Thursday, December 29th, 2016

Toronto, Ontario

Cops are Tops

Temperatures hover  around the zero degree mark these days.  You have a combination of slush, ice, snow and bare spots.  You must keep your eyes open.  Under the CPR train tracks, the sidewalk was clear of all that interesting stuff.  This is at Yonge and Davisville where a popular liquor store operates right under the train cargo route.  I often frequent this area.

Today, one lost soul (I can say that because he was) asked me, “Which is the way to the closest Tim Hortons?”

I had to admit that I wasn’t quite sure.  In Canada, Tim Hortons, which caters to the donut, sandwich and coffee crowd, has locations from coast to coast.  It’s the meeting place for many, and the stereotype location for police to hang out and grab a donut.  People say, “Donut mess with the cops!”

And I do see police, today.  While in their patrol car at a street juncture, I got the sense they were gawking at me.  I had plain clothes on.  Slush, ice and snow don’t take kindly to our robes, the dhotis especially.  Other people were there waiting for the lights to change to green, but it seemed like the officers’ eyes were on me alone.  But perhaps that’s what everyone thinks. They’re looking at me.  I better behave.

 

From that perspective, I think it’s healthy.  The Ontario police have the policy “to serve and protect.”  I believe that. But, wait a minute, perhaps they took me for a donut!  I was wearing the colours—some browns—and maybe that was the reason for the stare.

But seriously, I meet police all the time, mostly on the long walks.  They are 98% good with me.  The cops are tops!

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Wednesday, December 28th, 2016

Toronto, Ontario

A Walk Talk

Cathy was the dental assistant who looked after my teeth, for a cleaning and check-up.  Before taking photos of the keyboard in my mouth, and the scraping and flossing, we chatted.

I told Cathy my appointment was delayed, and then delayed again, due to the frequent flying trips and the summer walk half-way across America.

“That’s amazing!” said Cathy.

“Four times Canada, and a few other countries, including Ireland and Israel….”

“Well, this summer, a friend and I walked one day, a total of 47.5 km (29.5 mi).  We went along Yonge Street from Newmarket through downtown Toronto to the lake.”

“That’s great, Cathy.”

“We weren’t really prepared.  The rain came down pretty hard mid-way into the walk.  I had good shoes though.  We got sore legs in the process.”

“What was your cause?” I asked.

“My friend was raising awareness for cancer.  And your cause?”

“I do all these walks to promote introspective lifestyle; to take care of body and soul together.”

The dentist came to inspect my mouth.  I’m embarrassed.  I’ve neglected my teeth for some years.  I always brushed but it takes more for good maintenance.  Cathy told him of my walking expeditions.

“Oh!  What for?” he asked.

“It’s always for friend-raising, not fund-raising.  You get to meet people; inspire and get inspired,” I said.  And, of course, I was happy to meet Cathy.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Tuesday, December 27th, 2016

Toronto, Ontario

Time and Mindful Steps

I was on the phone with a friend who’s been in an alcoholic, upward/downward battle.  He recalled something he heard our guru, Srila Prabhupada, say, that every step taken can be a step of danger.  He was right to reference the remark, which is actually found in shastra (sacred Vedic text).

Nothing could be closer to the truth on this point, whether taken metaphorically or practically. Certainly when I braved winter this night, it was hard to keep balance on my feet on the ground.  I might have scored better on skates than shoes.  Even though I knew from the first step below the outdoor stairs that “slippery” would be the experience of an hour-and-a-half walk, I was determined not to turn back once I hit the sidewalk.  I was not going to be a wimp and so toughed it out.

I counted four slips only on the seven kilometre trek.  “Not bad for a treacherous walk,” I thought.  I was just driven to get my distance in.  It’s important not to fail in this.  No excuses.  Life gets busy and full with a monk’s obligations.  You pray for time to shape-up for the task.

Prioritize through the day, and the time needed usually works itself out.  God is there, after all, to help in such matters.  And I do often keep in mind the phrase from the Bhagavad-gita, where it is said by Bhagavan (the Supreme Divine), “Time I am!”

It is truly a profound statement.  Every day, hour and moment is precious—a jewel or gem when utilized for Divine intent.

May the Source be with you!

7km