Moto Gymkhana Competition, October 5, 2014
When my motorcycle instructor had me weave around cones, he said:
"Don't look at the obstacle — look past it."
Hmm. That sounds strange. I'd rather look directly at whatever is in my way. That's how I choose the safest, easiest, and most efficient path.
That is the logic of the Mind. It is convincing as long as it stays in your head, in ideal conditions, without stress or time pressure.
In the physical world, though, the motorcycle drives straight into the first cone. The cone pulls it in like a magnet pulls metal. The chain reaction goes like this:
Eyes → Body → Bike.
You have no choice but to trust the instructor. His advice sounds absurd. “Ride without looking at the obstacle?” Isn’t that a recipe for a crash?
The first attempt delivers the insight — the body already knows what to do and how.
Focusing your gaze past the cone sets the vector of your goal. Peripheral vision reads the full context. While the mind stumbles, the body steers the horse.
All you had to do was not let the obstacle become the destination.
If an obstacle is paralyzing you right now, direct your gaze beyond it.
Keep your eyes on the goal you truly want.
Trust your body.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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