The Spirituality of Motorcycling

About a year ago, I went back to school with the idea of changing careers. I thought I was being guided on this path, but at times it felt like I was dragging a lead weight uphill.

A friend who was planning to move to another state and get married said she knew she was doing God's will because everything fell into place for her. If that's so, I reasoned, why is my journey so difficult?

I do believe in a higher power that will help me find my way if I ask for guidance and listen for the answer.

After a particularly trying semester in a basic chemistry course, I needed a break. Another friend, frustrated with my whining, said, "Why go to school? Why not just ENJOY your life??"

Enjoy? Now there's a concept.

When the idea hit me this spring to take the basic motorcycle safety course, things really fell into place for me. People came to my aid  and supported my efforts. Little coincidences began popping into view. A bike I love appeared at exactly the amount I had saved in my bank account. It seemed that I was flowing with the tao.

I thought I would buy my bike, pass my rider test and get out on the road -- Instant Motorcycle Mama.

But that didn't happen. Again I encountered problems, some in my body, some in my mind. In the beginning, I struggled to get even an hour on the bike without fatigue causing risk to my life and limbs. I dealt with crashes, bruises, sore wrists, fear and hesitation.

I was set back when I fell and was disqualified in my motorcycle class. The learning curve was steeper than I expected. Fear got in the way of my joy.

See, I'm the kind of person who likes to do things at which I succeed, and avoid the things I don't do well. Failure feels less like a challenge than a nagging reminder that I'm "not good enough."

I wondered about those people who just jump on and ride. What's different about them? And what's wrong with me?

It didn't help when some suggested that maybe I should give it up and be content to ride on the back of my husband's bike. Nope. I did not want to give up.

My life flows better when I can see the spirituality in each situation. So I had to remind myself not to compare. I'm not those other people; I'm a unique individual, on this Earth to experience my OWN life and my OWN circumstances.

So what if it takes me longer? How well will I ride next year if I don't work at it now?

Expectations are resentments in the making, and I cannot afford to harbor resentment. I must practice compassion with myself so that I can practice it with my fellows.

Now I see the spirituality of motorcycling. It is teaching me patience, persistence and faith. I need to look at what I want and not at the obstacles. I need to believe I can do this and -- best of all -- that if I act boldly, great powers will come to my aid.

That's the spirituality of motorcycling. It's a beautiful thing.