there's always something to learn. a million things, actually.
and as much as I love cycling alone, losing myself in the rhythm of pedaling, the shortness of breath, the blue sky or clouds or mist or blinding sunlight, it's when I'm with my biking buddies that I often learn something deeply meaningful.
from bob, lately, it's this: saturday cycling is not at all about the destination, but completely about the company and the opportunity to be outside. not at work, not performing chores, not shopping for necessities. outside, away from the city, somewhere where the sky grows wider and trees fragrance the air and hillsides draw the eye up and up.
from andy, lately, comes this awesome lesson: slow down.
andy is still in recovery from last february's significant back surgery, and he hasn't been able to train, put the miles in, as he has in the past. he's a bit slower than usual, and to be social, I have to hold myself back a bit and, yep, slow down.
the world, for years, has been trying to tell me to slow down. I don't listen well.
yesterday, I rode by myself but thought of bob and andy and worked to incorporate---take into the body---both pieces of wisdom. and my ride was, mm, an experience almost beyond words.
I set off mid-morning, the sky pure blue, the air a bit chilly but fresh, invigorating. and I rode like I was glad to be outside, and in no hurry. I climbed a canyon, peacefully, astounded by the trees, the bouncing water in the creek, the silvery waterfalls, the mossy rocks and shining flat stream where fishermen stood in tall boots. gratitude and restraint combined to make my ride one of the best of the year...
gratitude, and restraint.
there is much to learn from those around us.
namaste
