The lone seagull

I just returned from a week on the East Coast. I spent several days with my boyfriend in Maine where we drove from Boston up the coast to visit friends, see the leaves change in New England, and otherwise spend some quiet time together.

And I was, of course, capturing as much of our time and space on film as I could.

But try as I might I could not get the perfect shot of a seagull. This was my one best shot. The rest are close ups of gulls who would not fly, far away shots of gulls that are blurry, and far away shots of geese who were flying in formation. But I couldn't capture the whole flock in time, so their formation looks a bit off.

I heard myself call out several times, "Stop, bird, stop!" Rick even laughed at me for it. But I wanted that one perfect shot, the one where the bird is close up, and you can see the feathers on the wings. There is action. I was shooting them in Ogunquit, I was shooting them in Camden, I was shooting them whereever I could spot them quick enough. But they're not cooperative birds. They fly on their schedule not mine. I waited several minutes once for one of those birds to take flight. He was perched not three feet from my legs, but he wouldn't budge. Not even when I walked right past him. He would not budge. He wasn't ready. "Go, bird, go," I told this one. But nothing. "Fly. Please." Nope. Not a movement on his feathers.

So, I wound up with this shot. It has action. You can see it's bird. But you can't really tell it's a gull.

It's not bad. You can see the sky was gray and dark. It was a stormy day, really, not monsoon stormy like here in Arizona, but misty, sometimes cloudy, and slightly cool.

But I got my gull.

He's in the air, wings outstretched, and he's just a tad bit too far away. But the photo's clear enough.

Taking these shots involved an act of patience. I didn't have my 35mm camera with me, the one that I can point and shoot several shots in a second. I had a simple digital camera, nothing too expensive, nothing impressive. But it did it's job. It helped me get a shot of a seagull in flight.

It's a good example of not getting exactly what you want but being able to be content for what's available.

I'm happy with this shot. I'm happy I was photographing birds. I'm glad I was able to spend time with the one I love.

Patience is a good thing. It's a virtue that can really come in handy during troublesome times. The next time you happen to be in the presence of a seagull, maybe you'll think of that.

More about patience

My daughter and her new husband just moved back in with me for a few months. They moved in with me the first time last summer, because he got laid off from his job. This is the second time, and it happened again. My daughter is frustrated and worried but wants to be supportive, of course. And she doesn't want to worry me. I'm not worried. After she told me about the job situation this time, she mentioned that she thinks God must be trying to teach her something.

I told her this:

"God is teaching you patience...[He wants you to know that we] do not get all that we want just because we want it. Accept what you need with graciousness--shelter, food, comfort from a loved one--and know that all the extra stuff is just that, extra.

I further explained to her that when I was going through my worst days with her father who had just left me--and I wasn't sure what was coming next--I just tried to focus on being thankful for what I had at the moment. I joined a Bible Study class for assistance. And I was praying a lot! At the same time, I allowed myself to be open to the possibilities, whatever they might be.

"You may take some detours," I told her, "but you will find the road you're meant to be on."

If you find yourself in a similar situation, where you're not sure what's coming next--and that scares you--remember to focus on the now. Ask yourself: What can I do today to plan for tomorrow?"

It may not be the complete answer to your fears, but it's an action step. Focus like that will help move you forward instead of allow you to stay stuck.

And, by the way, if you noticed I've been MIA again, that's because I'm working on my book. I've been on the road a lot lately and will continue to be for the next four months or so as I complete the research I need to do for my travel guide. I'm exploring the backroads & byways of Arizona for my book of the same name. Many of the places I'm visiting are without cell phone service and Internet connection. My book will be out in the spring of 2009 (Countryman Press). More details on that later.

For now, choose to enjoy the rest of your day.

All my best,
Jackie

Just joining us?

If you're new to the BIKE WITH JACKIE blog, I encourage you to start reading from the beginning. You'll get a better understanding of how the mental BIKE operates. It's a progression really. In previous posts, I've talked about how patience is necessary while you're in transition. We all want things these days, like, right now. Today even. But creating quality of life takes time, and you're the architect.

