I love mantras. I love repeating a mantra during stressful times to help me relax. So, when I began practicing the Art of Motorcycling, I knew I would discover specific mantras to help me focus and stay safe on the public roads. One of my first mantras I spoke to myself was “slow hands”. Repeating “slow hands” allowed me to isolate my thought process to what I was doing in the present moment. Like putting on my motorcycle helmet. I would repeat “slow hands” to focus my mind on the ride ahead and not allow my thoughts to think about what “might” happen. Instead, “slow hands” mantra created a present experience for myself that put me in tune with the present moment. Thus, I could slowly and purposely focus on what I am doing “now”. I spoke the mantra “slow hands” during rides as I pulled in the clutch and rolled the throttle to make my riding experience as smooth as possible.

Though I still repeat “slow hands” mantra, lately I have been practicing the mantra “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is FAST”. This is a powerful mantra I repeat before I ride, during my ride, and after my ride. The mantra “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is FAST” allows me to know that taking my time in everything I do with motorcycling, is not only creating a safer riding experience, but a faster one. And who doesn’t like going fast on a motorcycle? I can’t remember how it manifested within me, but I do know this mantra is very helpful. Not only does this mantra slow me down but creates a “present” experience and helps me to focus on what is happening in front of me. My mind can wonder so quickly that speaking this mantra calms me down and focuses my mind.

The benefits of using a mantra during motorcycling is wonderful. I highly suggest that other motorcyclists use a mantra of their own or follow this mantra, “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is FAST” to discover a new riding experience.

Rolf