For those who drive to work, the daily commute is often a tense time of bumper-to-bumper gridlock, erratic and dangerous driving, delays, road closures and construction. And best of all, we get to do it twice a day.
Concerned about wasting time, we often try to catch up on all the “little” things we think we can do while stuck in traffic or at a red light – jotting down to-do lists or reading email. I’d argue that there’s a better use of your daily commute: practicing mindfulness.
Since we commute twice a day, it’s a powerful opportunity to form new habits.
To be clear, I’m not talking about “emptying your mind” or focusing on a single fixed point – both popular meditation techniques – while you drive. I’m talking about mindfulness, which is all about being in the present moment. That, in fact, is the safest way to drive.
Being present matters greatly, quite simply, because life only happens in the present moment. If you are not in the present moment, your mind is in “memory” (the past) or “fantasy” (the future). When you are in “memory” or “fantasy” you are often thinking unconsciously. Unconscious thinking often takes the form of reliving something over and over again – something you regret or some injustice you experienced. It can also be worrying or obsessing about the future, an endless stream of “what ifs.” Either way, unconscious thinking is often negative thinking. And of course, since life exists in the present – and not the future or the past – if you don’t make a habit of living consciously in the present moment, you are missing out on life . your life.
To use your daily driving commute to help you practice conscious thinking and improve your mindfulness, start by getting into the car and acknowledging the intention that you aspire to be mindful during the commute. Take a few deep breaths. Once buckled up, but before you start to drive, become aware of your body. Feel your hands on the steering wheel, the contour of your body on the seat, your foot on the pedal. Make an effort to be aware of the body and feel present. Start to drive and notice that you are “looking” as you drive: through your windshield, into your mirrors. Now become aware that you are “listening.” Notice the sounds you hear.
The idea is that you are continuously aware of three things: your body, what you see and what you hear. This is what it is to be mindfully present as you drive. Do your best to stay present for the entire commute.
If that sounds too simple – like there should be more steps involved, or a framework or checklist – just give it a try. It’s harder than it sounds. It is normal that your mind will wander and that you may be tempted to check your phone, or succumb to some other distraction. When that temptation arises, deliberately pull yourself back.
It takes practice, but as you do this you are training the mind to be present.
From: BRW