August 28, 2008

Karenlynn Robinson, a friend of mine wrote her opinion to the Source, our local newspaper. They published her words and I would love to share this with the world:

Here's what she wrote to the Source:

"So far in my experience, I have concluded that the Universe runs on Love. Who knows how many people would say that they have had that same experience? However, I feel that many people would say that the thought of the Universe running on Love makes them feel good. Either way, we all win if we think of that concept in connection to this amazing "chatter" that is going on between the bikers and the drivers. As soon as I read the "Cold Call" question in the July 31st edition ("Do you think drivers are doing enough to accommodate bikers?"), my immediate gut response was that no one is doing enough to accommodate each other, period.

When I thought about it, I realized that the situation is an OPPORTUNITY for communities on small and large scales to come together to balance ourselves and eliminate our fear-based idea of lack. We will accomplish this easily when we take action that reflects our belief that the Universe runs on Love.

So here is my intention when I am biking and driving. When I am driving and I see a biker I make sure they have enough room to see me. I drive as slow as I need to until I can go around, and I send gratitude to the biker for doing her/his part. Then when I am biking I always have great experiences with the drivers because I pay attention to what is around me, I use hand signals, and what I experience on my bike reflects what I experience when I am driving... so it works well!

I feel in this economy what people are so terrified of is a reflection of us and how we treat each other. So why not have fun supporting each other safely and respectfully to change our collaborative outlook on things like gas prices?> We can also teach this to our children who are in cars and on bikes, and they are our future! Right now, our attention is on the economy, so we are all watching each other. Go big, send a smile!"


Dear Source,

Just when my faith in the local population falters, along
comes inspirational words like those from “The Mailbox” contributor
Heather McKenzie (8/14).

After watching this morning’s continued news coverage
of the recently-killed bicyclist, I tended toward the negative “How many
SUV drivers have been killed by bicyclists?” or “If only he’d
been wearing his helmet…”, but Heather’s is the higher path.

All anyone can do to improve this neighborhood, city,
country, planet or cosmos is to set our sights on Love and work on our
own
responsibility. Heather, you are my sister in spirit, and I so honor
the Source
for printing your letter.

SO, my point is to reinforce the guidelines set forth by Ms.
McKenzie. When we ride, send love and gratitude to the bicycle and its
creators, the road and its caretakers, and the vehicles with their
drivers, and
they’ll not kill us. When we drive, send love and gratitude to the
cyclists risking their lives daily to reduce carbon emissions, reduce
wear and
tear on roads, reduce traffic cong
estion and reduce obesity and its
accompanying
expenses.

Sending a big smile at you, Heather, and everyone I pass as
I ride or drive.

Love,

KarenLynn Robinson, Bend