Cycling : Meditation on Two Wheels

"Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride." — Eddy Merckx

There is something profoundly meditative about cycling. The steady cadence of pedaling, the wind brushing against the skin, the rhythmic breathing—all of it merges into a state of flow where thoughts dissolve, and only the present moment remains. Cycling is not just an exercise; it is poetry in motion, a dance with the elements, a journey into the self.

Cycling as Poetry

Each pedal stroke is like a verse, each ride a stanza of a greater poem composed by the road. The rhythmic hum of tires on asphalt, the gentle sway of the body, and the interplay of breath and motion create a natural harmony, a sonnet written in sweat and joy. The road stretches ahead like an unwritten page, and each ride adds a new chapter to the story of one's soul.

Cycling as Rhythm

Like a heartbeat, cycling has its own rhythm. The gentle push and pull, the momentum building with every turn of the wheel—it is a dance that connects the body to the pulse of the universe. Great cyclists often talk about "finding their rhythm," that sacred state where body, mind, and spirit align. It is the same rhythm that musicians seek, that poets write about, that meditators long for—a rhythm that transcends the mundane and elevates the spirit.

The Mozart Moment: A Time to Lose Time

Every cyclist knows the feeling—the moment when time ceases to exist. The body moves effortlessly, the mind quiets, and suddenly, there is only the road, the wind, and the sky. This is a Mozart moment, where everything comes together in perfect harmony. It is the same transcendence that artists feel when lost in creation, the same bliss that meditators experience in deep stillness.

Motor Skills and Mindfulness

Cycling fine-tunes motor skills and enhances coordination, but beyond that, it teaches mindfulness. Navigating the terrain, adjusting speed, and maintaining balance require complete presence. There is no room for distractions—just the here and now, the road and the ride.

A Walk in Nature, A Ride with the Elements

Cycling is a walk in nature at a faster pace. The wind carries whispers of the trees, the sun bathes the skin in warmth, the scent of earth after rain fills the senses. It is a communion with the five elements—earth beneath the wheels, water in the air, fire in the form of effort, air rushing past, and space all around. Cycling is a reminder of our connection to the natural world.

Photography on Two Wheels

Cycling sharpens the eye of a photographer. The ever-changing scenery, the play of light and shadow, the unexpected beauty found along the way—each ride presents new frames, new perspectives. The slower pace compared to motorized travel allows for deeper observation, making every ride an exploration of the extraordinary in the ordinary.

The Joy of Early Mornings: Cycling with the Bhagavad Gita

There is a sacredness in cycling at dawn. The world is quieter, the air fresher, and the mind more receptive. Listening to the Bhagavad Gita or bhajans while riding infuses the journey with wisdom and devotion. The words blend with the rhythm of pedaling, making the ride a moving meditation, a dialogue with the divine.

The Ultimate Meditation

In a world obsessed with speed and efficiency, cycling is a rebellion, a return to simplicity, a way to slow down while moving forward. It is the best meditation—one where the body engages, the mind clears, and the spirit soars.

So, get on your bike, find your rhythm, lose yourself in the ride, and discover the joy of being fully present.

"You are one ride away from a good mood." — Sarah Bentley