How Do You Occupy Your Mind?
05-03-18, 04:53 AM
#52
Senior Member
I had a Buddhist tell me once that running and biking were my way of meditation. Clutter? Yes! Chance to sort out the world in my head for a few hours? Always! I even have a mental jukebox.
05-03-18, 06:05 AM
#53
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The zen philosopher Basho once said a flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no hole is a Danish.
05-03-18, 07:54 AM
#54
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I use the time to come up with the wit and wisdom I’m going to unload on BF. Lucky for you all I don’t ride any farther!
05-03-18, 08:08 AM
#55
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I ride to shut my mind the hell up. It never stops babbling and pestering me night and day. The only way to turn down the inner dialog is to ride my bike. Sometimes I have to beat myself into exhaustion. But I need that time to be in that moment, whether it's the simple sensation of motion or the burning legs and lungs. Wu wei doesn't just happen by itself ya know.
05-03-18, 08:10 AM
#56
Senior Member
I oftentimes pray. Or sometime concentrate and recite Scripture I'm working on memorizing. I've oftentimes had encounter with God, particularly when I was struggling with some issue and seeking His guidance. Then suddenly, I hear!
I listen to music, sometimes Christian praise music, sometimes classical. Funny when driving long distances it's almost always CCR, or other similar classic rock, almost never classical or Christian. And when riding my bike, it's never rock. Don't ask me to explain as I have no explanation. Funny thing is, outside of those two scenarios, bike rides or long vehicle drives, I never listen to music. Daily commute in a car is silent, no radio even. Never been a big music fan really.
But riding for me is a release of everything. Outside of the above mentioned scenarios, I go long distances and other than the normal monitoring of traffic, terrain, and road conditions, I have no idea of what I've been thinking. Maybe my mind goes blank and I just ride without any deep thoughts, or maybe I so concentrate on my aching legs or the hill I'm struggling up I just get lost in it all. Dunno really.
I listen to music, sometimes Christian praise music, sometimes classical. Funny when driving long distances it's almost always CCR, or other similar classic rock, almost never classical or Christian. And when riding my bike, it's never rock. Don't ask me to explain as I have no explanation. Funny thing is, outside of those two scenarios, bike rides or long vehicle drives, I never listen to music. Daily commute in a car is silent, no radio even. Never been a big music fan really.
But riding for me is a release of everything. Outside of the above mentioned scenarios, I go long distances and other than the normal monitoring of traffic, terrain, and road conditions, I have no idea of what I've been thinking. Maybe my mind goes blank and I just ride without any deep thoughts, or maybe I so concentrate on my aching legs or the hill I'm struggling up I just get lost in it all. Dunno really.
Last edited by WNCGoater; 05-03-18 at 08:19 AM.
05-03-18, 08:12 AM
#57
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When I first read this I didn't respond because I wasn't sure what you meant. I think I do now. If I understand you correctly you are saying that you don't make a conscious choice to steer your mind in a certain direction but rather your mind goes where it will. If so, it's the same way with me.
05-03-18, 08:15 AM
#58
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I do sometimes turn my thoughts into BF posts. More so when I am riding in traffic and have an encounter that I think will resonate in Advocacy and Safety.
05-03-18, 11:30 AM
#59
Senior Member
Cyclists talk about training zones. I try to reach the no zone when I ride. The no zone is where you drift off and lose track of time and place.
I was riding the MUP the other day. Same path I have ridden hundreds of times. I got in sync with the bike and my mind starts wandering. When I came out of it I didnt recognize where I was, even though I know every bit of the path. Took me a few seconds to establish where I was...and about a mile of path had dissappesred from my memory. I love that trance like state. Its actually my goal when riding to hit the no zone. Maybe like a runners high. But the cycling rhythm and air rushing by adds to the effect.
Its s a Zen thing man.
I was riding the MUP the other day. Same path I have ridden hundreds of times. I got in sync with the bike and my mind starts wandering. When I came out of it I didnt recognize where I was, even though I know every bit of the path. Took me a few seconds to establish where I was...and about a mile of path had dissappesred from my memory. I love that trance like state. Its actually my goal when riding to hit the no zone. Maybe like a runners high. But the cycling rhythm and air rushing by adds to the effect.
Its s a Zen thing man.
05-03-18, 12:33 PM
#60
Senior Member
Cyclists talk about training zones. I try to reach the no zone when I ride. The no zone is where you drift off and lose track of time and place.
