A note from Sean
When I teach awareness in daily life, I ask where it is while you drive. Thirty feet ahead? In your hands? Your whole body? Is it full of fear and striving, or is there some gentleness in it?
Try this today. Before you start the engine, feel your hands on the wheel and your back against the seat. Take one slow breath. Then drive as usual, and each time you stop at a red light, feel your hands again.
Keep going: Stuck in Traffic and Operating on Autopilot.
Keep your eyes open and on the road. Never close your eyes while driving. This suits anyone who commutes. If driving makes you anxious, try it parked first and go gently. Stop when you need to.
Here’s a Sample of the “Mindfulness When You Drive” Guided Meditation Script:
Driving with MindfulnessDriving can be a time of stress, autopilot, or downright rage.It’s a prime opportunity to cultivate mindfulness, partly because it’s a natural transition between one part of your day and another.If you’re the one driving, remember that safety is the number one priority! You may try this practice in a parking lot first, in a quiet neighborhood, or in a place where you feel totally comfortable behind the wheel. Mindful driving can also help you be less distracted while driving, making you a better driver.
Start this practice before you actually begin driving. Sitting in your car, feel the points of contact. Tune in to the feet on the pedals, the sensation of sitting in the seat, and the hands on the wheel.As you turn your car on, feel and hear the sensation of the car starting.As you begin moving, pay attention to the experience of driving. You don’t need to do anything special. Just watch your experience with present-time awareness.
