To break out of the hamster wheel and develop ourselves through motion, we need a new understanding of cycling.
I have been involved in riding bicycles for the last 12 years, doing it alongside my job and family life, and have completed a range of certificates in the field of cycling coaching. Studying Ken Wilber’s integral theory opened my eyes to the fact that it takes a broader perspective than optimized training plans to unlock the individual and collective potential of cycling. This inspired me to come up with this list of integral cycling.
I hope you can pull some ideas from this for your own cycling experience.
#1: Focus on mindset work
Constantly work on your beliefs to realize the potential of cycling.
We as humans are carried by our own attitude, our thoughts and feelings, our senses and all perceptions of our body. Develop useful habits that activate your mindset. There are even great AI-based tools now that support you on your mental journey.
#2: Follow a lean training approach
Switch from training plans to working on continuous improvement in flow.
Integral theory teaches us to look critically at our own behavior, which manifests itself in our training habits, for example. Plans that do not take a holistic view of the human being may work in the short term. For sustainable training, though, you may look at Kaizen and lean principles: This philosophy implies that small, incremental changes routinely applied and sustained over a long period result in significant improvements.
#3: Search a team experience
Rather than a 1:1 coaching, look for an inclusive cohort training experience.
According to Ken Wilber, people thrive in collectives. We need personal exchange that encourages us to realize our individual goals. Who better to do that than like-minded people who are in the same situation as you? Join a training cohort (yes, it works online) and use the power of peer coaching in sports.
#4: Strive for impact
Recognize the far-reaching impact of bicycling on solving current problems in society.
Take a bird’s perspective to see what happens when more and more people jump on a bike: It’s about health, freedom and connection to nature. It helps us to stay in balance as a society. Start to see cycling as a wider movement that is happening NOW. And define the impact that you want to make as a person.
Try it out yourself and let me know via Twitter or Instagram if you’re interested in joining the next Integral Cycling cohort!
