How does the concept or lesson of “Don’t Turn to Turn” apply to travel and life? Here are two thoughts that stand out to me.
First, travel is experiential. As with turning and balancing on a mountain biking, we engage all of us, our bodies and our senses – not just our brains – in ways we don’t at home.
Second, we learn a different form of “balance” when traveling. As with rhythm, in some cases we slow down and relax. On other trips, we’re in a hyper vigilant form of connecting with everything around us. Either way, we come to realize that balance isn’t the elusive end-all/be-all we pursue at home.
On a spiritual level, my friend Jack once challenged me with this powerful thought. Most of us, he noted, seek out balance in life and make it a goal. We try to balance work and family, income and expenses, eating what we want and eating what we should, getting things done and getting rest, etc.
But think about this: Did Jesus lead a balanced life?
Actually, no. His routines in terms of work and sleep and interaction with others were all over the map. He didn’t lead a balanced life at all. But he did lead a faithful life.
Jack’s comments and mountain biking both remind me that we don’t always arrive at where we want to go or be by pursuing the balanced approach. I’m coming to realize that balance isn’t all I thought it was, either on a bike or in life. And if I want to fully engage in riding or living, I need to pursue a sometimes non-intuitive approach that involves every part of me.
Through mountain biking and through this journey we call faith, I’m learning a different way to turn, a different way to stay upright and a better way to enjoy the ride.
How about you?
If you haven’t already done so, check out Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3, Lesson 4a and Lesson 5