You Shall Not Pass
Morning meditations have become a daily ritual. One that didn’t come easy.
I’ve learned life is easier when I begin the day slowly. It’s not a simple task because my mind is most active in the morning and I can be swept into action before I really have an idea of what I should be doing. Or worse, jump on the merry-go-round of obsessive thinking, often on a subject I’ve given far too much attention. Fortunately, I have dogs who stand ready to stop me as they demand their fair share of the American dream.
Into the Woods
Canine vigilance and insistent behavior slow me down into something I have come to describe as my morning meditation. Out of bed slowly, cold water on my face, some time with a toothbrush, dress, and emerge into the garden for which I’m grateful to my wife for creating. In summer the plants are lush and thick and it’s amazing how three-quarters of an acre of a one-time lawn could be transformed into something that seems more like the deep woods. We’ve had a bear visit, numerous other small mammals and birds, and even a snapping turtle. But Kim is dreaming of a red fox appearing someday.
But I digress.
Meditation
Meditation still conjures images of people sitting cross-legged, quietly chanting with the fragrance of amber wafting in the air.
I don’t do that.
Meditation for me comes in four forms — walking, riding, writing, and making photographs. The garden is full of pathways, steps, and spaces where I can quietly move and watch my thoughts settle. Instead of being overwhelmed by all that I may hope to accomplish that’s replaced with a sense of what I need to do next.
There’s a quiet, soothing atmosphere in the garden. Walking along the fence line I can make sure it’s still in place; nothing fell from the big trees that would open a door for the dogs to explore a wider world. Instead, they patrol the territory to make sure that everything is as it should be.
I may walk in the neighborhood with the dogs or through the woods or on the mountain but I don’t do it enough. Even a short walk settles my mind and offers the opportunity to think and prepare myself for the onslaught of the day.
Riding Meditation
On some days morning meditations involve pushing the scooter or motorcycle out of the garage and going for a ride. I’ve met people who only ride “big rides,” those trips that last an entire day with some destination in mind, other riders, and a variety of pre-planned activities. I enjoy day-long rides but circumstances beyond my control have made them rare events.
Daily commuting on two wheels while I was still working taught me to appreciate the value and solace of even short rides on my Vespa. The challenge turns out to be not to find ways to make long rides, but rather to embrace whatever opportunities life presents. I try and make the most of what’s in front of me rather than long for something in the past or future.
That’s the feeling I had when I was riding the motorcycle in pursuit of fog the other morning.
Two-wheeled Calm
The BMW K75 is a smooth-running machine. Almost as smooth as my Vespa GTS. But neither holds a candle to the quiet calm of riding. Capital “R” Riding. I can think of no time when a ride did not enormously improve my state of mind. And in most cases, exorcised whatever devils were tormenting me.
THIS is why I ride.
Rained Out
I didn’t get far that morning. Winding along local roads, smaller township roads, and gravel tracks across farmlands was interrupted by a slow but steady increase in rain. It wasn’t cold outside but I didn’t have my rain suit with me and I didn’t want to be caught in one of the many torrential downpours we had lately so I turned toward home.
I‘m grateful that I found my way to riding. First on a Vespa scooter, and then adding a motorcycle to the experience. I can’t estimate the good it has done in my life. Riding began as something fun but it wasn’t long before I realized something more was happening. It has transformed the way I see myself, the world, and the way I experience life.
Then. And now.
I struggle to explain to people what riding means to me. I generally don’t even try. But sometimes I write just need to remind myself of how I’m beguiled on the motorcycle, and that life on two wheels is a mystery I don’t want to solve.
Well, goodness, we have a heap o’ intersectionality (no, not a real word, near as I can tell) going on here: Kim has clearly created an enchanted forest for all of you, which is dazzling. Ann has done a lot with our yard as well, not quite as exalted as yours, but a far cry from the over-manicured yard we found when we first saw the house. And its the one yard that attracts more birds, bees and fireflies than the yards to either side of us, by far, so that’s something, I think.
Animal Slowing: Ann’s younger son is still with us for a while longer, along with his dog, Pepper. Pepper, being a mix of Australian cattle-dog, isn’t the slow-meditative type – she’s sweet at-heart, but rather hyper for my nerves. For the slow, meditative stuff, there’s the cat, Tapper: his meditative vibe is Yoda-level, and works so well for me, almost any time of the day. A most invaluable companion, second only to Ann.
Riding: Well, Melody is still out of my hands, largely due to the backlog of bikes at my dealer’s service department. But there’s light at the end of this long tunnel, and hopefully I’ll be rolling again inside of two weeks. In the meantime I’ve had to hop trains, the subway and Revel electric scooters to get work done up in Gotham – not as much fun, but necessary. I’ve never, ever taken Melody for granted, but be for damned certain I’ll kiss her headlight the split second she’s back in my hands.
