The Answer My Friend is Blowin in the Wind

by Liz Jansen

“The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.” — Bob Dylan

Wind represents the element of air—our thoughts, ideas, and communication. It informs us, and often brings change with it.

For a motorcycle rider, nothing matches the connection between Spirit and self that you feel when riding the open road. The endless blue sky permeates your being and dissolves any boundary between you and the elements. You can’t help but smile as the wind caresses your face and delights you, dispelling all worries. The air informs you of subtle temperature changes as you dip into a valley or snake up a mountain.

It’s magical. Every time I go for a ride, no matter how long or short, or where it takes me, I’m inspired.

For months before I wrote Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment, the idea was germinating in my mind but it seemed preposterous. I’d never dreamt I’d be a writer. In fact, in Grade Two, I wrote off teaching as an occupation because I saw how much writing Miss Wall, my teacher, had to do. It took getting out in the wind to raise a muddy concept to consciousness.

I’d been off my FZ1 for three months recuperating from a fractured right shoulder (an outcome of an off-road riding class). Three months to the day after that crash, I went for my first ride and came home with a clear purpose for the book. Then I could start writing it.

I don’t have to be on a motorcycle to turn my head into the wind, but I often need courage. Winds carry dispatches from all directions. They tell me to release old patterns of thinking, habits, and even relationships that no longer serve me. Subtle breezes remind me to release my attachment to outcomes when things don’t go as I planned. Winds inspire confidence and creativity and call on my wisdom. And they bring clarity of vision and purpose.

A gentle breeze can carry a powerful message, although sometimes I need gale force winds to get it.

Winds never give up. They’re always around to help restore balance and teach, for my greatest good. All I need to do is listen to the wind, receive the lessons, and follow where it takes me.

Photo on Visualhunt