We are climbing a series of virtual hills, repeats, slowly going nowhere in reality but towards redemption in our heads, hearts and spirits. I have mashed together a rather inspired set list and the blending of the two, physical effort and the pulsating rhythm of rock, takes us to elevations previously unknown, or rarely visited. This is one of the many magical moments we find when on the trail of the elusive mountaintop we call the dynamic flow state. Sometimes the magic works, and although the individual parts, the protocol, the music, the group ACQ*, the vibe, all contribute, it is 50/50 that on any given class it will be so profound. It sizzles when it does, providing an extra special experience that crackles with energy and vigor. The interesting part is that even without this value added bonus, every session has the potential to be ‘exactly what the doctor ordered’. All it takes is you. There is a hat, and then there is a hat with a rabbit inside.
You, as I, must do your part to add to the mix. One cannot merely sit and spin. One cannot feign indifference. One cannot ignore the complete change in the group energy level without somehow contributing to the mix. This can be through body language (one MUST do the protocol - or at the very least sit when we sit, stand when we stand and show approximate compliance to cadence and gear ranges). After that the love you take is equal to the love you make, or, less like Lennon and McCartney and more like Vince Lombardi, your get back what you put forth. This annotated transcription roughly tells us that one must voluntarily and unabashedly assume a leadership role in keeping one’s crew focused and motivated as they discuss mutiny. Or in banking terms, one’s return on investment is directly tied to one’s deposit into their fitness account. That is where interest is compounded and ROI maximized. There exists noting in any area, sailing and finance included, that is more counterproductive and cancerous than indifference, apathy and/or distraction.
On this day, this occasion and this moment, we are ripping through it with gumption and bravado. I am hearing regular harmonic grunts (those exhales of effort ranging from the USMC hoo-rah to the classic ‘ugh’ - and its many variations - popular with so many rock vocalists and professional athletes). It never fails to ignite the class to higher levels when one in the rank and file takes a solo in the spotlight. Game on.
Being it Earth Day, and deciding long ago that themed set-lists, where every song is dedicated, however loosely, to the day being celebrated, are banal, boring and beneath the musical sophistication of the audience, I decide to double-shift into a new range and power up a grade known as the path less taken. I decide to ask a pair of ‘related’ questions and give the class the entire hour to consider the answers as we ride. There is a protein smoothie as grand price! Here are the two questions:
How old is planet Earth?
What is the current global population of said planet?
One needn’t be a scientist, scholar or ecologist to understand the fragile connection between the two. I mention that we have a responsibility to be the best we can be and that entails more than the physical. We need to keep ecology on pace with technology. We need less war and more education. We need stiffer penalties again polluters. We need to keep basic crude in the ground and out of pristine water. We need to stop considering growth progress. It is not that we are overpopulated, it is that we are overly greedy in the distribution of commodities crucial in a fair and balanced society. We need more compassion. Mixed with more awareness and loving kindness.
What would the results be if all of the current 7.5 billion humans cared as much for our 4.5 billion year-old planet as they do for money, power and prestige?
This is the virtual hill we climb today. Be a good climber. When we get to the top we help others climb. We do not pollute, litter or horde resources. We share. There is no room up in this thin air for hatred, corruption or racism. Our platform is love. We love what we do - and do what we love.
You are free to join us on the climb. You must contribute to the group effort in some way. You may quit at any time.
*Athletic Character Quotient
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