I love to stay indoors during the winter. Even after growing up in Canada, enduring the lake effect snow of upstate New York and 18 years of Minnesota winters, I’ve never fully embraced the cold. Yet, The Legend of Gord the Green is why I still venture outdoors. Gord was a fellow student at Carleton University in Ottawa. Our campus buildings were connected by heated underground tunnels (similar to the University of Minnesota). One day, Gord accepted a dare to not step outside from January through April. It is said that when he finally emerged into the sunlight, his skin had turned green. To this day, whenever I realize I’ve barely been outside, I make myself get out and explore. Last year, I discovered a cornucopia of activities that will wow even the most dedicated of homebodies. Added bonus? Not all of them are outdoors, because sometimes we have to embrace our inner Gord, but not indulge him.
On one of those days where my indoorsy self refused to leave the house, I picked up The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey, a murder mystery set in 1920s India. In it, the protagonist of the book is the country’s first female lawyer. While researching a case, she encounters a man practicing yoga and is surprised when he invites her to join, remarking that it’s something only men do. That stood out to me, since almost every yoga class I attend is packed with women. It was delightful to hear from YogaFit’s Ashok Dhariwal that more and more men are joining classes. Writer Jennifer Pitterle talks to one of the students and finds out why yoga calls to him.
Speaking of calling, what adventures and experiences bring you meaning? I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to edinamag@localmedia.co or tag us on Instagram at @edinamag. May the year ahead be filled with joy, prosperity and contentment. Happy New Year!
