A good practice in life is to be mindfulness and present in the events of your day. This is definitely a learned skill as our minds tend to wonder or get ahead of us, turning to thoughts of planning tomorrow’s day, going over to-do lists and that sort of thing. Meditation is one way of training our brains to focus and quiet the voices and thoughts that pop in. Although mediation is not practical while driving, there are some ways to apply mindful skills to your commute.
Applying mindful techniques to driving will make you a safer driver, less tempted to multi-task or be distracted. For example, have you ever driven your daily commute, reached your destination and then thought, “I don’t even recall what that billboard said”, or “did I pass the coffee shop already?’.
Practicing mindful techniques on your drive can also help you begin your day refreshed, relaxed and centered, ready for the work day. Here are some mindful tips and techniques:
Mindful Driving Practice
- Get in your car, but before you put your key to the ignition, sit for one full minute with your eyes closed. Tune into your breath and your internal space, noticing how you feel and setting the intention for a mindful car ride.
- Start your car, turn off your music, silence your phone, and ease into a state of complete attentiveness.
- Keep your focus on the road and observe the sounds you hear as you drive, the people, buildings, and landscapes you pass … notice the wind on your face if your window is down, the temperature, the whole experience of driving. Even if you’ve taken that route 100 times before, I bet you’ll notice something new when you set the intention of driving mindfully.
- Each time you notice that your attention has shifted away from driving to other thoughts or sensations, gently bring it back to the car, and continue to observe, listen, and feel as you drive.
- Become aware of any emotions or urges that surface as you drive—notice how you respond to that someone who cut you off; notice if you find yourself speeding up at a yellow light; notice if you want to reach for your phone at a red light. Try to remain in observation mode and resist any temptation to act. Just focus on the experience of driving.
- Notice if you are speeding, and ask yourself “why am I in a hurry?” It’s always best to leave yourself a few extra minutes to get to your destination so you don’t feel the need to speed. Slow down.
- When you arrive, turn your car off and take another minute of silence before dashing off into your day.
Source: Adapted from the book, The Type A’s Guide to Mindfulness: Meditation for Busy Minds and Busy People by Melissa Eisler