Again, my compliments to Kim’s gardening skills: I’ll be showing this to Ann for further inspiration.
I think there are a lot of common experiences among riders but aren’t expressed very often. As I work through my own mess and write things down I have found myself among a fellowship of riding people. Even though I don’t participate in group rides or things like that it’s good to know I’m not alone in my thinking.
Kim has the magic touch with plants and landscapes. Had she not had to wrestle with medical issues it would be even more amazing. The fireflies have really begun to emerge here. Soon the trees will be illuminated with them.
Our Belgian Shepherds aren’t quite as animated as cattle dogs but they do have the same relentless energy that much be dissipated every day. They keep me on my toes.
My scooter is in for service too and I suspect I won’t get it back until next week. Hopefully. Until then, the K75 will offer a different kind of ride.
Usually I read your posts with great envy of you being able to get on your scooter and ride off into the quiet country. Not today, as I set here in the mountains of North Carolina at the small family place listening to the morning wake up with a babbling brook to my right. I am filled with peace as I sip my coffee knowing that today I will get on the Vespa and cruise lonely back roads with Bill Leuthold and my brother with no particular place to go. Just absorb the things that you so masterfully describe in your writing’s .
Meditation. I used to shoot out of the bed and be gone with my day. Now age and a little wisdom has slowed me down. I set this morning on the porch in the mountains just as I do at home and think. At home I have put the new tradition of staring into a small fire on hold until the morning light comes a little later. My meditation, like you, continues with my morning wake and though I enjoy it more in the peacefulness of darkness ,the early light of day gives a new perspective to the mornings.
Thank you for your writings.
Having had the great privilege of riding with each of you, I know first hand how calming and restorative your company is. Happy trails to you Ken, and to you Steve, and to you Bill.
David — it was wonderful having the opportunity to ride with you as well. I hope all is going well with you and your family.
Your current situation sounds great Ken. Cruising backroads with no particular place to go is a gift. And each ride like that has me wanted another.
It’s not often I’m up in the morning while it’s still dark. But I can appreciate the power of being there before a small fire. Just thinking about it makes me want to try it.
Be well and say hello to Bill for me. You’ll be riding the quiet ride while a lot of other scooter riders begin that trek across the country tomorrow.
Nice read Steve, From our humble beginnings of being a neighbor to a Friend that experience together, the life Arts that show us what we can not control. Simple things, for me anyway, became so fulfilling. That this gray hair guy is content being Simple & being mindfull with all the God winks that comes my way.
The older I get the more power I find in simple things Mike. Maybe the gray hair is necessary to see them.
I echo your sentiments. My “helmet prayers” are a valuable part of my life. My two-wheel jaunts lead me to experience the journey, physically, mentally, and emotionally in a deeper manner than I’ve found possible in any other way.
Exactly. Your experience matches mine. Riding has been, and remains, uniquely reliable in how it improves just about everything for me.
Non-riders are unable to comprehend the meditation that can be achieved while riding. Beyond the meditation I also find a clearing of cobwebs and an ability to work out some of life’s problems. Sometimes a ride is just a nice diversion but many rides end in a type of cleansing for my soul. Thank you Steve for your insights.
Non-riders miss out. And while not everyone is suited temperamentally to be riding, many are and would be amazed at how it changes the way you feel.
I like the idea of clearing cobwebs and cleansing the soul. It’s like getting on the motorcycle or scooter pushes a big RESET button in my brain.
above the light fog
breathing in the fresh morning
meditative mist
I wonder how many moto blogs get people commenting with haiku?
The experience you craft with your words is exactly right. Bravo!
Then again, how many moto blogs are written and illustrated in a manner that inspires haiku?
The feeling I get on the bikes is simply lightness. It’s like the weight of daily living stayed behind and my mind becomes more focused. That’s when I can meditate and let my uncluttered mind do its best solutions to whatever needs my life demands. Rolling zen.
Yes, I think that’s a big part of it Jim — a lightness of the spirit which gives way to an uncluttering of the mind. It happens when I walk but it’s far more enjoyable on the bike!
Faire de la moto c’est faire corps avec la nature et le monde qui nous entoure.
C’est accepter d’avoir froid, chaud ou d’être mouillé par la pluie.
C’est accepter l’idée d’une chute.
C’est sortir de la zone de confort d’une voiture.
C’est vivre tout simplement avec le vent qui nous caresse le visage et qui nous rappelle que nous existons grâce à toutes ces sensations que nous procure la conduite d’un deux roues à moteur.
Riding a motorbike means being one with nature and the world around us.
It is accepting to be cold, hot or to be wet by the rain.
It is accepting the idea of a fall.
It’s stepping out of the comfort zone of a car.
It is quite simply living with the wind which caresses our face and which reminds us that we exist thanks to all the sensations that driving a two-wheel motor vehicle gives us.
Yes, yes. Exactly right Laurent. Riding is a rich experience isn’t it.