared that he had been doing this for many years. What fascinated me more was his response when I inquired if he charged for this unique street service. "I never ask for it, but people do pay me," he replied with a smile. It was evident that his motivation went beyond monetary gains; he found joy in the shared experience of connecting with strangers on a deeper level.
He went on to reveal that he was actively learning therapy under professional guidance, emphasizing the importance of private practice and engaging with strangers in mutual shared risk situations. In the heart of Bengaluru, a city known for its vibrant start-up culture and entrepreneurial spirit, his street-side psychology venture seemed right at home.
With his consent, I clicked a picture of him, capturing the essence of this unconventional yet insightful encounter. As I continued my journey through the back lanes of MG Road, I couldn't help but think that he embodied an apt example for students of social work and psychology aspiring to learn the intricacies of private practice and the art of connecting with people in unconventional settings.
In a city where innovation and risk-taking thrive, this psychology student's street experiment echoed the spirit of Bengaluru. 

It served as a reminder that learning doesn't always happen within the confines of a classroom or a traditional office. Sometimes, the most profound lessons come from stepping out into the world, engaging with people from all walks of life, and embracing the shared risks that come with unconventional learning experiences.