Like the architect who draws up plans and works with consultants and developers or contractors to create the masterpiece building, you also will operate similarly to create your masterpiece life. You might consider hiring a life coach or a therapist, depending on your needs. You might need legal assistance. You might need friends now more than ever. It'll take time to develop the you you want to be. But you'll need to know who to call for help when help is needed. Architects don't do it all themselves. They have help. You'll be looking for help as well.

Reaching out might be a huge step for those of us in turmoil. But you'll see that going with others makes the transition a lot easier to navigate than going it alone.

I've discussed some of this already. I've also explained that this blog isn't about exercise, that a bicycle just happened to be the way of my journey. It's how I got my start to a new life. It was the beginning of my reaching out. I encourage you to get on a bicycle. I think it's a wonderful way to measure personal growth. But it's not necessary for yours. You may be drawn to something else entirely. If you read from the beginning, you'll understand what I mean, and you'll see how this journey is yours. The way you make it happen is yours. The progress is yours. I'm just here to provde you an idea on how you can begin it.

BIKE is simply a metaphor for the time and space you give yourself. It's a powerful tool, but only if you use it.

Keep reading, I'll explain as we go along.

Ask questions if you like. I'm happy to respond to your comments.

All my best,
Jackie

The Beginner's Mind.

Hi there,

This is a very useful technique when it comes to learning.

To quote wikipedia:

Shoshin (also pronounced nyuanshin) is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning Beginner's Mind. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would. The term is especially used in the study of Zen Buddhism and Japanese martial arts.

The phrase was also used as the title of Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki's book: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, which reflects a saying of his regarding the way to approach Zen practice: In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few.


You can apply this in real life by approaching a subject with the mind of a beginner even if you feel you are already an expert! I remember such an example when I worked as a computer programmer. I had worked on a particular system for a few years and I really felt that "I knew it all". To be perfectly honest - I was a little bit arrogant about it! I then moved to another company who really pushed the system to it limits. I had a difficult time as I thought I knew it all and I was making lots of mistakes and my colleagues were surprised as they thought I knew it all too! If I had approached this new company with a "beginners mind", being honest with myself about what I actually knew, I would have caused less conflict and learnt much faster.

This technique can be applied in lots of areas of your life. Give it a go and you will be impressed by how much you will learn about the subject you are studying and yourself!

Good Luck,
Allen

The Beginner's Mind.

Hi there,

This is a very useful technique when it comes to learning.

To quote wikipedia:

Shoshin (also pronounced nyuanshin) is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning Beginner's Mind. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would. The term is especially used in the study of Zen Buddhism and Japanese martial arts.

The phrase was also used as the title of Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki's book: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, which reflects a saying of his regarding the way to approach Zen practice: In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few.


You can apply this in real life by approaching a subject with the mind of a beginner even if you feel you are already an expert! I remember such an example when I worked as a computer programmer. I had worked on a particular system for a few years and I really felt that "I knew it all". To be perfectly honest - I was a little bit arrogant about it! I then moved to another company who really pushed the system to it limits. I had a difficult time as I thought I knew it all and I was making lots of mistakes and my colleagues were surprised as they thought I knew it all too! If I had approached this new company with a "beginners mind", being honest with myself about what I actually knew, I would have caused less conflict and learnt much faster.

This technique can be applied in lots of areas of your life. Give it a go and you will be impressed by how much you will learn about the subject you are studying and yourself!

Good Luck,
Allen

5 Tips on How to Survive Life When You leave College

I remember when I was in my final year of university or college as our American friends like to put it. It was a busy time but it was also a worrying time. I remember commenting to a friend of mine at the time "When I think of what life might be like after I graduate - it just feels like a big black void!" I remember him saying he thought the same. Little did I know that my post college life would take me to Sweden for 8 years but such is the unpredictability of life!

I realize that most people wont be graduating for another five or six months but it pays to think ahead and not just drift along. Life for a lot of graduates is going to change and I believe if you follow the following tips you will be in a better state to handle the transition into a new phase of your life.

