Life in the Tiny Moments

It’s been a couple of months since I last posted. That time has mostly been spent:

• Working
• Getting sick
• Getting better
• Getting sick again
• Watching A LOT of Law and Order
• Getting better again
• Trying to figure out how to not feel tired all the time
• Starting to bike to work

The last one is an accomplishment that makes me very proud. A few short years ago, I was terrified of biking in the city. I loved spinning classes and the idea of biking but the reality felt like too much to manage.

When I met my boyfriend 6 years ago, he was very patient and slowly got me into biking with weekend rides around the city and Marin. After years of practice and getting more comfortable, riding to work feels like the Mt. Everest of city biking to me. I’ve now done it approximately 8 times around trip and am completely hooked. What could be better than saving time (and carbon emissions) by exercising on the way to work?!

There are challenges, of course, but so far allowing plenty of time and seeing the time as a way to get in touch with the city I love have been more than enough to outweigh the challenges.

Whether I take the bus or bike, I like to use my commute time to be present and receptive to what’s happening around me. It feels like a gentle way to gradually come out of my cocoon and stretch my wings in the new day. The bike is especially great for this. I tune into the breeze on my cheeks or the sensation of my feet on the pedals. I hear the sounds of traffic and construction and the odd siren in the distance. I navigate around potholes and parked cars and someone’s takeout leftovers splattered across the street.

This morning I was behind man in shorts and a t-shirt with a messenger-type backpack for more than half of my ride to work. As we rode, he pointed out piles of broken glass and cars turning into the road. His kindness to me and the other riders behind me was so beautifully altruistic.

I arrive at work feeling invigorated by the exercise and fresh air, encouraged by my ability to overcome my fear and buoyed by the kindness and camaraderie of other riders. It’s a completely lovely way to start the workday.

What about you: have you recently faced a fear? What moments do you enjoy most in your daily routine?