Take a short walk up from Bethnal green tube station and you will find yourself in the heart of a Buddhist Village. There are no robes involved, and shaven heads aren't obligatory so it may not be obvious, but it starts just on the corner of Roman Road/Globe Road. Incorporating Bodywise Yoga and Natural Health Centre, The London Buddhist Centre (LBC), Wild Cherry restaurant, Evolution gift shop, Jambala Book shop and Buddhist Arts Centre.
The village has been around more than 20 years and Total Health Day marks the annual coming together of the Buddhist businesses in a mind/body health extravaganza. With fabulous healthy prizes to win and loads of new things to try, either for free or on the cheap, the day is a great opportunity to get to know what's on offer around these parts, experience the beautiful shrine rooms of the LBC and absorb a bit of Buddhist metta (love).
Start the day off with veggie breakfast at the Wild Cherry; wander next door to the LBC for a free mindfulness meditation session or inspiring talk - these are happening all day so don';t worry if you are too busy enjoying your Buddhist fayre. A bit further up the road at Bodywise (just look out for the blue sky and clouds doorway) there are mini treatments or consultation in a variety of therapies for £5 between 11am - 3.15 and introductory classes in Chi Kung 3 - 4pm and Yoga 4 -5pm, for a small donation - all of which can be booked at Bodywise on the day.
Free energy balls back at the Cherry mean hunger can be kept at bay while you browse the shelves of Jambala and Evolution around the corner, where you may find it hard to resist snapping up a few choice bargains. By the end of the day, make sure you have collected a stamp from each of the participating businesses so you can be entered into the final prize draw at the LBC as well as the one at Bodywise.
Come away with your mojo renewed, a Zen like calm and, like the Buddhist who orders a burger, you may feel like you have been made one with everything.
Total Health Day is this Saturday 19th September, 11am - 5pm. Bodywise is at 119 Roman Rd E2 0QN, tel
0208 981 6938 and London Buddhist Centre is at 51 Roman Rd, tel 0845 458 4716