1) Take at least a year off!

You have just spent the past few months studying for finals, locked in a library or study room somewhere - Get out and get some air. Take some time to yourself and see the world! You have spent the first part of your life following a set path dictated to you by your peers or your parents. Now it is time to go out and find out who you really are. Spend a year to "catch your breath". You have your whole life to work in a 9 to 5 job! Take a step back from your life to make sure you are on the right path for YOU!

2) Travel the world.

Travel does broaden the mind! I realize it takes money to travel but try and find opportunities where you can earn money in a different country.You could do charity work! What about the peace corps or some such charity organization? Do some foreign aid work but do something that will allow you to see a bit of our world outside of what we are used to. Experience a different culture. Remember where there is a will there is a way - so even if you don' t have much money there are ways to fulfill this goal.

3) Don't let other people tell you what you should now do.

Perhaps your parents have expectations of you to go to medical school or to go work in Acme inc. Perhaps your friends will scoff at your aspirations to travel and say things to you like "Boy house prices go up and up... You should get a well paid job and buy a house... settle down... What do you want to take a year off for... Some sort of new ager are you?" etc..etc... Do what is right for you!

4) Remember - Be tolerant - It will be more difficult to make new friends now.

Your whole life - up until this point- has been spent with people your own age. Lots of people your own age. If you didn't like someone or didn't get on with someone there was plenty more people you could make friends with. You could be choosey with who you would become friends with. Life outside school and college isn't like that. You will be mixing with a whole plethora of people from different backgrounds, ages and beliefs. If you start a new job you might be put on a team with so called "geeks", "nerds", or "jocks"! Develop patience and tolerance of others... You will be a better person for it and happier!

5) Remember - You don't have to have it all figured out.

There is no rule book to say that you are supposed to have everything figured out. The older you get the more you realize that very few people if any have it "all figured out". Trust your feelings more and you will find yourself in a better place. Start with developing positive qualities in yourself and you will start down a path more suited to you! Life is a journey not a destination.


I hope this helps any of you who might be graduating this year. The kindest thing that you can do for yourself is BE THE PERSON YOU WERE MEANT TO BE NOT THE PERSON OTHER PEOPLE THINK YOU SHOULD BE.

Be kind to yourself!
Allen

5 Tips on How to Survive Life When You leave College

I remember when I was in my final year of university or college as our American friends like to put it. It was a busy time but it was also a worrying time. I remember commenting to a friend of mine at the time "When I think of what life might be like after I graduate - it just feels like a big black void!" I remember him saying he thought the same. Little did I know that my post college life would take me to Sweden for 8 years but such is the unpredictability of life!

I realize that most people wont be graduating for another five or six months but it pays to think ahead and not just drift along. Life for a lot of graduates is going to change and I believe if you follow the following tips you will be in a better state to handle the transition into a new phase of your life.

1) Take at least a year off!

You have just spent the past few months studying for finals, locked in a library or study room somewhere - Get out and get some air. Take some time to yourself and see the world! You have spent the first part of your life following a set path dictated to you by your peers or your parents. Now it is time to go out and find out who you really are. Spend a year to "catch your breath". You have your whole life to work in a 9 to 5 job! Take a step back from your life to make sure you are on the right path for YOU!

2) Travel the world.

Travel does broaden the mind! I realize it takes money to travel but try and find opportunities where you can earn money in a different country.You could do charity work! What about the peace corps or some such charity organization? Do some foreign aid work but do something that will allow you to see a bit of our world outside of what we are used to. Experience a different culture. Remember where there is a will there is a way - so even if you don' t have much money there are ways to fulfill this goal.

3) Don't let other people tell you what you should now do.

Perhaps your parents have expectations of you to go to medical school or to go work in Acme inc. Perhaps your friends will scoff at your aspirations to travel and say things to you like "Boy house prices go up and up... You should get a well paid job and buy a house... settle down... What do you want to take a year off for... Some sort of new ager are you?" etc..etc... Do what is right for you!

