Mediating is not unlike riding a motorbike
Yesterday I decided to ride my Piaggio scooter down the Clyde Mountain, from Canberra to NSW South Coast. Its engine is not super-powered, but its solid and reliable and powerful enough to easily take me up and down any of the Canberra Streets. This time, I thought, I’ll give it a challenge! And, of course, in turn test my skills too.
The day was brilliant for a ride. There was morning sun facing me on the way, so I needed to put my sunnies on. The air was fresh when I started but the forecast was for a warm day, so I needed lighter gear to change along the way. I also checked my tank for petrol, ensured my tyres were ok for the road conditions, ensured I had some water and nibbles so that i do not get caught out by basic problems if I need to stop somewhere unexpectedly.
Canberra to Bungendore was easy. Breakfast and coffee - just what I needed. Bungendore to Braidwood - a bit more winding and not so flat, but still an easy ride. The surroundings were awesome - the greenery nurtured by ample rainfall this season was magical, something not seen since the early nineties, I’d say!
Another little stop to freshen up, and the last leg of my journey: Braidwood to Batemans Bay! The crunch of the journey! The road became more winding and almost meandering, traffic signs many and scary: reduce speed now, take a break, families die on Clyde…oh, such a daring riding environment! Looks different from the comfort of a four-wheeler that I normally travel in this way! I was so alert. I was so focused. I was even a bit scared of the unknown that may be coming around the next curve! Couldn’t always see clearly ahead as the air became misty and my visor fogged slightly…But I knew where I was heading. I knew that if I listened to my engine, followed the road, watched the signs and applied breaks or acceleration as needed - I’d be safe!
After I reached my goal safely, I set down with yet another cup of coffee - this time a home-made Turkish black (I needed something strong) - it came to me that mediation is not dissimilar to a motorbike ride: if I prepare, if I follow the set road, if I watch for the signs, listen to the ‘traffic’ out there and expect what could not be seen coming around the corner - I (and any of my passengers) will get to the end of the trip safely.
Travel safe and follow the set road my mediation and motorbike colleagues! It works.
Vesna :)
