Every cloud has a silver lining. Similarly, I have been fortunate to turn these unprecedented COVID waves into opportunities for personal growth. I recently picked up cycling as a hobby. Here's a brief description of a cycling experience that helped me grow emotionally, mentally and physically.
I have always believed in constantly improving myself. So, I decided to challenge myself for a 42 km ride from my home to Chattbir zoo! I was enthusiastic and throughly enjoyed my ride to the zoo. The fresh morning air of the sub-urbs oozed out an aura of health, energy and vitality. It was refreshing and rejuvenating to experience whistling of winds, chirping of birds at the pristine natural surroundings in the area.
However, the journey back home from the zoo was tough. During the last 10 kms of the ride, I had almost exhausted myself and felt very tired. My lower back, shoulders were aching badly and my thigh muscles refused to pedal more. Additionally, I was riding on my old bicycle which demanded great effort to pedal. The physical exhertion cause in me a sense of restlessness and irritation. I felt like quitting my ride and walking the rest of the way back to home.
I became aware of these negative feelings inside me that were trying to stop me, but I didn't yeild to them. I started to encourage myself through positive self-talks. This helped me to maintain composure. Further, I started to mentally sing songs to divert my mind to something positive. I took deep breaths, drank water and continued pedalling.
It was fulfilling to realise that I had learnt to take charge of my negative emotions during stressful times. This controlling of my emotional temperament helped me to keep going, and I completed my ride without stopping on my journey back to home! The sense of satisfaction to complete a challenging ride is beyond measure.
I have realised that completion of tough rides require not just physical stamina, but also emotional discipline and mental endurance. I have learnt how facing pain in the face by becoming aware of it in the moment, instead of running away from it, aids in better dealing with it. Overall, the hobby of cycling has really helped me to better connect with myself. I truly believe that,
