Man's Search for Meaning

May you find your life passion. Discover what makes you feel most alive.

Until we are fully alive, we are only wandering, half-awake, and half in a dream, a dream of becoming wholly human.

Your life passion will engage your heart, mind, and soul as well as all of your best talents. When you find your passion, your struggles will give you energy instead of taking your energy. And then, even your weariness will bless you with good sleep.

Unless you find your passion, you may be handed one that isn't really yours.

Preaching to the Choir

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here this day to celebrate cycling ...

I sometimes feel like this blog is my pulpit and you are my choir. You wouldn't stop by this church if you weren't able to relate -- if you didn't already know some of the hymns.

Can the preacher spread the good word without preaching?

It's really all about relating to others. Winning over the next commuter isn't about how much money you can save, whether you're helping to save the planet, or even how much fun you'll have. It's about finding common interests, sharing parts of ourselves, and connecting human to human.

The best preaching we can do is to make ourselves available, be open to influence, and find ways to move together. And that can be as simple as inviting someone to ride with you.

Now I have another question. Was that a sermon I just gave?

Cyclist Prayer

With a prayer on my lips, I ride

Before we ask for our needs, we take stock of what we have. Before anything we may pray for, we give thanks:

• that we can ride
  
• that the day is ours to ride
  
• that our family, friends and neighbors can join us
  

Whatever we may ask for, let us first be mindful of what we have. What we have can be taken away.

If we should ask, let us ask for what cannot be bought or sold:

• appreciation of nature's beauty
  
• to hear the music to which all life dances
  
• deep breaths of fresh air
  
• strengthening our heart and lungs
  
• clearing our mind
  
• health
  
• space to face and resolve our inner conflicts
  
• bestowing courtesy
  
• a gentle tread upon our path on earth
  
• pleasant memories as we lie down at night
  

These are the blessings we ask.

It is easier for the cyclist to be humble -- on a bike, all are equal. May we ride enough that we are reminded of this.

When we ride, let us spread good cheer. Not all can ride, so may our good cycling karma flow far and wide. Cycling is a subtle force benefiting the planet.

Lastly, let us not forget those who came before or those to come after. What we enjoy today results from the work of those before us. Generations to come rely on the choices we make today.

May we ride.