As I ride on down the solitary road the sights that pass are amazing, diverse and awe-inspiring. Competing with the assorted tangle of thoughts from the day that race through my mind, I wonder what will win the internal tug of war for my attention. This struggle continues for an undetermined time until suddenly the road starts to smoothly unfurl under the wheels of my bike and I achieve what I crave. The road and I become one. The day’s worries, aggravations and deadlines slowly melt away leaving me finally at peace with myself.
People ride bicycles for various reasons. Exercise. Training. Enjoying time with friends. For some people, like me, it’s an exercise in therapy and the clearing of one’s mind in a natural way. Today many people search out alternatives to modern medicine to deal with things such as depression and anxiety. Some people are just looking for a way to come to a resolution to a personal issue that is creating havoc in their lives.
Taking to the road alone gives you the time and space to help clear the mind, allowing deep introspection and relaxation. Much like meditation it allows you to focus on breathing and movement, knocking down barriers that help to focus on the issue at hand and move ever closer to resolution. Getting into this habit can not only be therapeutic for your mind, but has obvious physical benefits also. So what are you waiting for? Grab a bike and take off down your long and winding road and watch as life improves. Maybe I’ll see you somewhere along the way!