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"Zenned" By a Motorcycle Tale

Posted: Thursday, October 13, 2011

by Rob Neal
The Guiding Institute

Quality of life can mean something different to each person who has ever lived. Yet, we all seek it, wish for it, fantasize about settling into it, and someday just having that a sense of quality will be our primary life experience.

I can't say which book is my all time favorite, as so many are on my list. When I consider, however, which books have impacted me at a deep level throughout my life of sixty years there are just a few that come to mind. Among these, Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance has remained on my list since I first read the book in the late seventies.

Many friends and colleagues of mine have also read this true and profound story of a father and son taking a motorcycle trip with some another couple, and their ensuing exploration of life's meaning, purpose, reason for being, and the story of their evolving relationships. Everyone who reads this book seems to love the story of the journey and their many adventures. Fewer enjoy or have the patience for the many long sections where Pirsig describes his concepts about Quality or "quality of life".

Pirsig loves writing long philosophical musings in this book to inspire the reader to look deeper into the story sections, his take on science, machines, religion, spirituality, humanity, and many other aspects of living. His personal revelations and experiences crystalized over time and in this book, he writes to reveal, inspire, and challenge us to look deeper and with open eyes and mind to what is right in front of us. To let it in without judgement, but with a discerning mind that has a way of making sense of life. This Zen type way can lead to new and deeper understanding of life and a richer way of experiencing what comes our way. Even with motorcycle maintenance, and we should never settle for anything less than a full "quality of life" experience.

Rob Neal lives in Maine, grew up in Atlanta and has published numerous Op-eds and articles on community, social, and business issues. For over thirty five years he has worked as a Psychotherapist, Organizational Development Consultant, Leadership Coach, Fund Raiser, Non-profit leader, and now runs his private practice, The Guiding Institute. He is married with three children (28, 24, 12) and enjoys playing the guitar and piano, exercising in various ways, being part of his small town and Church communities, and is a serious news and political junkie.

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