Last month, I made the decision to unhook and take a day trip to Des Moines on one of the Sportsters to see Bad Religion and Social Distortion in concert. There are so many reasons why this was important. I am certain many of you can understand why a break is needed after the growing snowball that is spring Masonic activities. I hope you take a few moments to catch your breath and reset – something we should each do on the regular.
Originally, I thought that this would be like other summer trips – with a friend accompanying me. That did not work out, and I ended up doing the trip by myself. That turned out to be OK, and with my spare ticket, I was able to help someone get into a sold-out show. I must admit that I almost didn’t go, and I almost left the motorcycle at home. … But a little voice in my head reminded me that motorcycle trips would be scarce this year, and I may not have the opportunity to see these bands again. I put the fear aside and made the trek.
Every time I take a two-wheeled adventure, I can unhook from the hustle and bustle of normal life and focus on the road and the conditions I encounter. It’s not always pleasant in the moment (think hail), but every experience reminds me that I am alive. Each adventure adds to my story, and each experience contributes to who I am. Each trip disconnects me from the worries that make up my normal day and brings me back to a place where I can live in the moment. It does not matter if it is a two day or two-week adventure – if I’m traveling on two wheels, I escape if only for a moment.
Even with companions and worrying about their needs, there is still plenty of “me time”. On this trip, it was all “me time.” This might sound like a selfish observation or thing to celebrate, but “me time” is what allows for meditation and self-reflection. To be honest, I haven’t had much time for that lately and I suspect I am not alone. This is not a good thing.
The trip was delightful. No rush or stress except for a show I was looking forward to and the rush I would get from it. I was a bit anxious about going to a punk show – something I hadn’t done before.
That was unfounded. The venue was beautiful, and the mass of people that were there were all very friendly and unthreatening. On the way down, I reflected on a lyric from another recent concert I attended with my friend Kurt, “trading sorrows for tomorrows.” The show provided two additional lyrics from each of the bands playing, “What the world needs now is some answers to our problems. We can’t buy more time ‘cause our tender isn’t valid” and “I hope it’s not too late because tomorrow, may never come. Reach for the sky ‘cus tomorrow may never come. Yesterday is history and tomorrow’s a mystery, but being here right now, it’s just about you and me”.
There is an opportunity to venture into nature and spend time with Brothers. If you have not heard of the Masonic Camp, please visit their website to learn more. The camp will be occurring in 2024 July 19-21 in Erhard, MN. I hope you will consider joining us, and as eloquently stated on the website, “Lose yourself in the company and good fellowship of your Brothers for a weekend surrounded by majestic pines, clear blue waters, and the soft crackle of the campfire for a weekend of Masonic education and fellowship, all within a private retreat.” If we have traveled together, we likely have had moments like this, and I am grateful for them.
It is also nice to sometimes have moments that are mine alone. Treasured moments that if I share my reflections, I hope others may find some value in.
The concert and music remind me of another set of words that inspire me. … From a book that a friend and I are reading together, “I can think, I can wait, and I can fast.” I first discovered Siddhartha by Herman Hesse when I was 17 and am still working on these important skills today.
Although the road is my river, I see the faces of the many who have made a difference as I make my way from beginning to end. I smile as I reflect and discover myself in the process …