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awareness
January 2009 
So I live by a bike shop...
Posted on May 31st, 2008
by 
Allison
Allison
I have the great privilege of living across the street from a locally-owned bike shop. It is called Rock and Road. Now most people wouldn't think this would really be the selling point of a great apartment, but it remains truly one of my favorite features.
When was the last time you rode a new bike, or took a new bike for a test ride? I think i could spend close to eternity watching people test drive bikes. There is this fabulous child-like quality about the experience. Almost as if they are on a bike for the first time, and it is all so new and special for them. And they are riding with such attention to detail, such focus and mindfulness. Little do they know that they will rarely ride the bike that way again, except for maybe if they think something is wrong with the bike.
Why do we do that? Be it our bicycles, ourselves, our relationships, we often only give such undivided, mindful attention to something when it is brand new or broken. The experience of awe and wonder though is always available to us.
I am reminded of that wonder each time i see one of these cyclists, test out a new bike. Don't get me wrong, they are often wearing a sorta ridiculous helmet and many times dressed still in work clothes and don't seem quite attired for their, i can only assume to be spontaneous, bike outing, which has often caused me to chuckle. But all the more isn't that indicative of life? We aren't always perfectly equipped or prepared for our situations, but when handled with attention, mindfulness, and a little curiosity, life comes alive.
Go test drive a bike today, or at least wonder past a bike shop and observe others, you'll be glad you did!
Access: Public
Thank you Allison! This put a smile on my face. I recently bought a new bike and it was a “mindfulness” experience in newness to test drive several bikes and really feel if I was connected to the bike.
Sometimes, I like to get really slow when reaching for the door knob or just be slow motion in whatever I am doing and really appreciate how I move or am being move in the moment. Very nice reminder for me.
Deep Bow!
Ben