I was riding the MUP the other day. Same path I have ridden hundreds of times. I got in sync with the bike and my mind starts wandering. When I came out of it I didnt recognize where I was, even though I know every bit of the path. Took me a few seconds to establish where I was...and about a mile of path had dissappesred from my memory. I love that trance like state. Its actually my goal when riding to hit the no zone. Maybe like a runners high. But the cycling rhythm and air rushing by adds to the effect.
Its s a Zen thing man.
I was riding the MUP the other day. Same path I have ridden hundreds of times. I got in sync with the bike and my mind starts wandering. When I came out of it I didnt recognize where I was, even though I know every bit of the path. Took me a few seconds to establish where I was...and about a mile of path had dissappesred from my memory. I love that trance like state. Its actually my goal when riding to hit the no zone. Maybe like a runners high. But the cycling rhythm and air rushing by adds to the effect.
Its s a Zen thing man.
05-03-18, 02:18 PM
#61
Senior Member
So,how do you occupy your mind while riding? I get the solo, quiet ride stuff. Anyone else mt bike? Techy, rocky, rooty trails and such? Must have full concentration, so much that it clears the mind, stops the voices and the chatter. Quite refreshing, the only thing you are thinking abut is the next 2 turns. Really. Similar but different than some of the other kinds of rides here. Pedaling, shifting, turns, popping the wheels up, roll downs, wheelie drops, bunny hops a speed etc. Some of it is like trials moves, if you are familiar with that stuff.
05-03-18, 02:19 PM
#62
Senior Member
So,how do you occupy your mind while riding? I get the solo, quiet ride stuff. Anyone else mt bike? Techy, rocky, rooty trails and such? Must have full concentration, so much that it clears the mind, stops the voices and the chatter. Quite refreshing, the only thing you are thinking abut is the next 2 turns. Really. Similar but different than some of the other kinds of rides/ zen/ thought clearing activities here. Pedaling, shifting, turns, popping the wheels up, roll downs, wheelie drops, bunny hops a speed etc. Some of it is like trials moves, if you are familiar with that stuff.
05-03-18, 03:32 PM
#63
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So,how do you occupy your mind while riding? I get the solo, quiet ride stuff. Anyone else mt bike? Techy, rocky, rooty trails and such? Must have full concentration, so much that it clears the mind, stops the voices and the chatter. Quite refreshing, the only thing you are thinking abut is the next 2 turns. Really. Similar but different than some of the other kinds of rides here. Pedaling, shifting, turns, popping the wheels up, roll downs, wheelie drops, bunny hops a speed etc. Some of it is like trials moves, if you are familiar with that stuff.
I have been there before, but my bad joints limit how much pounding I can take these days. My MTB rides are limited to casual trail and Jeep trail rides.
05-03-18, 04:18 PM
#64
Full Member
When I first read this I didn't respond because I wasn't sure what you meant. I think I do now. If I understand you correctly you are saying that you don't make a conscious choice to steer your mind in a certain direction but rather your mind goes where it will. If so, it's the same way with me.
05-03-18, 07:35 PM
#65
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I ride solo a lot and my thoughts are really of all sorts. Often 'mental conversations' imagining I'm talking through my views on some issue of the day ... social, political, ethical, moral - as a way of figuring out what I think and believe about things. Other times, more mundane thoughts ... like imagining I'm sharing with someone new to cycling why I love about it, how they can get started in the sport. Other times, working through personal family issues and stresses and, especially since those things can't always be solved in the short term (or are just outside of my control), reminding myself to enjoy the present moment and the things that are in my control and are positive - basically, personal therapy. Some times I actually sing out loud - I've got a limited repetoir, but every once in a while, the urge to sing will come upon me. Of course, there's the simple joy of riding - those occasions where I manage to empty my head of any thoughts except enjoying beautiful scenery, a thrilling descent, or a nice rhythmic pedal stroke on the flats. Then, there are those grueling hill climbs that demand all my energy and attention so I'm distracted from any personal issues or trying to solve the world's problems. Whatever it is, I always feel mentally better while riding and am very thankful I'm able to enjoy this wonderful sport.
Last edited by dennis336; 05-03-18 at 07:38 PM. Reason: miss-spelled word
05-03-18, 08:58 PM
#67
Senior Member
Prayer.
My spirituality is monastic. Monks enjoy solitude and silence and long solo rides really appeal to me. They are great "lovers of the place" and I give thanks for the beautiful scenery, sun, air, my breath and beating heart, family waiting back home for me to arrive safely, etc.
