Meditation by Laura Smeaton 
Photo by Tracy Powell
 

For me, bicycling is a mindfulness exercise. 

When I’m bicycling – whether commuting, running errands, training for fitness, or just riding to meet friends --all I’m doing is bicycling.  No chatting on the phone, watching TV/videos in the background, or listening to music… just bicycling. 

My senses are honed and focused --- looking and listening for obstacles to avoid. 

Focusing on the present moment of where I’m cycling, while a necessity from a safety point-of-view, also helps quiet the chatter in my mind.   

There’s a definite rhythm to the consistent cadence of pedaling that helps keep time, similar to breathing during sitting meditation.  When I feel my heart pounding after an especially challenging ascent, I remember I’m alive! 

Stop lights are a welcome rest to halt pedaling for a few moments, and take a few deep breaths and then a swig of water to replenish. 

When I arrive at my destination, I feel glad and ready to be there, as the journey of cycling has been my moving meditation.