“The Zen of Commuting”Natural Health
by Nora Isaacs
On the road of life, philosophers like to say, the journey is more important than the destination. But on the trek of our daily commute, we really do need to get somewhere. And fast. So how can make the process less stressful?
"When we are driving, we tend to think of arriving and we sacrifice the journey for the sake of the arrival," writes Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh. "But life is to be found in the present moment, not the future."
In order to stay present on our daily journey, start with the intention to use the time wisely. Listen to relaxing music, think through an important decision, or simply just "be" by focusing on your hands touching the steering wheel. If you feel your blood pressure and stress levels rising, Hahn suggests using visual cues such as a red stoplight as a reminder to come back to the moment. "We may have thought of it as an enemy, preventing us from achieving our goal," he says. "But now we know the red light is our friend, helping us resist rushing and calling us to return to the present moment where we can meet with life, joy, and peace."
Peace also comes when you shift your thinking. If someone cuts you off, remember they might be en route to the hospital for an emergency. If you sit stewing about the traffic, put it into perspective: "The reality is that you’re in a comfortable seat, you have access to music, you can talk to friends, and you can control your temperature," says Arthur Jeon, a Santa Monica-based yoga teacher and author of City Dharma: Keeping your Cool in the Chaos. "You might as well be in your livingroom." Those who take public transportation can practice the art of surrender, since they can’t control the situation, anyway. "If you can relax and go with the flow, you will suffer much less," says Jeon.
He recommends leaving ample time to get to your destination, find parking, and still have an extra five minutes to relax. Jeon also suggests deep breathing when confronted with an aggressive driver or a narrowly-missed fender bender: Long, slow inhalations and exhalations through your nose slow down the heart rate, stabilize cortisol levels, and ground the body.
And even if you get cut off, cursed at, or confused about directions, acceptance is the final frontier. "It is useless to fight," says Hahn. "If you sit back and smile to yourself, you will enjoy the present moment and make everyone in the car happy."
Make your commute as peaceful as possible by stashing a few items that will make you feel at home.
Soothe your Senses.
Create a sanctuary on wheels by spraying your favorite aromatherapy scent, playing a groovy chanting CD, or hanging some colorful beads on the mirror. A favorite rock, pinecone, or stone on the dashboard reminds you of the natural world.
Feed Your Mind.
Use your commute time to enrich your life rather than deplete it. Rent a book-on-tape from your local library to revisit a classic, invest in an audio series to help you learn a new language, or listen to one of many inspirational teachers give advice on everything from business to relationships to spiritual life.
Protect Your Body.
Just because you are behind the wheel, this doesn’t mean that your health goes out the door, too. Always carry sunblock with SPF 15, chapstick, and wear quality sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Have Time to Spare.
Leave home early enough to reach your workplace, find parking, and still have an extra five minutes to relax and get centered before you hit the desk.
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