It's been a bit of a topsy-turvy week exercise-wise. I had a tiring and dramatic week (see the previous post), so I gave myself permission to take it a little bit easier mentally and more gentle physically this past week with my body, so that I could work on sorting out my mind and that situation. I didn't let the exercise go - it was just a matter of shorter sessions and an impromptu rest day.
I definitely made up for it by doing an active retreat day yesterday. I have been wanting to head back out to the Dandenong Ranges for quite a while and yesterday's weather forecast was amazing, so I figured it was time to act. I wanted to get out of the little seaside town, so my intention was to visit Belgrave, maybe Olinda and Sassafrass, head up Mt Dandenong, do a bit of a hike in the bush and find some Char Siu Bao on the way home.
I spent two hours in each direction travelling to the Dandys (as I like to call them), but it was so worth it! I went up the summit of Mt Dandenong, had a picnic morning tea, took lots of photos, did a forest walk and just "was" for an hour and a half. Too many screaming, running and yelling free-range children challenged my patience and sadly my phone died randomly while I was taking photos of the gardens, so I couldn't drown them out with headphones and music. Hmph.
Next stop was the gorgeous mountain town of Olinda, where I oohed and aahed at gorgeous shops filled with Turkish trinkets, soy candles, crystals, Nepalese clothes and all manner of new age supplies. I'll be back, Olinda, with cash this time! Turns out Eftpos ain't too popular in them there parts of the bush.
In one shop in Olinda I met Jennifer Bailey, a Homeopath, Naturopath, Meditation Teacher and Healer with 26 years of vast experience. I bought a copy of her book "New Healing Secrets of Angels and Herbs", which she kindly autographed and dedicated. We had a great chat about astrology, Angels, herbs, healing, coaching and a million other things.
The lady that runs the shop and I had a yarn about astrology too. She picked that I had Gemini in my sign due to my friendly and outgoing nature, which according to Tibetan Astrology (which I had a look at this morning and is based on the Tibetan Calendar) is my sign, although Western Astrology says I'm Cancer based on the Gregorian Calendar! Fascinating stuff - I'll be back to see these two gorgeous ladies again soon.
After Olinda, I caught the bus to Upper Ferntree Gully and after a quick look at the market, I took the train to Box Hill for some Char Siu Bao (steam pork buns) and a quick trip to Woolworths for supplies. I love the fact that Char Siu Bao were just $1.80 and all steamy and fluffy and delicious. I need to find a place on this side of town that has them also; the supermarket ones are gross and I'd rather go somewhere to get them fresh. Mmm...BBQ Pork in a fluffy bun. Magic!
Next stop was Doncaster as my phone needed a trip to the Apple Hospital. It turns out the battery is cactus (helpful tip: iPhone batteries are only good for 400 charging cycles. Be prepared to fork out $90 or so for a new battery after that) having been used past its use by date and needs to be replaced, which was why it turned itself off mid-photo at 46% battery charge. I'm not keen on the need to throw $89 at a piece of technology instead of spending it on study or yoga or a holiday, but if it stops my mind becoming more disturbed by this battery situation and gives me less stress and more peace of mind, then I suppose it is worth it.
I really enjoyed my day out in the bush, even with the cactus phone and the side trip to a mall that really wasn't necessary. I've decided that I will be making this a monthly event now (except for the mall trip and the cactus phone bits, of course).
I may live by the sea, but sometimes you just need to go bush, go walkabout, go up a mountain; in fact, sometimes you need to just go and just be.
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