🛕 Cloudy Yesterday, Sunny Today: A Ride Toward Release

“Even in full sun, quiet truths can still shine.”

 🗺️ Intention Taped to My Tank

I set out this morning with a route taped to my gas tank and a quiet intention tucked in my heart. The destination: the Hindu Temple of Florida. (short video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKRMxifpHSE). Not my faith, but a space I hoped would hold my reverence. I wasn’t sure what I’d find—or what I’d feel—but I knew I needed movement, meaning, and maybe a little mercy.

🦕 Detours, Dinosaurs, and Daylight Moons

The ride didn’t go exactly as planned. I missed a few turns, took the long way around, and passed a dinosaur outside MOSI. It made me laugh—symbolic of me, the almost-extinct HRIS analyst, still rumbling down the road on a hot pink, purple, and teal bike. Not extinct yet.

The moon was visible in the daylight. That lifted me. A reminder that even in full sun, quiet truths can still shine.

🛕 Entering Sacred Space

When I arrived at the temple, the morning ceremony was over. That felt like grace. Had it been in progress, I might’ve chickened out. I shed my jacket, vest, and doo rag, wrapped my head and shoulders in a shawl and scarf, and stepped inside. I felt awkward. Like an imposter. But I was also barefoot—and that felt grounding and like home. I used to go barefoot all the time as a kid in New York state. Florida’s fire ants and sand spurs stole that joy, but today I reclaimed it for a moment.

🐘 Ritual, Reverence, and Release

I walked the temple clockwise, careful not to point my feet toward any deity. I left a folded $10 bill at the feet of the elephant god—Ganesha, remover of obstacles. Right hand only. I didn’t bring fruit or flowers, but I brought intention. I whispered the ritual I’d prepared at my bike. Inside, I couldn’t remember the words, but I remembered the feeling. That was enough.

Emotion crept in. I’ve been carrying a lot—disappointment, grief, the slow erosion of workplace dignity. I held back sobs, let a few tears slip down my cheeks, and descended the temple stairs with quiet resolve. On the bench, pulling on my boots, I heard the words in my head: Release it now. It’s going to be OK. You always land on your feet.

Ganesha is the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles, often worshipped at the beginning of new ventures. His form is a result of a myth where the god Shiva beheaded him and replaced his head with that of an elephant, and he is the son of Shiva and the goddess Parvati. Ganesha is revered for his intellect and is associated with writing, arts, and success, symbolized by items he holds like an axe (to cut attachments) and a sweet (reward for discipline).  

🐘 A Note on Ganesha

I didn’t know who Ganesha was when I placed my offering. I simply felt drawn to the elephant figure and left my intention there. Later, I learned that Ganesha is the Hindu god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles—often honored at the beginning of new ventures. He is also the patron of writers and artists, holding an axe to cut attachments and a sweet to reward discipline.

How fitting. I didn’t need to know. I just needed to show up. And somehow, the right deity received me.

🎶 Skipper’s Smokehouse and Missed Moments

I rode in silence to Skipper’s Smokehouse. The chanting still echoed in my ears—soothing, like the meditation tracks I play when I need to come back to myself.

At Skipper’s, I missed a moment. The waitress complimented my boots, and I admired her teal-and-purple braid. I should’ve invited her to see my bike. It matched her hair. A photo would’ve been perfect. But I rode away before the thought landed. Maybe next time.

Lunch was short but sweet. I caught a glimpse of “Nancy’s birthday party” (no I don’t know Nancy)—but she was twerking with joy, the center of attention, and it made me smile. The crowd was a mix of hippie, goth, and everything in between. I felt like a visitor in every sense, but not unwelcome.

♿ Boundaries and Trusting the Moment

On my way in, a man asked for help with his wheelchair. I had to say no. My back, my wrist—I couldn’t risk it. I felt bad, but two women stepped in. I trusted the moment to unfold without me.

🏍️ The Ride Was Enough

The bike was enough and a few times I caught the hint of a smile. The sky was clear. Yesterday was cloudy. Today was sunny. And so was I.

🌿 Closing Reflection

Today wasn’t about arriving. It was about releasing. About showing up barefoot in a space that didn’t require credentials—only sincerity. About letting the road reroute me, the moon remind me, and the chanting soothe what words couldn’t.

I didn’t need a ceremony. I needed a moment. And I found it.

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📸 Author’s Note on Images

The temple photos included here were sourced from publicly available images online. I did not take any pictures during my visit to the Hindu Temple of Florida. Even in areas where photography was permitted, it felt inappropriate to do so. This temple is not a tourist attraction—it is a sacred space. I chose to be fully present, to observe with reverence, and to honor the quiet sanctity of the moment.