I ride motorcycles. But more importantly I also maintain my motorcycle.

My father left me a great book before he died, its called Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. The book really isn't about motorcycle maintenance, its about life's successes viewed through the perspective of motorcycle maintenance. Its also about a whole lot more than that, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good novel with a lesson behind it.

Over the years, I have found that I enjoy working on motorcycles even more than I enjoy riding them (which is a lot). The time I spend in the garage tinkering with this, modifying that, is time spent releasing myself from the unordered competition and race that typifies my career and returning to an ordered place. One that returns direct benefits for my labors and frees me from all other cares. There is a "feel", a "touch", a sixth sense about it that is extraordinarily liberating and fulfilling. I tend to think of it as therapy contained in my garage.

The reward is the journey. I hate getting to the end. I would rather stay engaged and working than finish and have to look for a new project.

Funny thing is, its not the motorcycle that does this for me, its the process I go through when I work on it. Kind of a "be the ball" or "in the moment" thing that allows me to assume a place in the universe that is connected in ways I am still learning about.

Now here's the really interesting part. I had the same kind of experience as a teenage working in cotton farms and orange groves. Also had similar experiences when I framed as a young adult while going to college.

So what is this? This experience that unifies me with the elements around me and leaves me connected in a way that can't be ignored?

Tell me about your similar experiences, I really want to try to learn more about this.

What makes you feel connected and a part of the process. What work do you pursue regardless of compensation, because you enjoy it and it brings other benefits?

Help me figure this out.....