I have been going out with someone for the last couple of years who rides a motorcycle. When I first started riding as a passenger I was terrified. All of my childhood and young adult fears would shallow me up, to the point of being frozen as I hung on for dear life. Yet, I loved the thought of going for a ride because it was a wonderful way to look my fears right in the eye, give them a name, and release them with love. I would have floods of memories of my father telling me how dangerous motorcycles were and remembering tragic stories of people getting killed on them. As these memories would replay in my mind, I was able to slow the story down and become very present. I reminded myself that my friend Kurt was an excellent rider. That he had started riding motorcycles when he was in the 5th grade. That if I stayed very current and in the moment, all was perfect. I literally trusted Kurt with my life, just as I am learning to trust the invisible guidance that shows me the way everyday.

How many times in our life do we trust our life to a stranger? Flying in an airplane, driving down the freeway as other folks in cars drive around us? If we realized how precarious our lives were, we may not want to step of our homes. Yet, it is a wonderful reminder to note that at any given moment, regardless of what we are doing, if it is our time to leave this physical form, it doesn’t matter what we are doing. We could be getting out of bed in the morning or working out, when it is our time, no amount of negotiating or doing something will keep us from crossing over.

It’s a fascinating way to look at life. I often invite folks to bow deeply to death for it is our greatest gift because it gives us one more breath. Instead of running away from life; go with the flow.

When I am on the back of the motorcycle all of my senses are activated. Sight, sounds, smells and texture become more acute. I love the sensation of being so totally awake and aware. As we round a corner I gently lean in the direction that we are turning. As we go up a hill I relax into the comfort of Kurt’s back. It’s a beautiful dance of grace and ease.

When we lean into life and go with the flow all is well. If we go against the flow, we run into resistance and fear. How many times have you resisted something in your life only to relax into it and notice how gently you are able to move with the flow. It’s as if we wake up and lose our minds and come to our senses. Recognizing the rhythms and wonderful opportunities that are all around us.

While riding on the back of a motorcycle may not be your cup of tea, I invite you to spend some time noticing the opportunities you have to fully step into your life with all of your senses. Begin to integrate how wonderful it feels to fully “show up”. Challenge your dragons and turn them into paper dragons. The dragons, metaphorically speaking, are those parts of yourself that are scared to try something new because of a past memory or belief. Notice those areas in your life that may be limiting you from fully stepping into life because of outdated fears and myths. Take this challenge to step into those scary places and surround them with love. I’m not suggesting that you take unnecessary risks, rather, let yourself feel the thrill of releasing the bondage of fear. Begin to say, “Yes!” to your life.

While you are learning to do this, remember to use discernment. Ask yourself if stepping into your fear would expand you or contract you? Trust yourself and learn to fly! Then begin to notice how effortless and joyful your life becomes. You will become lighter and freer; unburdened and unencumbered with the ghosts of the past.