My Bicycle As Spiritual Teacher

There is a deep truth about all material things in this world. And that is…all material things are symbolic of something else. This is a profound teaching. Nothing in this world is as we see it, it is as what we want to see. We assign words to these things, give them names, and think of them a certain way. But everything is symbolic of something else. And that ‘something else’ is closer to the truth of reality than any words we can assign to the object. Let’s look at a few examples…

Food may be essential to staying alive, but for many, food may also be symbolic of comfort. In many cultures, food may also be symbolic of community; food is often what brings people together and keeps people together.

Clothes may also be considered essential, especially in cold climates. Even in their most basic form, clothes may be forms and symbols of protection and concealment. But for many, clothes may be symbols of prestige. Many may dress to create an image they want to convey.

Cars may also be symbols of prestige. But cars may also be symbolic of convenience and comfort. Ride in style is how many people may think about their automobile.

Money too may be a symbol of prestige. It may also be a symbol of safety. The more money we have, the safer we may be from any number of threats.

Cycling has been a passion of mine for many years. My bicycle has become a symbol of freedom. To hop on my bicycle and cycle all day leaves me with a sense of freedom rarely felt in most other parts of my life. To independently, self-propel myself is nurturing, enlivening, purpose-filled. But in recent years my bicycle has also become my spiritual teacher. My bicycle teaches me about so many things: devotion; dedication; practice; going with the flow of life (i.e., rolling with it); trust; stillness; awareness; peace; capabilities and limits; gratitude ; joy (and despair); and love…to name a few.

I could go on, but you get the idea. The list of things I learn from cycling may be endless. I used to think spiritual teaching was offered only at the feet of the guru (as in a satsang setting). And satsangs do certainly offer much to the student. But as a student of cycling, my bicycle teaches me much about life. So too may be your passion; maybe it’s swimming, or knitting, or baking / cooking, or reading books. When we treat our teacher with reverence and respect, as I do my bicycle, anything or anyone can become our teacher.

I have learned through my bicycle to let life teach me; to let life be my teacher. For too long I looked for my teachings and teachers in formal settings, with very defined and structured parameters. What I’ve learned is that my best teacher has been staring me right in the face all along…and that teacher is life itself.

Robert Meagher has been ordained as an Interfaith Minister and certified as a Sacred Attention Therapy (SAT) Therapist. Robert is the Founder and Spiritual Director for Spiritual Guidance and Co-Founder of the Center for Human Awakening.