The Expansive Energy of Love

If you have been following me over the past few years, you know that I love cycling. It has become a passion of mine. The more I cycle, the more I realize that cycling has become a moving meditation. Cycling has expanded to be a spiritual practice and teacher for me.

Turn the clock back 20+ years ago when I first moved to Ottawa, CANADA, and started exploring the National Capital Region by bicycle. Back then, other than public transit, my bicycle was my sole means to commute to and from where I wanted or needed to go. My rides would typically be leisurely outings along the amazing National Capital Commission (NCC) dedicated bike paths through parkland and meandering riverside pathways. Rides would typically range from 1 – 10 km in length.

Between 10 – 15 years ago, I started using my bicycle for more than just commuting to and from places I wanted or needed to go. Cycling became a pastime. I would spend the morning or afternoon touring around the region. My joy and love of cycling expanded and the distances I would cycle expanded too. I was now riding distances of upwards to 25 kms on a single outing.

About 10 years ago, I started to think of my cycling as an outing for part of the day. I would leave before noon, find myself a nice, quiet spot to stop and have a lunch I prepared for myself. Then I would carry on cycling for a while longer. Now my rides would regularly see me cycling 50 kms or more on an outing.

The more I adventured on my bicycle, the more I saw, and the more wonderment flourished. I became inspired to keep exploring further. I became energized to see what lay beyond ‘that’ stop sign, where ‘that’ road would lead me, what ‘that’ destination would be like to cycle to and through. My love for cycling just kept growing.

Then, 5 years ago, I started setting new goals for myself. I wanted to cycle 100 km in a single day. This was a big deal for me. I gradually worked myself up to the distance, first cycling distances of 60 km, then 70 km, then 80 km…on a regular basis. I remember how exhilarating it was to be able to cycle 100 km on a single ride. I was also becoming aware of how meditative my long(er) rides were becoming. I would lose myself in a blissful state of being, of cycling for hours at a time, stopping only for brief nature and nutrition breaks.

Today, my rides are typically 150 – 175 km in distance, riding for 8 - 9 hours. Earlier this season I completed one ride of 225 kms, taking me more than 10 hours of riding to complete. Next season I intend to join an international group of cyclists—with a Chapter here in Ottawa—called the Randonneurs. The Randonneurs is a long-distance and ultra-long-distance cycling club. Rides range from 100 – 1,200 kms. Yes, you read that right…upwards to 1,200 kms. The thought of riding for days on end excites and inspires me beyond description!

What’s the point?

The point is…when you are ‘in love,’ the energy of love expands. The energy of love never, ever stops expanding. The very nature of love is to continue to expand, without any incumbrances. My cycling journey and adventures are merely a metaphor for the expansive nature of love. My rides are symbolic of loves never-ending extension of healing energy.

Have you ever heard the expression, ‘Follow your bliss.’? Well, if you follow your bliss, you will not only find love, but you will be ‘in love.’ Your joy, peace, and contentment will be indescribable. Your life will be a meditation in grace and tranquility. You will live your life in the heart of the Divine, where love is all there is.

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.