Sunday, 24 December 2017

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario

Priorities

I started today’s afternoon trek by going through Ramsden Park which is situated across the street from our temple ashram.  I took a winter photo shot of the park, which is now newly renovated.  The barriers were recently removed and the neighbourhood can benefit from its valuable usage.  I missed the unveiling, if there was one.

What’s so good about it?

First of all, the children’s section was completed before anything else.  The badminton courts, ping pong tables, grassy chill-out zones with trees, and a sizeable dog play area came later.  Kids come first and so the priorities are right.

Secondly, the materials used were biodegradable.  Swings, climbing devices and a small fort are smartly done—plastic free.  Jaya!

Formerly the space was a brick-making factory.  The place has been transformed over time.  A triumph.  The park also sits at the edge of what’s called an ‘ancient trail’, where the Hurons roamed along what was then the shore of Lake Ontario.  http://www.blogto.com/city/2013/10/what_yorkville_looked_like_when_it_was_still_a_village/

Anyway, good stuff!

I proceeded to hit Yonge Street, another place of gradual transformation.  Huge condos are going up.  I also ventured into a shopping mall—the Eaton’s Centre—spanning from Dundas to Queen; the place goes on forever.  It’s busy.  95% young people.  It’s Christmas, it’s crazy.  Not Christ.

I turned back and reached the ashram in time for kirtan, chanting.  As I entered the building, I caught a whiff of the smell of bleach.  At least the floors are clean.

I sat on a large mat with others to partake in the kirtan.  Graham sat next to me.  He smelled like a barn.  I told him so.  It reminded me of my childhood.

May the Source be with you!

9 km

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