Motorcycle Zen

Very often, patients tell me they have no time to meditate - 'life' gets in the way.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to hop on the back of a motorcycle for rather long periods of time over the two days.  As a passenger, I still must engage and participate with the driver; the bike, the passenger and the driver all must ride as one unit.  That being said, as a passenger, I also have the luxury of taking a good look at the scenery.  This past weekend, the leaves were orangey-red, bursting with specks of gold in sharp contrast to the green valleys and grey rocky mountains.  As we traversed through winding country roads flanked by rivers, streams or lakes, we enjoyed silent comradery at times.  This is when I found myself having one thought or emotion after another come to the front of my head.  As each thought or emotion arrived, I looked at it, engaged with it, allowed myself to 'feel' it, and then let it go.  At the end of the ride, I felt as if I had been sitting in zazen for hours, having thoughts and no thoughts; emerging from the experience feeling cleansed, the mind becoming an empty canvas ready to be painted with  imagination and naturalness.  It's Monday, and today I'm ready to reinvent a few aspects of my life.  Clear of the 'brain junk', I'm ready to push forward and create something extraordinary on that now-empty canvas.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  You don't have to sit in lotus pose for hours, nor do you have to get onto the back of a motorcycle to meditate.  Why not take your dog for a long walk in the park, or grab your significant other and walk or cycle in silent companionship.  Or just go take yourself for your own type of 'ride'.  But whatever you do, allow yourself to embrace, engage and let go of all the 'noise' in your head.  You'll arrive at your destination with a clear mind and a wonderful sense of peaceful contentment.