Biking meditation is an exhilarating practice that wheels away stress and gives a new positive outlook on life.

It can be for all ages and abilities that can ride a tricycle or bike, so even the youngest kids can get the benefit.

Begin by putting on safety equipment and making sure the bike tires are pumped up properly, and the gears, if there are any, are moving smoothly.

If you will be biking an hour or more, clip on a water bottle to keep hydrated. I also like to take juicy fruit on a long ride.

Plan your route with the help of an adult if you need to read a map. I recommend biking in pairs for safety's sake. If someone falls, the other can go for help. Always let an adult or someone in charge know where you are going.

Some ideas for biking routes are around your housing block, to your school and back, on the school playground if they have a track laid out for this.

We have an elementary school across the street from us and while not with a large playground, they have recently painted lines on the asphalt around the outer edge, to form a track for kids to bike in circles. The track is 6 feet wide all around so more than one child can ride at a time.

This is a great time for parent and child bonding, also - not just for the kids to enjoy.

To use biking as a meditation for stress relief, coordinate your breathing with each pedaling stroke. When you breathe in pedal both right and left foot. And the same when you breathe out - pedal both right and left foot.

Or, you may be able to pedal 4 strokes while breathing in, and 4 strokes while breathing out. Use whatever even and regular pattern feels the most comfortable.

The coordinated right and left pedaling combined with the even breathing draws more oxygen into your body than a slower activity, and pushes out more carbon dioxide. It is an aerobic activity and good for health, as such.

To review how to use biking meditation for stress relief: Be sure your bike is in safe condition, take along water for a long ride, wear your safety equipment, ride with a buddy, let an adult know where you are going, and use the coordinated breathing and pedaling described above.

Article by Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.