Slowing down to explore the abundance, connectivity and wonder of the more than human world reorganizes and checks the ego's assumptions, images and the like that are so pervasive in every second of our lives. Within seconds of letting go it becomes easier to sense the wonder and mystery of place. This letting go also opens us up toGaia's natural cycles and systems that so gracefully support the abundance of life found all around us. These are the very cycles, systems and forms of life that we've mechanistically disconnected and removed ourselves from over the past 8 - 12,ooo years. Even in death and decay Gaia has a creative cycle in place, rejuvenating and revitalizing herself and all of life. She is open and transparent about this process. Death, to all life, is inevitable and Gaia is atop of the food chain. I am moved by the honesty, process, color and vibrancy of her creation.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wandering Reflections
Slowing down to explore the abundance, connectivity and wonder of the more than human world reorganizes and checks the ego's assumptions, images and the like that are so pervasive in every second of our lives. Within seconds of letting go it becomes easier to sense the wonder and mystery of place. This letting go also opens us up toGaia's natural cycles and systems that so gracefully support the abundance of life found all around us. These are the very cycles, systems and forms of life that we've mechanistically disconnected and removed ourselves from over the past 8 - 12,ooo years. Even in death and decay Gaia has a creative cycle in place, rejuvenating and revitalizing herself and all of life. She is open and transparent about this process. Death, to all life, is inevitable and Gaia is atop of the food chain. I am moved by the honesty, process, color and vibrancy of her creation.
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Something I have often wondered--and I don't mean this to be flip or overly personalized.
ReplyDeleteHow do you slow down to explore the experience (specificially when you are 'in nature') in a deeper way, when you're there on a bike?
I've always wondered this after years of seeing mountain bikers hauling down trails and collecting my ire. ;)
Britt,
ReplyDeleteGood question... I'll first say that this post is based on a hiking experience. So yeah, a little bit different than riding a bike. The experience wouldn't have been the same because you're right, you're moving to fast to stop and smell the roses.... unless you really wanted to and I typically think that's a good idea.
Cycling, for me anyway, is more about the meditative quality. I find that it's really easy to get into the 'zone' when you're pushing yourself physically. Don't get me wrong, there's a connection to nature as well but it's different than taking a hike. When cycling I feel more of a generalized connection to mother nature and the world where as with hiking I can connect personally with this tree or that raspberry bush.
You can also view cycling (and many other outdoor ‘sports’ as well) as a test of nature, a way of remembering your place in the world. You're exposed to most of the elements (both natural and unnatural) we encounter in our everyday lives but, to borrow from Xtain, insulate ourselves from like the weather, physics, wind, cement, asphalt, cars, pollution, people, communities, mountains, hills, water... it's endless. And you do it pedal stroke by pedal stroke as you slice through the air (hopefully) and glide over the terrain. It's a beautiful, colorful, personal, cultural and gracious sport / way of life.
I hope this speaks a bit to your question.
Cheers,
Jamie