4) Remember - Be tolerant - It will be more difficult to make new friends now.

Your whole life - up until this point- has been spent with people your own age. Lots of people your own age. If you didn't like someone or didn't get on with someone there was plenty more people you could make friends with. You could be choosey with who you would become friends with. Life outside school and college isn't like that. You will be mixing with a whole plethora of people from different backgrounds, ages and beliefs. If you start a new job you might be put on a team with so called "geeks", "nerds", or "jocks"! Develop patience and tolerance of others... You will be a better person for it and happier!

5) Remember - You don't have to have it all figured out.

There is no rule book to say that you are supposed to have everything figured out. The older you get the more you realize that very few people if any have it "all figured out". Trust your feelings more and you will find yourself in a better place. Start with developing positive qualities in yourself and you will start down a path more suited to you! Life is a journey not a destination.


I hope this helps any of you who might be graduating this year. The kindest thing that you can do for yourself is BE THE PERSON YOU WERE MEANT TO BE NOT THE PERSON OTHER PEOPLE THINK YOU SHOULD BE.

Be kind to yourself!
Allen

How to Reach Your Goals - Start with yourself first.

Continuing my theme of self help for lazy people. This short tip will actually take a few seconds to understand but a life time to master! I may be targeting lazy people with my tips but there are no short cuts when it comes to improving yourself.

When you want to reach your goal - say have a more meaningful career - the best thing is not to go start trying to look for that career straight away. No, the first thing to do is to start with yourself. Improve where you are as a person today and you will be in a better place to take on more challenging rolls in the future.

Develop the following elements in your life first:

1) Compassion
2) Forgiveness
3) Patience and Tolerance
4) A balanced life
5) Your social life
7) A sense of yourself - your talents AND your limitations.
8) Physical and Mental Health.
9) A Spiritual Life to remind you that there is more to life than - our producer/consumer society.
10) Giving to others.

If you develop those things then you will be starting towards your goals from a good place and you might actually be reaching for goals that will give you true happiness.

Food for thought..

Allen

How to Reach Your Goals - Start with yourself first.

Continuing my theme of self help for lazy people. This short tip will actually take a few seconds to understand but a life time to master! I may be targeting lazy people with my tips but there are no short cuts when it comes to improving yourself.

When you want to reach your goal - say have a more meaningful career - the best thing is not to go start trying to look for that career straight away. No, the first thing to do is to start with yourself. Improve where you are as a person today and you will be in a better place to take on more challenging rolls in the future.

Develop the following elements in your life first:

1) Compassion
2) Forgiveness
3) Patience and Tolerance
4) A balanced life
5) Your social life
7) A sense of yourself - your talents AND your limitations.
8) Physical and Mental Health.
9) A Spiritual Life to remind you that there is more to life than - our producer/consumer society.
10) Giving to others.

If you develop those things then you will be starting towards your goals from a good place and you might actually be reaching for goals that will give you true happiness.

Food for thought..

Allen

Let us Show There is Still Kindness in Our World

I am sick of the negative side to our News media. There seems to be a one sided view - painting the world as a place without compassion or kindness.

Do a kind thing - no matter how big or small - and post your act of compassion here in the comments to this post!

Let us show the world there are still kind people out there.

I'll start:

My kind act today was to notice that a work colleague (who I dont know) was looking a bit down. So I lent them my big book of stupid jokes to cheer them up.

What kind thing did you do? Post a comment and let the world know!

Good Luck,
Allen

Let us Show There is Still Kindness in Our World

I am sick of the negative side to our News media. There seems to be a one sided view - painting the world as a place without compassion or kindness.

Do a kind thing - no matter how big or small - and post your act of compassion here in the comments to this post!

Let us show the world there are still kind people out there.

I'll start:

My kind act today was to notice that a work colleague (who I dont know) was looking a bit down. So I lent them my big book of stupid jokes to cheer them up.

What kind thing did you do? Post a comment and let the world know!

