A Weekend of Contentment

Last weekend was probably the best weekend I have had in the longest while...

After getting home from work on Friday, I realised just how tired I was. For the first time, I did not want to hang out at a local coffee shop, or walk around anywhere. I just wanted to go home and sleep. I was on my way to the computer and had it turned on, ready to check and send emails when I thought I would lie down for a few minutes. Those few minutes turned into the rest of the night. When I woke up, it was 5h30 on Saturday morning. From that point on, I decided to take things slow for the rest of the weekend.

Things fell into place for Saturday. After hanging at the Y with some of the runners, I went across the street to have my ITB treated. I then had lunch at Souvlaki Hut before heading into Oakville to sit by the lake and bask in the sunshine. The park I ended up at was in fact, a garden centre. The sky was so clear that I was startled - when it was pointed out to me - to see a building way off in the distance - a building in New York State!


I then went over to Kula to do my part in the Energy Exchange programme for the first hour before heading over to the Kula Annex in Downtown Toronto for a screening of the film "Meditate and Destroy". This film was quite enjoyable. The only unfortunate part was that I missed the first half an hour because I was fighting traffic as I was driving into the city. However, I was able to get the story behind the movie which portrayed the life of Noah Levine, a man who turned his life - from the life of punk rock, drugs, and crime - to a life of delivering Buddhist teachings and promoting meditation to youths who are institutionalised across the United States. The amazing thing about this is the fact that Noah never forgot where he came from as he progressed. The youths even commented on the fact that he was real, not just some guy who became Buddhist and wanted to flaunt it.

After the screening was complete, I drove back to Kula Oakville to complete my Energy Exchange duties before heading home and getting some rest for another busy day...

Sunday morning, I eagerly awoke. I wanted to get on the train early so that I could head downtown. This time, I was headed for the Steam Whistle Brewery. No, it was not for the beer... It was for some yoga. This day was designated as Global Mala - an event that helped to usher out summer. Basically, throughout the weekend, yoga studios from around the world joined in an performed 108 Sun Salutations of various types to help promote peace. Here in Toronto, Global Mala was also a charity event - raising money for the Evergreen Centre for Youth.

Sitting cross-legged waiting for the fun to begin...

Teachers introducing themselves...

The energy was alive as we all flowed to the different styles that were offered by four teachers, including Kinndli. Most of the Sun Salutations were taken from Ashtanga. While most of us did the entire session, others had the choice to take rest or meditate - including one woman who was very pregnant and was limited by some of the postures. Kinndli taught the Baptiste Power Vinyasa style and I was immediately energised and felt at home, even as my arms were tiring from the vinyasas. The flow was so great, we all forgot we were in the roundhouse of a brewery until the steam whistle started blowing over the sounds of the music and instruction. This brought about a few rounds of giggles from all of us. After it was all over three hours later, we all settled down and enjoyed some fruits and nuts that were provided. Steam Whistle also had beer on hand but there were not that many takers.

Kinndli basking in the glow after practise was complete. She rocked it when she taught her portion!

I took the time to tour part of the brewery before leaving...


Upon leaving, I decided to go where my heart wanted to. I made a stop at the Y while I was downtown and did 45 minutes of pool running before departing. The cool water definitely made a difference and really took the edge off the fatigue I was feeling. I felt so relaxed and so at peace that it was immediately noticed by one of the staff members in the locker room. We got to talking about the fitness background and she was immediately fascinated by my energy level and the fact that I was an ordinary person holding down a job and finding time to train for the ultras. I left feeling really good and enjoyed the walk to the train station where I caught the train to pick up my car before heading home.

This weekend of contentment really had a profound effect on me. I realised that much of the lustre I had lost over the past week has returned. I guess this was a good lesson on patience on my part where recovery was concerned...