Weekends often bring opportunities for rest, reflection, and personal growth. This past weekend was no exception, as it was filled with meaningful moments: a visit to Vĩnh Nghiêm Buddha Temple, a challenging Sunday brick training session, and a 5km swim as part of the Deadfish swimming challenge. These experiences combined to create a weekend that was both physically and spiritually fulfilling.
Vĩnh Nghiêm Buddha Temple
The weekend began with a peaceful and culturally enriching visit to Vĩnh Nghiêm Buddha Temple, a historic and spiritual landmark in Ho Chi Minh City.
Built in 1964, the temple is modeled after its namesake, a wooden structure in Bắc Giang province, which dates back to the Lý Dynasty. Vĩnh Nghiêm Temple’s design blends traditional Buddhist architecture with modern construction techniques, creating an environment that has become a home for spiritual seekers. Notable features include the Quán Thế Âm Bảo Tháp (Avalokiteshvara Tower) and the “Peace Bell,” gifted by a Japanese Buddhist association.
I met my friend Nhi, a thoughtful and kind soul from Huế, at the temple. Nhi exudes a calm energy that makes every conversation with her feel like a moment of self-reflection. Despite her youth, she has an incredible depth of understanding and wisdom.
After exploring the temple grounds, we shared a delicious vegetarian brunch at a restaurant within the temple. The tranquility of the setting and our heartfelt conversation left me feeling deeply connected—not only to the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam but also to the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals.
Sunday Morning: Brick Training and Lessons in Resilience
Sunday began with a classic ritual for multisport athletes: brick training. A key part of triathlon preparation, brick training involves performing two or more disciplines back-to-back with no rest. It’s designed to mimic race conditions and build both physical endurance and mental resilience.
My session included a 40km bike ride immediately followed by a 3km run. This transition, often referred to as the “jelly legs” stage, challenges your body to adapt quickly. While the workout was demanding, it also offered moments of mindfulness.
As I cycled, light rain started falling during the last 10km. Although refreshing, the rain posed visibility challenges, especially since I wear glasses. I had to stop several times to clear my lenses, but instead of letting the situation frustrate me, I focused on the rain’s soothing effect. This shift in perspective transformed a potential annoyance into a moment of gratitude—a lesson that applies to life beyond training.
Training often mirrors the ups and downs of daily life. Some days are smooth and full of joy, while others are filled with challenges that test your perseverance. Reflecting on this, I reminded myself of a mantra I’ve adopted during difficult times at work: “This is just like training—push through, and it will get better.”
Sunday Afternoon: The Deadfish Swimming Challenge
After the morning workout, the afternoon presented a new test of endurance: the Deadfish swimming challenge. This global initiative promotes joy through healthy living and offers participants the chance to tackle distances of 5km, 10km, or 15km in a pool, lake, river, or ocean between December 15 and 31.
Held at the Sala Swimming Pool, this year’s event brought together swimmers of all levels. As someone still building confidence in swimming, I opted for the 5km distance, fulfilling a promise to my friend Tri, the founder of Bơi Cùng Nhau (“Swimming Together”).
Swimming in an Olympic-size pool has a unique rhythm. Each lap felt both meditative and challenging. There were moments when I focused solely on my breathing, akin to meditation exercises, and others when my thoughts wandered. I found myself appreciating the determination of my fellow swimmers, the rhythmic sound of water, and the sheer joy of moving through it.
For many participants, including myself, the challenge was about pushing personal boundaries and embracing the journey of growth.
The Weekend’s Takeaways: Growth, Gratitude, and Balance
This weekend, though physically demanding, was profoundly rewarding. It was a reminder that life’s richness lies in balancing challenges with moments of reflection and connection.
- From Vĩnh Nghiêm Buddha Temple: I took away a renewed appreciation for Vietnamese culture and the calming energy of meaningful friendships. Being immersed in history and sharing a tranquil meal with Nhi reinforced the importance of mindfulness and gratitude.
- From Brick Training: I was reminded that resilience is built through perseverance. Every tough moment, like cycling in the rain, is an opportunity to shift perspective and find something positive.
- From the Dead-fish Challenge: I learned the value of setting personal goals and celebrating progress, no matter how small.
As I reflect on this past year and a half since returning to Vietnam, I feel immense gratitude for these moments of growth and self-discovery. Whether it’s in training, personal relationships, or cultural exploration, every experience has enriched my journey.
This weekend was a powerful reminder to embrace life’s challenges and joys with equal enthusiasm. After all, it’s in the balance of effort and reflection that we truly thrive.