Good Luck,
Allen

How to Keep Things in Perspective - Imagine You are on The Titanic

This powerful technique has really helped me to keep things in perspective and remember what is really important in life.

This technique reminds us that we are all going to die some time and that on life's journey - we are not alone.

It goes like this. Imagine you are one of many passengers on the Titanic. The difference this time is that you know the ship is going to sink but you can't do anything about it. Nobody knows when it will happen - it could be tomorrow, it could be in 100 years. The journey WILL end. That is all you know. You are not alone though - your fellow passengers have that same knowledge. How do you see your fellow passengers now? How do they react to you? You talk among yourselves about the situation your in, you empathize with each other, your support each other and you try to make the best of the time you have left.

The more I get into the imagery of this the more compassionate I feel myself being towards others. I look around my open plan office and I realize we are all passengers on this ship called life. We are all heading to the same end - no exceptions. Shouldn't we all make the best of the time we have.

Good Luck,
Allen

How to Keep Things in Perspective - Imagine You are on The Titanic

This powerful technique has really helped me to keep things in perspective and remember what is really important in life.

This technique reminds us that we are all going to die some time and that on life's journey - we are not alone.

It goes like this. Imagine you are one of many passengers on the Titanic. The difference this time is that you know the ship is going to sink but you can't do anything about it. Nobody knows when it will happen - it could be tomorrow, it could be in 100 years. The journey WILL end. That is all you know. You are not alone though - your fellow passengers have that same knowledge. How do you see your fellow passengers now? How do they react to you? You talk among yourselves about the situation your in, you empathize with each other, your support each other and you try to make the best of the time you have left.

The more I get into the imagery of this the more compassionate I feel myself being towards others. I look around my open plan office and I realize we are all passengers on this ship called life. We are all heading to the same end - no exceptions. Shouldn't we all make the best of the time we have.

Good Luck,
Allen

Be The Change You Want To See in The World

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds

"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mohandas Gandhi.

I used to curse the world for being the way it is. Why can't people be more polite? Why is there so much talk of war and not so much talk about peace? Why can't the world be a better place?

That sort of thinking got me - nowhere! I would start to feel down, angry and disheartened. Not a great place to be. I still feel those things at times but now I feel I can at least do something about it. It may be a small thing but from small seeds large trees can grow. That is my hope anyway. What changed then?

Well I read the quote (above) from Mohandas Ghandi. "Be the change you want to see in the world!".

If you want the world to be more kind and compassionate then be more kind and compassionate.

If you want the world to talk more about peace and less about war then talk more about peace.

If you want people to be more forgiving then be more forgiving.

If you want people to be more friendly and caring at work then be more friendly and caring at work.

I have an example to illustrate the power of this technique. I usually commute to work by bus. The traffic can be crazy and the bus driver has to put up with a lot of stress while he ferries us to our jobs. I try and make it habbit of thanking the bus driver as I leave the bus. People don't always do this but an interesting thing happens. Sometimes those ahead of me in the line leaving the bus don't say anything as they exit until it comes to my turn. I turn to the bus driver and say "Thank you." and you know what happens? Everyone behind me in the line then says thank you to the bus driver as they leave the bus. Ive seen this happen so many times.

This is a small thing but I am sure the bus driver feels better and everyone who thanked him feels better too. These small actions can have a knock on effect where people will continue to be more open and friendly to others. That is what I hope anyway!

So no matter how small an impact you may think you have "being the change you want to see in the world" can indeed make the world a better place.

Give it a go!

Allen

Be The Change You Want To See in The World

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds

"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mohandas Gandhi.

I used to curse the world for being the way it is. Why can't people be more polite? Why is there so much talk of war and not so much talk about peace? Why can't the world be a better place?

That sort of thinking got me - nowhere! I would start to feel down, angry and disheartened. Not a great place to be. I still feel those things at times but now I feel I can at least do something about it. It may be a small thing but from small seeds large trees can grow. That is my hope anyway. What changed then?

Well I read the quote (above) from Mohandas Ghandi. "Be the change you want to see in the world!".

