Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

Last weekend I did manage to get one longer and one shorter ride in – and the longer one pretty much wiped me out for the rest of the day, so I continued my holiday week of laziness. 

Sunday’s roam, in contrast to the previous two, was held on a sunny afternoon that even felt warm out of the north easterly breeze. I wrote about it more extensively on Patreon this week; when I talked about it on Friday with those who came out for a gentle roam in Golden Gate Park, I said that, while many roams have been memorable, this one was almost mind-blowing, for the intensity of the experience of being under the bridge, followed up by a gorgeous sunset and moon rise.

I felt refreshed and raring to go on Monday, which was good, as I packed in a few extra things this week: a couple of extra classes for Within, subbing for other teachers; a first in-person corporate meditation for a while on Tuesday (judging by the quality and pertinence of the questions afterwards, it was well received), before my usual work day and student group in the evening; and a very sweet wedding at City Hall on Wednesday morning. While it is always special to officiate there, this time the ceremony was on the mayor’s balcony, overlooking the grand staircase – perhaps even more photogenic than the fourth floor balconies where I have been previously.

Friday’s roam might have been less spectacular than Sunday’s, but everyone enjoyed the lakes, the groves and the meadows, which were largely illuminated in watery low sun, such as you often get in England in the winter. We sat at Metson Lake, among others – possibly my favourite – and after five tranquil minutes, a heron flew serenely across and landed near where we were sitting, graciously staying to pose for photographs afterwards. More reasons to love the city.