I found a wonderful, new physical therapist miles and miles from my office, so I now have a “mini-trip” to make once or twice a week. Part of the journey traverses one of St. Louis’ most densely travelled highway sections, with (seemingly) bazillions of drivers careening off and on the exit ramps at high speeds. And, over half of them are yakking on cell phones. Not a good combination in my safety book! However, since I have NO control over the way others drive or sort-of drive while they are doing many other things, my focus is on closing the gap between potential danger and manifesting safety on the roads. You might wish to join me in doing this, too. How?
(1) We can get into a mental framework of “mindfulness” before cranking up the engine. On my Thursday trip south, I concentrated on being fully present, driving at a safe and comfortable speed for me, and focusing on being an excellent driver—offensively and defensively. Interestingly, keeping my focus on driving very well kept me in a “zone” of comfort and peace during stretches of road that usually rack my nerves. This time there was no need to drive defensively. Thankfully. I set my intention to do the same on the way home, and that, too, was pleasant. On the way back, I listened to Alan Seale’s CD, ”Dance of the Soul,” and felt blessed by what I heard. When traffic got thick, I turned it off and paid attention even more.
(2) Research continually shows that cell phone drivers have 400% more chance of having a serious accident than car drivers. That’s pretty high. So we have probably half of the drivers on the road being 400% more dangerous, deluding themselves that they are “just fine,” with, hopefully, the other half paying close attention. Until traffic laws disallow this practice of mindless driving, my intention is to be 400% more careful when I spot a “talker” who is not focused in present time on their driving.
To close the gap between anxious (or dangerous) driving and peaceful (and safe) driving, it will behoove us to begin any journey with a commitment to mindfulness: “I will blink my eyes and stay focused in/on the moment.” In doing so, I will likely see more things, notice and observe that which may have otherwise passed me by.
Going somewhere occupies several moments/hours of our lives. Why miss out? I’d rather be in the moment as fully as possible, practicing mindfulness and enlarging my awareness of my life this moment/hour. Wouldn’t you rather truly be in your life? The only way to really, really do that is to be here, now, in present time.
The other thing is that driving 400% more safely will enhance your/my driving, empower us as contributing members of the world, and possibly balance out dangerous driving. Also, when our focus is on driving excellently, little attention is available to be annoyed at other drivers if they are thoughtless or dangerous. In my book, this is one way to close a gap created by those who think multi-tasking is a perrogative of licensed drivers. That, in a word, is delusional. We are truly not entitled to put others at risk. And spiritually, we are not really entitled to put our own precious selves at risk either.
Become mindful, enjoy the drive, and close the gap between danger and safety on the road. Pull over before calling someone so you can be fully present with them when you talk. Calls can wait…safety can’t. This is my intention, every time I get near a vehicle…to be a very mindful, safe driver. Please join me in setting this conscious, mindful intention. You’ll come to love it!
