Evening ride along the bridleways nearly to Upper Weild as the sun set. Puncture! Tire had gone down a bit overnight, but not a lot so I pumped it up and set off, checking it regularly. It was only when I went fast downhill on the way back that it very quickly it deflated. Rather than push it all the way back, I asked a lady if I could leave it in her garden while I walked home for the car. The sun set as I neared.

Otherwise a quiet day, alone in the office. Lunches at the school are getting quite posh, today with a quiche and veggies in white sauce. Sat in the sun out of the wind with friends.

Did a seven minute workout last night from the wahoo app, thirty second each activity then ten seconds rest. Slept well on it and will do another tonight. Getting to sleep pretty early and my sleep quality average is back in the upper seventies after dropping in the late summer.

Attempting to write every day, starting from now, inspired by a Zen Habits post. I don’t tend to sit in the evenings these days so writing can be sort of instead of that. 

Half day at work then home for a rest before counselling session: abandonment, controlling my environment, shyness, being part of a group, the new course and the new group. Good to have that ear available and that support and encouragement to go into things. As Derren Brown said last week, we are fine paying for gyms and things to aid our body but we shy away from spending money on our mind and emotions, as if it’s something to snigger at. I see acceptance of counselling growing. 

MTB ride afterwards, along the usual track, part of the Ox Drove way. So much fun. Already wanting to upgrade my bike, which I will for a Bird once I sell my ebike. Now or in the spring. Now I reckon. Will soon run out of light for evening rides though. Mornings?

Feeling good these days and glad to be more engaged with activity than in the gap between level two and three. Looking forward to the class Thursday.

First run on my Boardman Comp mtb this evening. So much fun. Makes me not want to commute by bike anymore along the roads, just so I can get back and go for a track ride. Tyres were too pumped at first and so I was bumping along and it was hard on the hands. Let some air out later and all good. Then discovered the adjustment to the air forks, so I can play with that next time. The uphills provided the workout I need and the downhills were just a blast. Nothing steep, just a run to Wield to the north east.

The Boardman 2016 Comp mountain bike.

Enjoying the qigong too. A good way to start the day after my 6am sit. Then luxuriously back to bed to a snooze along with some gentle music. Yesterday was Maclemore’s first, a good listen but not snoozeable to.

Lunch at the Krishnamurti Centre, my day to eat there rather than the school. Spiked chilli beans. Chef had put chocolate in and I didn’t find out until afterwards. I now feel a bit unbalanced and buzzy. Hopefully not too strong a hangover feeling tomorrow, which the sugar can bring. Not sure about cocoa on its own as I haven’t had it for years.

Went to see Derren Brown, who talked on the subject of his new book, Happiness. Basically it’s based on stoicism and most of what he said makes a lot of sense, especially the not getting involved in things you have no power over and daring to let them be fine. He was good at dismantling the myth of positive thinking and of trying to get somewhere. Once the basics are taken care of there is nowhere to get to.

Before that, taught yoga. Had to make the class a little shorter to get away on time. Went well and was enjoyable, words coming easier than they once did. It’s like they are immediately available to the tongue, whereas once, not so long ago, I had to work to seek them out and fit them to the action.

New mountain bike tomorrow, my first for 25 years when my Kona was nicked pretty much on arrival in Portsmouth. Since 2000 I’ve had hybrids. Keeping my Cannondale CX3 Cytronex ebike for commuting, this is for off road fun. Printed some routes at work; may take an afternoon off this week for it.