I see it like this. If we follow the instructions for meditation, the way to hold your mind is with 25% mindfulness, 25% awareness and 50% abiding spaciously or simply remaining. How does this translate to driving?
What I try to do is focus 25% of my mind on my driving, that’s the mindfulness. So I stay mindful of my hands on the wheel, the road ahead, where I’m going, the other cars and so on. Then another 25% makes sure that I stay focused there. If I find that my attention has wandered, this part of my mind noticed and brings my attention back to my driving. The other 50% is relaxed and free to enjoy the music without allowing it to take me away from what I’m doing.
When I do this, driving becomes a meditation and I find there are some major benefits.
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The spaciousness gives me a panoramic awareness of where I am and what’s going on, so I am much more likely to see that car coming my way that’s wandering across the centre line. I’m less likely to get lost if I’m going somewhere new and I’m less likely to panic if I do get lost. I notice the landscape without it distracting me.
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Other drivers, slow traffic or traffic jams are less likely to irritate me. In fact, if I’m really doing this, they simply don’t irritate me.
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I enjoy driving.
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I arrive relaxed, not stressed.
What do you do with your mind when you drive? Have you ever tried a form of driving meditation? If so, how do you approach it?
Comments
A great post on how we can integrate our practice into our daily activities. And, it's amazing how many times I find both really needing to practice while driving, as well as really glad that I did!
The old Zen phrase, "Chop wood, carry water," modified for modernity, "Drive car, brush teeth!"
Instead of driving ourselves to distraction, we can drive ourselves to enlightenment!
Take care.
Jerome Stone
I have been looking at this, and I have realized again ( have had the experience ) this is a good opportunity, practice in different ways while driving.
Some time ago I tried this , I set myself different things , to notice the green vegetation, other times , to notice persons.
Of course listen to teachings while
driving , doing mantra, or breathing.
One gets so ( ???? !!!!! ****@@@ ///// ) sometimes, that to set this discipline could at least make sure there is some time assigned to practice ! It makes a difference .
best wishes,
Enrique
when I am driving, to avoid a lapse in concentration, I drink a few glasses of water, so I am so consumed by the pain of needed to pass urine, I can't but help focus on driving.
That is all
- just trying to be mindful
- reciting loving kindness phrases for everyone I meet on my road, this give me big joy and peace, preparing me to my job
- imagining to go toward the refuge
- listening and hearing teachings of Rinpoche
- reciting the Vajra Guru mantra.
- calling the Lama
All the day become enlightened.
love, maria b.
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