I Pray that my mom is at peace and for peace in the world, that all might experience a little bit of the peace I feel when I ride my bike.
I sometimes pray the Our Father or Rosary or Psalm 95 audibly in rhythm to my breathing.
Sometimes I even pray for bikeforum members, that God grants you all a peaceful life and the gift of knowing him intimately.
-Tim-
My spirituality is monastic. Monks enjoy solitude and silence and long solo rides really appeal to me. They are great "lovers of the place" and I give thanks for the beautiful scenery, sun, air, my breath and beating heart, family waiting back home for me to arrive safely, etc.
I Pray that my mom is at peace and for peace in the world, that all might experience a little bit of the peace I feel when I ride my bike.
I sometimes pray the Our Father or Rosary or Psalm 95 audibly in rhythm to my breathing.
Sometimes I even pray for bikeforum members, that God grants you all a peaceful life and the gift of knowing him intimately.
-Tim-
Other thoughts are spent setting various little goals as I ride. I may have started out with only intentions of going 30 miles on one specific route. Then, I may shoot for another 10. Then 10 more after that. I also try to achieve and maintain a certain average speed, or challenge myself on more difficult routes or climbs. Just various little goals throughout the ride.
Sometimes I just ignore the Strava and take my time and explore wherever impulse takes me, enjoying the newness of the location, scenery, people, etc.
And sometimes it's simply thoughts of what adjustments I need to make to get this dang bike to fit better!
05-03-18, 09:22 PM
#68
Senior Member
Cyclists talk about training zones. I try to reach the no zone when I ride. The no zone is where you drift off and lose track of time and place.
I was riding the MUP the other day. Same path I have ridden hundreds of times. I got in sync with the bike and my mind starts wandering. When I came out of it I didnt recognize where I was, even though I know every bit of the path. Took me a few seconds to establish where I was...and about a mile of path had dissappesred from my memory. I love that trance like state. Its actually my goal when riding to hit the no zone. Maybe like a runners high. But the cycling rhythm and air rushing by adds to the effect.
Its s a Zen thing man.
I was riding the MUP the other day. Same path I have ridden hundreds of times. I got in sync with the bike and my mind starts wandering. When I came out of it I didnt recognize where I was, even though I know every bit of the path. Took me a few seconds to establish where I was...and about a mile of path had dissappesred from my memory. I love that trance like state. Its actually my goal when riding to hit the no zone. Maybe like a runners high. But the cycling rhythm and air rushing by adds to the effect.
Its s a Zen thing man.
Then again, there are some days where I feel sluggish from the get-go, and it never really gets any better. Hard to know what you're gonna get from ride to ride. LOLI gave up a long time ago trying to figure out what exactly dictates which way it may go. I know it's not how much sleep you've gotten or what you've eaten. I've had some of my most energetic rides on very little sleep and/or less than ideal diet.
05-04-18, 09:06 PM
#69
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Some people say they pretty much let their minds go blank while they ride. I find that impossible. I am always pondering things. News, politics, religion, cycling, history, science and pretty much everything.
05-04-18, 11:40 PM
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If I get into deep thought, I slow down. Luckily someone usually rides by and brings me out of my reverie.
05-05-18, 05:35 AM
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Prayer.
My spirituality is monastic.
I sometimes pray the Our Father or Rosary or Psalm 95 audibly in rhythm to my breathing.
Sometimes I even pray for bikeforum members, that God grants you all a peaceful life and the gift of knowing him intimately.
-Tim-
My spirituality is monastic.
I sometimes pray the Our Father or Rosary or Psalm 95 audibly in rhythm to my breathing.
Sometimes I even pray for bikeforum members, that God grants you all a peaceful life and the gift of knowing him intimately.
-Tim-
05-05-18, 09:50 AM
#72
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Our levee paths don't cross any roads. There are access drives to some of the businesses inside the levee, but it's very rare to encounter a motorist there. There are a few places where you can expect to encounter a mindless pedestrian, and certain times more than others. Most of the time though the mind is free to drift.
05-05-18, 09:59 AM
#73
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05-05-18, 03:09 PM
#74
Junior Member
I do a good amount of solo touring, often in places with little traffic. I honestly don't have one specific thing or type of thing I think about. Sometimes I don't think at all. I just enjoy my surroundings. The cooling breeze and the noise if makes gusting through the grasses The buzzing of insects and the calls of birds. Did exactly that here a couple of years ago. Nothing man made other than the grading of the crude road. No vehicle noise. Not even airplanes overhead.