If you want the world to be more kind and compassionate then be more kind and compassionate.

If you want the world to talk more about peace and less about war then talk more about peace.

If you want people to be more forgiving then be more forgiving.

If you want people to be more friendly and caring at work then be more friendly and caring at work.

I have an example to illustrate the power of this technique. I usually commute to work by bus. The traffic can be crazy and the bus driver has to put up with a lot of stress while he ferries us to our jobs. I try and make it habbit of thanking the bus driver as I leave the bus. People don't always do this but an interesting thing happens. Sometimes those ahead of me in the line leaving the bus don't say anything as they exit until it comes to my turn. I turn to the bus driver and say "Thank you." and you know what happens? Everyone behind me in the line then says thank you to the bus driver as they leave the bus. Ive seen this happen so many times.

This is a small thing but I am sure the bus driver feels better and everyone who thanked him feels better too. These small actions can have a knock on effect where people will continue to be more open and friendly to others. That is what I hope anyway!

So no matter how small an impact you may think you have "being the change you want to see in the world" can indeed make the world a better place.

Give it a go!

Allen

10 Commandments for Everyday Life

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds

Hi there!

Don't worry, I do not have a God complex. It was just I was thinking to myself if there could be Ten Commandments that one could have for everyday life. I am not saying that the original commandments are not relevant but I wondered if I could write ten very succinct points that I feel could help us all right now today. Most of us don’t kill people. Most of us don’t steel and hopefully I haven’t done much coveting for a while. So let us say that most of you out there follow the Ten Commandments or something like it. What other ten commandments would you feel could help you in your day to day life? Here is what I think Ten Commandments for everyday life could be.

1) Thou shall think for one’s self.

2) Thou shall develop compassion, patience, tolerance, love and forgiveness in all aspects of ones’ life.

3) Thou shall remember that life is a classroom and thou are the student.

4) Thou shall eat well and find a physical exercise that one will enjoy and practice regularly.

5) Thou shall remember there is more to life than work.

6) Thou shall practice a relaxation exercise daily.

7) Thou shall not worship material things and remember that they shall bring only short term peace.

8) Thou shall be the person one is meant to be not the person one thinks one should be.

9) Thou shall remember that thou are unique and have one’s own thoughts and feelings and have the right to be uniquely you.

10) Thou shall not forget about the Spirit. Thou are more than flesh and bone. Thou have a deep need to find meaning and a connection with a higher power. Find one’s own path to that higher power and do not necessarily follow the path one has inherited.

What Ten Commandments for everyday life would you have?

Good luck!
Allen

10 Commandments for Everyday Life

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds

Hi there!

Don't worry, I do not have a God complex. It was just I was thinking to myself if there could be Ten Commandments that one could have for everyday life. I am not saying that the original commandments are not relevant but I wondered if I could write ten very succinct points that I feel could help us all right now today. Most of us don’t kill people. Most of us don’t steel and hopefully I haven’t done much coveting for a while. So let us say that most of you out there follow the Ten Commandments or something like it. What other ten commandments would you feel could help you in your day to day life? Here is what I think Ten Commandments for everyday life could be.

1) Thou shall think for one’s self.

2) Thou shall develop compassion, patience, tolerance, love and forgiveness in all aspects of ones’ life.

3) Thou shall remember that life is a classroom and thou are the student.

4) Thou shall eat well and find a physical exercise that one will enjoy and practice regularly.

5) Thou shall remember there is more to life than work.

6) Thou shall practice a relaxation exercise daily.

7) Thou shall not worship material things and remember that they shall bring only short term peace.

8) Thou shall be the person one is meant to be not the person one thinks one should be.

9) Thou shall remember that thou are unique and have one’s own thoughts and feelings and have the right to be uniquely you.

10) Thou shall not forget about the Spirit. Thou are more than flesh and bone. Thou have a deep need to find meaning and a connection with a higher power. Find one’s own path to that higher power and do not necessarily follow the path one has inherited.

What Ten Commandments for everyday life would you have?

Good luck!
Allen