Through Student’s Eyes: Embodied in Place

Nina Pasma – New Hope Community Bikes 

My placement this year at New Hope Community Bikes has shown me what it looks like when values are put into practice in tangible, physical ways. This has been true both through my own actions, and the example of others. My job here has been pretty straightforward; work with bikes. Arriving at New Hope, I did not have prior experience with bikes, and the staff took the time to educate me on the various skills required to be useful there. As a result, I have repaired bikes, taken apart bikes, and tuned up bikes. I have learned about the different tools required to complete the job well, and I have learned bicycle-specific language as well. Now I know what a “derailleur” is! I was even able to transfer this tangible skill to repair my own bike. 

I’ve learned that getting my hands dirty and getting my body moving is so important for my whole being to be well.

It has been a wonderful experience to work with my hands through all of this and see tangible evidence of my labour. I’ve experienced some of what it means to physically live out meaningful work. Not only that, but I’ve been noticing the community that makes up New Hope. The staff know the names of their customers and make a conscious effort to make these people feel welcome not only in the front of the store, but also in the shop. This open attitude has encouraged me even more to know people and their stories. 

The mission at New Hope Community Bikes is this:
“New Hope Community Bikes is a learning hub for building and repairing bikes, offering safe cycling education, providing access to affordable transportation, and fostering a rich and inclusive cycling community.”

Basically, they want to build a community around bikes. I can see so clearly how they actively do this, through their choices, their words, and how they interact with each and every one of the people who come through the door. Every person who enters the shop is treated like they belong. Whether it be customer, friend, employee or volunteer, all are welcome.

The openness of the storefront, and the welcoming environment of the workshop are embodied through practical, hands-on work and relationship-building. It builds community. I look forward to seeing the ways in which I can bring this spirit of welcoming and community into my own life.

Not only this, but they really make it practical. They teach kids to ride bikes safely, teach people how to repair their own bikes and organize group rides so that people can do together. You can really see how they make an effort to build community through physical activity as well as through conversation and interaction. The openness of the storefront, and the welcoming environment of the workshop are embodied through practical, hands-on work and relationship-building. It builds community. I look forward to seeing the ways in which I can bring this spirit of welcoming and community into my own life.

This really seems to connect to some of the things that Act Five has taught me. One of the things that I’ve learned during my time at Act Five is just how much the physical can affect the mental and the spiritual as well. For example, we have time in our schedule set aside specifically to care for our bodies (literally called “body care”). I’ve learned that getting my hands dirty and getting my body moving is so important for my whole being to be well. Whether I’m going for a bike ride, digging in the garden, doing a workout, or fixing something with my hands, these physical activities have helped me notice and understand how I’m doing—spiritually, mentally and emotionally. This knowledge is something that I hope to carry with me into the future.