It's my fourth trip up to London for my course 'First Steps in Buddhist Practice'. I haven't writen about my last three visits as I have been up to my neck in being a Parish Councillor, more of that some other time. Today I have a break! Phyllis the Bike and I head off to the station and as ever I feel uplifted as I cruise down the hill. Climbing up it seems easier as a result of the course too. The sight of me at the station provokes a heated discussion between the Brexiteer and the Remainer. I am left speechless by the comment 'If we don't get out I am never voting again'
I emerge at Paddington to a brighter than expected day and decide to walk to the Royal Academy of Arts to meet my Art Historian.
I'm feeling like a hot drink to have on the go and am delighted to encounter a new cafe just inside Lancaster Gate. Italian Gardens Cafe provided a very affordable decaff cappuccino; regrettably I am not carrying my portable cup. Libdems would introduce a 20p tax on disposable cups. How brilliant is that?
I emerge at Paddington to a brighter than expected day and decide to walk to the Royal Academy of Arts to meet my Art Historian.
I'm feeling like a hot drink to have on the go and am delighted to encounter a new cafe just inside Lancaster Gate. Italian Gardens Cafe provided a very affordable decaff cappuccino; regrettably I am not carrying my portable cup. Libdems would introduce a 20p tax on disposable cups. How brilliant is that?
I arrive at the RA, having taking a few wrong turns just in time to meet the AH leaving to meet me. Check out her new shoes.
Lunch is at Zedel, https://www.brasseriezedel.com/
We have been here before and have found the atmosphere to be peaceful, the service brilliant and the food really good. The price is suprisingly reasonable and the ambience seems intially rather OTT but actually it is authentic and fun. Parisienne!
We have just finished our meals, omlette for her and goat's cheese salad for me when the fire alram goes off. We are evacuated. The History Girl needs to leave but I investigate how to pay and am given the card of a grateful manager, Ben.
It is back to the RA and the Exhibition 'Intrigue' which features the work of James Ensor and is curated by Luc Tuymans. https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/james-ensor-luc-tuymans. I am impressed with the varied and rebellious work of this little known late 19th/early 20th century genius.
The above reminds me of my medical schol days! The painting below of the Nordic painter Hammershoi of the same era
After tea at the ICA cafe, Pall Mall, I head to my course at The Buddhist Society near Victoria Station. The area is a confusing maze in the dark of the November rush hour. But I have plenty of time and stay in the human realm without descending to hell!
On arrival I ask my question. 'It's nice being mindful, skillful, but don't we need some thoughts to plan our lives, get here today etc?' I am told, of course, there is no problem with thinking but it's about moderation, you don't go fishing with a hammer. So said a famous master. Today we look at the wheel of life. Affective states of consciousness or realms. We can be in any of the six. I realise I am often a 'hungry ghost' ie in the craving realm, but some times I am human, sometimes animal. I am rarely in heaven, hell or fighting demons. Thee realms are great metaphors and I can work with them.
I have learned some resilence on the course and head for the Lion Quiz on arrival back in town. J suggests it was not my role to seek out the manager at the brasserie. I identify my guilt as being in hungry ghost territory. !! I like to think that supplying the word pathogen makes me instrumental in our win by 0.5 points but I think it was really down to J kicking off the last round with Michael Palin.
Home up the hill in the human zone by being mindful. A great day.
No comments:
Post a Comment