COUNSELOR'S CORNER: Reflections from the bike trail

(While sitting on the porch together today my wife was inspired to write. I therefore credit Alice Cavaiani with writing this article.)
 
Our porch faces a Bike Trail. The longer this pandemic continues, as the weather is beautiful, I am rocking on my porch relaxing. I am surrounded by the energy of God as reflected in the trees and grass that is everywhere. I see a sampling of humanity moving along, finding their peace each in their own way.

Whether strolling along at a slow pace, or pedaling briskly and gliding quickly past, or pausing for water and taking a break, all are seeking a peaceful place. Occasionally a tandem bike passes by.

Two people sharing the effort of moving ahead. Sometimes a parent pedals past with a youngster attached to their bike, ready to pedal but still attached to achieve their balance, not yet ready to bike forward on their own.

This is how we survive these trying times. Not only surviving but also meeting our peace and achieving balance in our lives. We reflect on the state of our world. We strive to improve on our little corner of the world, all the while maintaining our own balance and joy in our soul. We must learn that we cannot do it alone. We may be maintaining social distancing but we still need our interactions with others.

Zoom meetings are popular. FaceTime phone calls are more common and even drive by visits and ‘air hugs’ have a place in our new world. We will get through this difficult time. We will get through it by maintaining our connections with others while still taking time for our time alone. Time to meditate and connect our soul with God is as vital as connecting with others. When we feel weak and overwhelmed, that is the time to quiet our-selves and calm our spirit. We focus on only today and we also reach out. We become the child riding a bike attached to a parent. Pedaling forward but still connected and assisted in achieving balance.

We become the partner on the tandem bike. Sharing the task at hand which is to propel forward, achieving enjoyment and heading toward a point in the future, all while drinking in the beauty surrounding us on our journey.

We move forward. We find joy. We reach out for support. We offer support. We weep and dry our tears and smile and we do our part to improve the human condition. Absorb the energy around you. Reach for the blue sky above and marvel at the heights we all reach together, even during the time of pandemic.
Life is good. Revel in it.
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Fred Cavaiani is a licensed marriage & family therapist and limited licensed psychologist with a private practice in Troy. He is the founder of Marriage Growth Center. He conducts numerous programs for groups throughout Michigan. Cavaiani is associate editor and contributing writer for Human Development Magazine. His column in the Legal News runs every other Tuesday. He can be reached at 248-362-3340. His e-mail address is: Fredcavi@yahoo.com and his website is FredsCounselorsCorner.com.