Are Harley Bikers Spiritual?

I had an interesting experience today that I wanted to share with you. As a motorcyclist passed by me, I felt respect for the perfection he strives for in himself.  Instantly, a wave of energy flood through my body and I began to cry, aware of a deep compassion that had just hit me.  I knew my weekend events held great significance, yet it wasn’t until that moment that all the pieces fit together for me.

I love exploring culture, moving beyond my comfort zone to see different perspectives in life.  I practice releasing my judgments and fears to be present so new wisdom can be learned.  This weekend I had the opportunity to participate in what many people would believe were opposing cultures.

Friday night I celebrated Krishna’s Birthday with an Indian Puja.  We dressed in white for purity to honor our guru Amma. We sang Hindu prayers called Bhajans, threw rose petals and meditated to connect with Spirit for several hours.

Sliding into my jeans, removing my mala beads I was handed a jello shot as I arrived at a gathering of Harley Bikers and Vets on the Indian Reservation later that night.  Excited to see my friend Kimko, I was surprised with the unexpected fears of gang rape, drugs, and violence that filled my mind as I approached the campground.

What I experienced from this point on changed the way I relate to men. Dimly lit, the field was covered with hundreds of tents placed inches from each other. Groups of men wearing black leather jackets covered with their clubs patches gathered together drinking beer and shaking hands. What could have been intimidating quickly turned to kindness as I was taken care of with food, laughter and welcomed into their family.

Honor, Respect and Brotherhood were core values demonstrated from these men at a level I have never seen before.  As the Bikers, Veterans, Soldiers and Native Indians gathered in ceremony, they spoke of Spirit, supporting each other and respecting the land.  They honored the POW’s, released ashes of a man who had died so they could be together each year and were proud to defend those in need.  Wanting to understand more, I ask many questions. When I went too far, they had compassion, gently teaching me how to respect their traditions and behave appropriately.

Releasing my fears, I climbed on the back of Kimko’s Harley and went for a long ride up the mountains.  Photographers shot pictures as the speed bikers skimmed the curves, but Kimko was cautious, fearful they could crash in front of us.  Our safety was most important to him, protecting us from danger.  The next few hours I witnessed great diversity.  I saw fear, judgment and separation shown by society that disappointed me as we stopped at restaurants.  Then I was amazed with the unspoken honor of the brotherhood, as every biker passed waving at us and warning of us of danger.

As a convoy of soldiers drove by on my way home, I found myself looking at each one, respecting and appreciating that they were protecting me.  Before this weekend, I had just seen soldiers, but had never related to them from this perspective.  As the motorcyclist passed I felt respect, which flooded my heart with compassion.  I understood unconditional love at a deep level, and suddenly felt the separation I had lived with by relating from this superficial place.

I challenge you to reach beyond your boundaries. Submerge yourself into the unknown. Release your fears and judgments so you can truly understand.  Let compassion flood your heart as you realize all you have been missing.