From Disappointment to Peace: A Simple Mindfulness Ride (Life in Germany-2)

“I’m going to watch Wimbledon this afternoon,” said my wife.
“But… it’s the weekend,” I replied, a little disappointed.

Still, I decided to take my newly bought bike out for a ride.
Schloss Benrath is a castle I’d always wanted to visit.

But the upset feeling kept creeping in.
Even riding by the Rhein on a sunny afternoon, I couldn’t really feel the joy.
My mind just kept looping the same thought:
I didn’t get the weekend I wanted.

That’s the tricky part about mindfulness—
We forget it’s always there, ready to help.
And then suddenly, in the middle of the ride, I remembered.

So I slowed down.
Breathed in—heart still pumping.
Breathed out—remember what Thich Nhat Hanh said "Don't think, just feel."

The birds started to chirp.
The leaves began to wave.
The sun became warmer.
Nothing is not fun when your mind playground is alive.

So… how was the castle?
Well, it was closed due to an event.

But I ended up walking through the castle park, exploring a quiet trail on my bike way, a small botanical garden, and even a horse yard.
And I enjoyed them all!

Now I’m heading home, ready to enjoy baked chicken for dinner—with my wife.