Life has a way of surprising us with little moments that carry more meaning than we initially realize. One such moment happened to me on a bike ride this past summer, and it’s led me to a practice I’d like to share with you — a simple way to offer peace to others, whether you’re on two wheels or simply moving through your day.
The Start of a Journey
I’ve been an avid cyclist since 2001, when I first began training for the Heartland AIDS Ride. Training for that 500-mile journey was more than just a physical challenge; it was a cause that connected me with others in a deep and meaningful way. Training for the ride was intense, but it brought me a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
As I continued cycling, I became more involved in the culture surrounding it. A couple of years after that first ride, I bought a fancy carbon fiber bike at a bike swap event. Suddenly, I was part of an unspoken club. The other cyclists with high-end gear started giving me a wave, a small gesture that felt like an acknowledgment of shared passion and dedication. It was fun, feeling that sense of belonging.
Shifting Gears
These days, I ride for different reasons. My bike rides have evolved into something more akin to moving meditations. I’m not out to set records or prove anything. Instead, I ride for the joy of movement, the connection with nature, and the peace it brings me. I still wave at other cyclists, but I’ve noticed something: those riding the fancy bikes often don’t wave back. Maybe they’re focused on their speed, their cadence, or maybe they’re just in a different headspace.
But this summer, something changed for me. On a ride in June, I encountered a cyclist who didn’t wave back. Instead, he held up a peace sign. That simple gesture struck me deeply, and it brought back memories of my past.
A History with Peace
Growing up Catholic, there was a moment in every Mass just after the Lord’s Prayer where the priest would say, “Let us offer each other the sign of peace” and everything would stop. It always felt like the mood in the church would totally change, and we would hug or shake hands with as many people around us as possible. As I understand it, the manner in which peace is expressed can vary from parish to parish or diocese to diocese. In my family, if we couldn’t reach someone to hug, we’d flip them a peace sign. It felt a little rebellious, a way to share peace in our own style.
And in high school, I went through a phase where I wore peace signs almost daily. It was around the same time my high school choir started practicing “Imagine” by John Lennon. Some of my peace signs were small, others big and bold — like a bright purple plastic one I particularly loved. It was a way of expressing something I couldn’t quite put into words then, a yearning for connection, for understanding, for peace.
Offering Peace to Others
The practice of Metta, or loving-kindness, is about cultivating goodwill for all beings. It’s a science-backed practice that can be as simple as sending good thoughts to those around you, wishing them well. Metta practice often includes the word “peace,” such as “may you be skillful and peaceful” or “may all beings find peace.” Metta practice is typically an internal practice to cultivate love in your own hearts, but when that cyclist offered me a peace sign, it felt like a moment of Metta — a small gesture with a big impact.
Since then, I’ve started holding up a peace sign when I pass others on the bike trails or roads. It’s a way of offering peace, of connecting, even if just for a moment. Whether the person is walking, running, or riding, that simple sign feels like a bridge between us. I’ve noticed that gesture to be especially effective for bringing a smile to the Baby Boomers I see.
A Small Gesture, A Big Impact
You don’t have to be on a bike to offer peace. It can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, or even a peace sign. In a world that often feels divided and rushed, these small gestures can make a big difference. They remind us that we’re all in this together, that we all deserve peace.
So next time you’re out and about, whether on a bike, walking through your neighborhood, or just going about your day, consider offering a little peace to those you encounter. You never know who might need it, or how much that simple gesture could mean to them — or to you.
Peace isn’t just something we strive for in the world. It’s something we can create in each moment, with each interaction. Let’s offer it freely, and watch how it grows.
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