I use biking as an escape. While it’s a relatively new method of tranquility for me, I sometimes think about my childhood and how much time I spent on my bike. In those years, did I understand the impact that activity was to have on me? Did I understand the mindfulness that can surround it? Definitely not.
When I ride, I don’t always set out to meditate or to wonder the complexities of life. Most of the time I just ride because everything around me gets too loud. The tasks pile up, work sits firmly planted on my shoulders, and I feel that I’m confined to a box of my own creation.
The bike helps get me out of that box; every so often I come across some new insight while breaking free.
During one of my most recent longer rides I had a seemingly insignificant thought that, after some more careful consideration, now feels more important.
I found myself on a really long and steep climb that just went on and on with no clear end in sight. After cresting every knoll there was another incline waiting, I wanted to stop and rest and at times I wanted to give up, but I didn’t.
What I remember so clearly was my heartbeat and the rush of blood that pounded in my ears. In that moment of doubt during that strenuous effort I became hyper aware of the heart beating in my chest. The muscle of life within me that’s been beating for twenty-nine years; all at once I found this incredibly deep appreciation for my physical heart.
The life I’ve been given, and what I decide to do with it, at once became the only thing that really mattered.
When I finally made it to the top of that ridge I looked behind me and I saw a spectacular view through the trees. Despite the heartbeat in my ears and the fire burning in my legs I felt invigorated, but also calm.
Everything washed away, I was left with the true sense of self that I’d been searching so long for.
All thanks to my beating heart.
usedcameraman 
Leave a comment