When you step into the Buddhist path, it is a reminder to be mindful of the delicate nature of the universe. It is a reminder to accept compassion into your life as well as release compassion out into the world.
I am reminded that the universe around me is a constant change and I move and flow in that change.
It is the same practice that getting on a bicycle does for me.
Accepting the world around me and releasing the energy back into the universe. It is a working practice as I shift gears, as I turn corners as I ride down the road. I am a part of everything and everything is a part of me.
Meditation practice teaches me that I am to emulate as Buddha. What would Buddha do when confronted in a hostile situation with a car driver?
There are many scenarios that play out in my head when I ride my bike in the city. The thing that I am reminded is that I can choose to not engage back in a hostile manner. I can choose to follow the Buddha way and slow things down.
Yes, I ride on the street. I am in traffic, I make myself visible and hears. I make eye contact with drivers, with bus drivers, with other cyclists, with pedestrians.
Recently I posted an article about driver safety and cycling safety in the city. This became ripe for a very heated discussion between those that drive cars and those that ride bicycles.
The reason I bring this up is this.
This is also a practice in the Buddha way. The practice to either engage and match anger with anger or show compassion and disengage.
I am choosing the later. I continuously am speaking out and showing through action that positive movement can be achieved.
Not everyone is going to agree with thr continuous debate of cars vs bikes vs pedestrians
I am not here to make everyone agree with me. I am not here to make everyone my friend.
I am here to say that for me, riding a bicycle has changed my life for the better.
Practicing Buddhism has changed my life for the better.
For me, that is all I can work towards. Daily practice.
I am dedicated to continue to ride as I do, to continue to ensure positive movement in whatever I do.
It is the only thing I know that works for me. I think I found a good thing, yes?
