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Thursday, April 19, 2007

Ride on

It has been SO good to be back on my bike this week. As I rode beside the river on my way to work this morning, I reflected on how spiritual it feels for me to be on a bike. I’ve always felt that biking is a prayerful time for me, but this morning it occurred to me that my bike rides are not so much WHEN I pray as much as they ARE prayer, in and of themselves.

It’s not that I start my rides with “Dear God” or make my way through a list of prayer requests. It’s more like I feel connected to the spirit while I ride. The pedaling, the sunshine, the crunch of the tires, the sweat on my brow, the exertion of my muscles, the feel of the handlebars in my grip, the taste of the cool water when I’m thirsty – it all feels meditative and prayerful to me.

Often, my most inspired thoughts visit me while I ride. The spirit breath whispers in my ear and awakens my creativity.

I’ve missed that, in those long cold months of winter.

9 comments:

mmichele said...

that made me sigh, deliciously.

Anonymous said...

This post makes me think about how the Deciples must have felt walking around the land with Jesus. They were connected to the Earth, they were aware of their surroundings and not buzzing by them in a vehicle or airplane. God can talk to us easier when we slow down.

Judy said...

Oh, I understand what you mean.

For me, it is playing the piano.

(Not quite the same, but they both have pedals.)

Stephanie said...

This post makes me happy and inspired. Yay for the end of winter.

Anonymous said...

I haven't ridden my bike in ages. Maybe I'll have to pull it out. Words like yours could get me inspired.

Pamela said...

wish my body would let me ride --may be I can ride a recumbant.... I'll put it on my Christmas list

I still walk - and feel that way when I start moving and getting the stiffness worked out

Liz said...

Heather, that's pretty much how I feel when I'm in the garden.

(I'm finding new muscles that have gone underused all winter as well!)

Anvilcloud said...

These are fine days for riding, but we don't seem to be doing any. I can't imagine why.

Gina said...

I feel the same way when I am out in nature, it is very meditative.