Pharaoh1
03-22-08, 07:34 PM
What a blessing of a day! In Salem it was 60 degrees, the sun was shining, there was little wind and I got a 40-mile ride in!
On days like today, when the weather is perfect and my aging body doesn’t protest too much, my mind often turns to spiritual thoughts. It’s the day before Easter and I couldn’t help but think about the beauty and wonder of creation. Do you have rides when your mind, body, spirit and bike seem to be in perfect harmony? Do you contemplate the incredible nature of your body’s design and how well it interacts with your bike? Do you marvel at the most efficient mode of transportation ever invented and does your spirit sing as you push the pedals around and around?
I have noticed that when I ride my bike I often get my best thinking done. Some of my best thoughts and ideas come to me as I crank the miles away. Not only do I get quality time to think, but also time to pray and to think about others.
I know the endorphins are flowing when I ride, but it’s more than that. I’m currently reading Bill Stickland’s book called “Ten Points”. I’m half way through it and so far he has stayed away from the spiritual aspects of bike riding. At one point, on page 52, he briefly touches the topic. “A study in the late 90’s found that the rhythm of pedaling a bike induces the same physiological changes the body undergoes during intense prayer or meditation.”
Am I a nut, or do some of you also experience something of a spiritual experience when you ride? Just curious.
Blessings.
Pharaoh
On days like today, when the weather is perfect and my aging body doesn’t protest too much, my mind often turns to spiritual thoughts. It’s the day before Easter and I couldn’t help but think about the beauty and wonder of creation. Do you have rides when your mind, body, spirit and bike seem to be in perfect harmony? Do you contemplate the incredible nature of your body’s design and how well it interacts with your bike? Do you marvel at the most efficient mode of transportation ever invented and does your spirit sing as you push the pedals around and around?
I have noticed that when I ride my bike I often get my best thinking done. Some of my best thoughts and ideas come to me as I crank the miles away. Not only do I get quality time to think, but also time to pray and to think about others.
I know the endorphins are flowing when I ride, but it’s more than that. I’m currently reading Bill Stickland’s book called “Ten Points”. I’m half way through it and so far he has stayed away from the spiritual aspects of bike riding. At one point, on page 52, he briefly touches the topic. “A study in the late 90’s found that the rhythm of pedaling a bike induces the same physiological changes the body undergoes during intense prayer or meditation.”
Am I a nut, or do some of you also experience something of a spiritual experience when you ride? Just curious.
Blessings.
Pharaoh