Healthy Weekend: Morning Coffee

Editor's note: we are featuring CRZ gear from Amazon

Crisp winter air nipped at Marshall's nose as he pushed open the worn oak door of Godega. Inside, a warm wave of cinnamon and roasted beans embraced him, chasing away the chill. The familiar, low hum of chatter and folk music swirled around him like leaves in a November breeze.

Marshall knew every cobblestone in this haven. He exchanged a practiced nod with Ben, the barista with perpetually sleepy eyes and an ever-present smile. "Usual, Marshall?" Ben drawled, already drawing a shot for his iced coffee.

"Thanks, Ben." Marshall perched on a stool overlooking the street, steam swirling off his latte like a contented dragon. He watched the world wake up outside, families bundled in scarves and hats shuffling towards the farmer's market, a dog walker whistling cheerful tunes to his canine companions.

Today, his usual Saturday routine held a subtle thrill. Not only was it yoga day, but the studio was hosting a guest instructor, the legendary Yogi Maya. Her reputation as a contortionist-saint, able to fold herself into pretzel knots that defied earthly logic, preceded her. Marshall, secretly harboring a competitive streak, felt a knot of nerves mix with his morning caffeine.

A friend from yoga said a zen hello. They debated the merits of downward-facing dog variations (Lily preferred dolphin pose, Marshall swore by plank) and dissected the latest Instagram yoga fails (he was adamant that "tree pose faceplant" deserved the top spot).

By the time they finished their coffees, the sun had painted the street gold. Bidding farewell to BeanHaven, they crossed the street, laughter trailing behind them like autumn leaves.

The yoga studio buzzed with anticipation. Yogi Maya, adorned in flowing emerald silks, radiated tranquility despite the whispers and nervous giggles rippling through the room. Yet, as she guided them through poses with her impossibly fluid movements, the whispers fell silent, replaced by awestruck breaths.

Marshall, surprised to find his limbs bending further than ever before, felt a thrill course through him. It wasn't just the yoga, he realized. It was the familiar warmth of BeanHaven coffee, the laughter with Lily, the shared anticipation, the collective sigh of accomplishment after each asana. It was the magic of routine, of community, of a Saturday morning ritual that stretched and kneaded not just his body, but his soul.

Later, walking out of the studio, muscles pleasantly sore and mind pleasantly Zen, Marshall and Lily stopped by BeanHaven, their smiles reflecting the golden evening light. He knew, as he savored the last sip of his post-yoga tea, that this wasn't just another Saturday routine. It was a story, quietly unfolding one latte, one pose, one shared laugh at a time. And he wouldn't trade it for the world, with or without a Yogi Maya.

Click here to read the next part of Marshall's healthy weekend.

This is a fictional story inspired by where you can wear this men's style.

Model: Marshall (he/him/his) @marshall_531

Photos: Alan Rust (he/him/his) @alanrrust

He is wearing a jacket, pink performance tee and joggers from CRZ on Amazon.