A driving meditation? Say what? After reading that title, you may be thinking, "Meditating while driving? That's crazy!" You are probably envisioning someone trying to drive a vehicle with their eyes closed, seated in the lotus position, chanting mantras, and forming appropriate mudras with their hands.
That is the typical experience most people associate with the word "meditation." Driving meditation, also called mindful driving, is an entirely different practice. Many types of meditation simply ask you to be mindful of your present experience. This means opening your mind and all your senses to everything going on around you. Doesn't this sound like the perfect recipe for safe driving?
How many hours a day or a week do you spend behind the wheel of your car? Instead of considering the drive as a wasted, stressful time, why not use it as a chance to practice mindfulness? Notice that this "driving meditation" practice is called "mindful driving" and not "road rage," "judgmental driving," or "revenge driving." Being fully aware of everything going on around you while you drive means you'll definitely notice poor driving habits by other drivers.
When you practice mindfulness, whether driving or seated comfortably in your living room, you become aware of your current experience. However, you do not judge the experience. You simply encounter it, allow yourself to experience it, and focus only on being truly in the moment.
If more people practiced mindful driving, the number of traffic accidents and road rage incidents would drop dramatically. It can definitely help lower your stress level if you are heading to a job you hate and can help you de-stress after a challenging day at work. This means less stress and anxiety when you arrive home, which promotes a happier home environment.
There are many reasons to practice mindfulness while driving, such as through a driving meditation. Not only do you become a safer, more aware driver, but your daily commute can also become a stress reliever rather than a source of stress and anxiety.
The next time you drive, practice a driving meditation and be present with everything going on around you. Develop an awareness of your situation without reacting judgmentally. You will find more peace and less stress in your life and may actually enjoy driving.
