The Heartful Sunrise

​The feeling of satisfaction as you plot your heart on a map, set off on your bike and ride for the sheer joy of riding, is priceless. 

Your mind only focused on the heart map before you and the next road you need to take. 

As your eyes dance around a route which you’ve created, 
you begin to notice your surroundings with more intensity, more wonder. 

You spot a tree you never appreciated before, 
the looks on people’s faces as you roll on past. 
The surrounding birdsongs appears to grow in volume. 

Thoughts of what you need to do tomorrow somehow get put on hold, regrets about past failures fade out, your inner critic takes a nap as you cycle your heart out heartfully, appreciating the whole journey, from beginning to end

I've been wanting to create a new heart-route in Barcelona since 2013. At the end of October, my heart finally spoke, ​Cycle your heart out... and share 1 minute!

Watch the video and read the full story below.

The World's Biggest Eye Contact Experiment took place on Saturday 29th October around the world, a beautiful annual event run by The Liberators & Good Vibrations Barcelona. The idea is simple, share 1 minutes eye contact with a total stranger to help regain human connection.

Do you ever notice how little we sometimes look into people's eyes? All our information seems to be at our fingertips. But can our smartphones smile back at us, or hold a gaze enough to lift our mood?

I grew up extremely shy, always avoiding eye contact... which is why I went last year to the event. I was a bit nervous at having to stare into a stranger's eyes for 1 whole minute, but the more I did it, the more my confidence increased, convincing me to return again this year.

​The event was back again in Gracia, one of my favorite neighbourhoods in Barcelona, the perfect place to cycle my heart out through!

I really love this new route, you get to cycle past all the hot spots of Barcelona, while still making use of the wide bicycle paths. Highlights include Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Gracia, Placa Del Sol (where the event was) and the Sagrada Família. If you love the beach you can view my 1st Barcelona heart-route which I created back in 2013. This route was slightly larger in size and took full advantage of the beach path, click here to view the map and video.

Food:
I love eating in Gracia, one of my favourite spots to eat is Sol Soler in Placa del sol, the same place the Eye experiment was in. I love their Patata Bravas and being able to sit and relax on the terrace.

Best lookout spot:
I discovered this rooftop at Royal Hotel with a friend last winter and instantly fell in love with its views. It's the perfect spot to sketch as the heaters keep you nice and warm, while the views of the sea keep you in a state of pure Barcelona bliss.

Cycling your heart out for something close to you can spread the love, & create a ripple effect of heart- routes all over the world. Last year I made this 5 step video guide, I hope it helps you on your journey!

I hope that Route 19 inspires you to create your own heart-shaped route, and spread the love around the world.

​Remember, "Your wheels are your paint, and the world is your canvas"

Cycle your hearts out and I'll speak to you soon,

Sarah x

Flourish! This word sits strongly in my heart, only we have the power to control our own happiness.
A few months ago over coffee with a friend, I discovered a fantastic UK Wellbeing Organisation called ‘Action for Happiness’. With the inspiring Dalai Lama  as their patron, Action for Happiness is a beautiful movement promoting positive social change, bringing together people who want to play a part in creating greater happiness. Check out their website to find out more & have fun reading their 10 keys to happiness poster.
​
Madrid has been on my list of places to cycle in for ages, so I was happy to finally get the chance to visit! It's a beautiful city, with huge peaceful parks, great cycle paths & full of friendly people.

Check out my video to join me on my Madrid heart route!