See What Happens

Out of chaos complex patterns emerge. Under the assumption that we are ready and willing to accept the responsibility of tuning to the right frequency and hear the message. Using the imagery of cruising down a dark desert highway, with nothing other than a vintage analog car radio for entertainment, we mindlessly punch buttons that direct our awareness to pre-recorded programming. Commercials, PSAs, static, totally inappropriate musical genres for the mood we desire all compete for the privilege of our attention. The very personal preferences we establish and protect are interesting samples of the character we have created as us. Think about it right now, given the opportunity to choose a musical accompaniment to your ‘right now’ what would it be? And perhaps more importantly, why?

The patterns of complexity increase exponentially as we add movement to the mix. Music moves us. It has the rare power to inspire our minds towards freedom and set our bodies in motion. This, dear listeners, is pure magic. Why we gravitate with seemingly magnetic attraction towards one type of music over another is (follow these dots), individual, personal, social, regional, cultural, national and universal. From the entire musical catalogue of the world’s masterworks to the kids down the block in Dad’s garage, the options are limited only by our dedication to seek them out and try them on for emotional size. Does it have that swing? Does it rock? Does it move me? Am I inspired by its melody, beat, lyrical content, arrangement, delivery and/or performance? What is my intended use? How will it improve my current situation and perhaps establish a lifetime of engagement with it?

We have lift. We are in orbit, launched into a space and time where the creative imperative is a nerve ending of energy, power and possibility. The dance is on. We move. We accept the majesty of the moment and try again to jettison the social ballast that keeps us near the bottom of our purest trajectories. Towards what destination?

Certainly it is enough to merely experience this spiritual weightlessness. But, like the human body, it has many uses that we can select as the best mix to enrich our understanding and compassion, our speed and strength and our gratitude and forgiveness. The complex patters begin to emerge as a single whole as we unite mind, body and spirit in the cosmic dance. Somewhere in your DNA is a drum beat, a piano concerto and an angelic chorale. Sitting shotgun beside that double-helix is your genetic propensity towards movement and motion, and in the navigator's seat is your spirit madly attempting to course correct at light speed and in real time. If you get confused listen to the music play.

It is at this point that we realize the incredible joy of rhythm, of the continual, repetitive notes of life. The human heart beating at regular intervals, breaths in a pattern as simple as in and out, muscles constricting and relaxing, thoughts coming and going. A billion atoms avoiding head-on collisions inside and outside of the vehicle known to you as you.

Begging again the question, what do we do with all of this?

For our purposes, and please remember that we are primarily interested in health and fitness - despite the rather philosophical and metaphysical considerations offered above - we have a daily opportunity to explore the wonderful and utilitarian combination of music and movement. And, more  precisely, and thus closer to finding magic in the chaos, speaking of the synergy of the music that moves us and ANY FOCUSED ACTIVITY THAT INVOLVES RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT.

In our example today we are specifically talking about indoor cycling, although it can just as easily be applied to running, swimming, hiking, surfing, skiing or orienteering.

Step One: Find that piece of music that works for you. Tomorrow in class I will boldly use yesterday’s example of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, despite its genera, classical, being nowhere near the accepted current spinning accompaniment. You may find techno, hip-hop or trance more suitable and that is fine. The only criteria is that your selection must transport you emotionally to another internal place. If Beyonce or Black Sabbath does that for you, I take no issue.

Stop Two: Select a vehicle. We like stationary bikes. You may use a treadmill, elliptical, pool or parachute. Set up, hop aboard, bring to operating temperature and turn on the music.

Step Three: See what happens.