Motorcycling, Mindfulness & Purpose

Ron 0:11

Today we take a virtual ride through the intersection of motorcycling , mindfulness and living a life of purpose , perhaps for the sake of others of purpose , perhaps for the sake of others . Today we're diving deep because trying to escape this crazy world by motorcycle , just to escape the chaos , just to make ourselves happy , well , maybe that alone isn't always enough , because , you see , George Bernard Shaw , many years ago , had something to say about that and I believe it hits directly into this pursuit of peace of mind that we talk about on this podcast all the time , the peace of mind we're all seeking , sometimes from the seat of a motorcycle . Let's talk about that . Thank you for joining me today , stay tuned .

The Kindness of Motorcycle Riders

Ron 1:15

Recorded in beautiful Loveland , colorado . Welcome to Peace . Love Moto the podcast for motorcyclists seeking that peaceful , easy feeling as we cruise through this life together . Are you ready ? Let's go .

Ron 1:48

Just recently I was riding my motorcycle and someone in a car turned in front of me . I hit the brakes within a fraction of a second , without even thinking about it . I've been riding a long time , like many of you , it's not a big deal . I waved and nodded to that driver that all was okay , and the driver waved back , I think , understanding that all was forgiven . We're all good . You know , over the past couple of years I think I've done a better job at listening to my own advice , the advice that I try to share with anyone who wants to listen on this podcast . I'm not only trying to be a better rider day to day , but I'm trying to be a better person by recognizing that the way I as a motorcycle rider am perceived by other drivers well . I think that's really important . I think it is Kindness matters , especially from the seat of a motorcycle where drivers form their opinions of us .

Ron 2:44

A lot of people need a forgiving nod in a wave . A lot of drivers need to know that we on our motorcycles are nice people . Their opinion of us matters . Their opinion matters because that may be reflected in whether they're watching for us or not or how closely they follow us . If they know that we're just people just like them , just out , just relaxing , just getting through the world , maybe they'll make it a little bit more safe for us too . That's our hope , anyway . So today let's explore the why behind what we do , the why behind our attitudes that maybe we should have . Why , for example , it's important to ride ? If riding helps us to become a better person If riding helps us to feel more fulfilled and , maybe , most importantly , why the physical and mental benefits we gain from writing may make us a better person for the sake of others , others who may be having a very bad day , others who may need a kind word or even just that nod and that wave from a stranger on a motorcycle Right .

Ron 4:15

Listen , if you will , to the words of George Bernard Shaw from a century

George Bernard Shaw's Wisdom

Ron 4:21

ago . He said this is the true joy in life being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one , being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one , being a force of nature , instead of a feverish , selfish little clod of ailments and grievances , complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy . I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community . As long as I live , it's my privilege to do for it what I can . I want to be thoroughly used up when I die , for the harder I work , the more I live . I rejoice in life for its own sake . Life is no brief candle . To me , it's a sort of splendid torch which I have to hold on to only for the moment . I want to make it burn brightly , as brightly as possible , before handing it to future generations .

Ron 5:27

That was from a century ago a century ago , and I think it applies to everything that we do and every way that we act when we're out on our motorcycles and in life . It may be the simple joy of exploring new roads and connecting with Mother Nature , or finding the sense of freedom that we find on two wheels , but it could also be something deeper , like discovering our passion for motorcycling , which raises our awareness for a cause , for example . An example of that is the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride . That's what comes to mind . For me it happens again this May A ride with a cause to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues , including prostate cancer research and men's mental health . Helping with those resources , we ride to raise funds and we experience community and , in a small way , support each other just by a nod and a wave and , if we're lucky , a hug from a total stranger . It's a wonderful thing .

Riding for Community, Not Just Self

Ron 6:50

George Bernard Shaw's quote speaks to our lives when he describes it as a feverish , selfish little clot of ailments and grievances . How often do we get caught up in complaining and focusing on what's wrong instead of appreciating the present moment when we're out on our bikes , out in the wind , with the engine humming . These grievances tend to just fade away . They do for me . We're forced to be in the present , to focus on just the road ahead . Shaw also says my life belongs to the whole community , and I think that that really resonates with the spirit of motorcycling A community , a brotherhood , a sisterhood , united by our love for the ride . We support each other , we help each other out , we share our experiences . Just like the interviews on this podcast , when we ride , we're not just riding for ourselves . You might say that we're carrying the spirit of the motorcycling community right along with us every time we do that biker wave right .

Ron 7:57

Shaw went on to say I want to be thoroughly used up when I die , for the harder I work , the more I live . This is a bold , strong statement , isn't it ? It's about living with a passion , with intensity , with a sense of urgency . It's about pushing ourselves to the limits , sometimes both on and off the bike . It's about embracing challenges and growing as individuals , as I think I've grown too . Finally , shaw said Life is no brief candle . To me , it's a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it off to the future generations .

Ron 8:49

Wow , that reminded me of a song , a song from my childhood , this beautiful little song , this Little Light of Mine . It was written in the

Let Your Light Shine

Ron 9:07

1920s , around the same time as the quote from George Bernard Shaw that we've been talking about . It was originally penned as a children's song . Then it was adapted during the Civil Rights Movement . The words say this little light of mine , I'm going to let it shine All around the neighborhood . I'm going to let it shine . Hide it under a bushel ? No , I'm going to let it shine . This , to me , is what I need to embrace . Maybe , maybe you too , maybe you need to embrace those little words too . It's the way we need to live our lives .

Ron 9:51

We're not just here to exist . We're here to shine , to make a difference , to leave a legacy . We're here to pass on the torch of passion , of adventure , of community All of that we experience as motorcycle riders . We're also here to pass along a sense of peace . We're here to pass along love . Hmm , peace and love Sounds like the name of a podcast that just happens to be listened to by motorcycle riders . Thank you so much for listening Until we visit again . I do wish you peace and I wish you love . Let it shine . Oh , this little light of mine , I'm gonna let it shine . This little light of mine , I'm gonna let it shine . Let it shine , let it shine , let it shine , let it shine , this little light of mine , I'm gonna let it shine .