WINDING DOWN AND UP

Monday, August 18th, 2025

Winnipeg/Ottawa

This was going to be my last early morning japa meditation walk in Winnipeg until the next time I venture out this way.  I ambled along residential streets, a busier Notre Dame trafficked thoroughfare, and a hidden trail around a spillway.  I pondered on the previous day’s walk at the Forks – always pleasant by the Assiniboine and Red Rivers confluences.  With companions, we checked out the crab apples from their branches, hugged larger trees, and explored unique wculptures.  Sanatan Dharma, a local monk part of our walking crew, tells us about his mission at the Fords on the weekends.  He’s very outgoing, good with people, and likes to leave them with a book or two.  The Bhagavad-gita is a favourite.

Now, I’m off to Ottawa via Porter Airlines in preparation for a launch to the further north, Nunavut.  It’s exciting!  But while I await my companions from Toronto, I parked myself in Ottawa in a greenspace.  Hibiscus Park, to engage in writing emails and meeting people on the stroll.  I love the multicultural component in this Bar Haven burb where you have Africans, Russians, Indians, White Canadians, a few squirrels.

There is a feeling in the air that summer is slowly moving to closure.  Boys’ soccer teams were out as school season will soon begin in no time.  My dear student, friend, and helper on my US walk, Mandala Ram, gave me his good company and also engaged in interactions with park pedestrians.  It’s always a positive passing-time practice, especially when leaving a hint of Krishna consciousness with anyone.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

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