For the last few days, I’ve been experimenting with a new way of driving. Using driving as a time to meditate, and be aware, present, and mindful.
My usual approach was to try to get to my destination as soon as possible. Getting to the destination was often a much higher priority than being present and mindful. My mind was saying, “Hey, it’s no big deal. You can always be present later,” and my mind has been winning 🙂
The result was that I’d be in a state of hurry and anxiety. I’d be rushing to get somewhere, even when I had no deadline, and no commitment.
My attempt at presence begins with a decision. I’m in no hurry. Being present is primary. Everything else is secondary. So when I get into my car, I sit for about a minute being present and aware of my breath. That seems to set the tone for the rest of the drive.
I tend to listen to music while I’m driving, especially if I’m alone, but now I avoid listening to music, because it seems to distract me and pull me out of presence.
Driving is demanding in that it demands attention towards many things. Signals, traffic, potholes in the road, the steering wheel, the gear stick, the brake, clutch pedal, and the accelerator. The guy trying to run across the street. The biker cutting into my lane. Changing lanes.
Luckily my autonomous system takes care of a lot of those things. My job then is to be aware, without a specific focus. Aware of the next thing that occupies the center of attention. It’s an interesting experience.
The other interesting thing is that all stops become an opportunity to be deeply aware of my breath or my body. What was an irritant earlier, is a welcome addition. I look forward to signals and delays.
Whenever I’m driving with awareness, I don’t mind when I reach my destination, if I’m not late. If I’m getting late, I can see that my mind is trying to push for a rush. My job then is to bring awareness to that effort, and remind myself that being present is primary.
The journey is the destination.
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