Look mom, no hands!

I loved riding my bike as a kid. From a pretty early age, I was able to ride without using my hands. As I got older, my time on a bike became a lot more sporadic. It wasn't until a few years ago that I began to regularly ride again. As nice as it was to get back on a bike, not everything came back.

Every time I'd try to ride without using my hands, the bike would jerk, my body would overcompensate, and I'd frantically grab the handlebars. I'd lost it. Every time I'd try, the same thing would happen. I figured it was something that worked when my body was smaller and I stopped trying.

Yesterday, I took advantage of some free time and hopped on the bike. The weather's been cooler than normal here in New Orleans, so it was nice to be outside and on the move. Out of the blue, I had the urge to let go of the handlebars. Before I did, dancing and kayaking popped into my head. Two things I've spent plenty of time training to do. Both involve a solid core in order to stay balanced and upright.

I gently engaged my core and let go...I did it! The bike stayed steady as I sped down the street. I felt so giddy and proud. I spent the rest of the afternoon biking around the neighborhood and enjoying the steadiness and freedom; going over bumps, taking sharp turns. The joy of rediscovery.

In a world where the only constant is change, this is what it takes to be steady: a solid core and the willingness to let go.

We achieve both through Vedic Meditation. By giving the body regular access to deep levels of rest, we have an endless supply of energy and adaptability. When we're able to flex our adaptability muscles, we can make it through the day and its many demands without crashing into stress. All of this is achieved through the simple, daily practice of letting go.

The more solid we are in our own capability, the easier it is for us to let go and ride.