Hey there,
Road warriors.
Before we get started,
I have a quick safety disclaimer.
Please drive safely and keep your attention focused on the road.
Do not get so deeply immersed in this meditation that you become distracted.
This is simply a practice to put on in the background of a mundane,
Daily activity to bring you more mindfulness in your life.
So,
With that,
Welcome to your car meditation,
Where we find inner peace between stoplights and try not to yell at other drivers.
Start by acknowledging your space.
Again,
Keeping your attention on the road being safe.
Feel the weight of your body in your driver's seat.
Yes,
The one that has probably seen better days and probably has a weird stain that you'd rather not talk about.
This is your temporary car meditation.
This is your temporary sanctuary on wheels.
Take a deep breath and let the scent of car air freshener wash over you.
It's just like a spa,
But with more cup holders.
Feel the steering wheel in your hands,
Placing your hands at 10 and 2,
Or wherever they've landed,
As long as you're safe.
Feel the steering wheel.
It's your connection to the car like a ship's captain at the helm.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
Feel the steering wheel.
As you inch your way forward,
Picture now the road ahead,
And not just the actual road littered with potholes and questionable driving decisions,
But a peaceful road.
Maybe it's along a scenic countryside or some magical highway where traffic jams don't exist.
Next,
We're going to find you your mantra.
If you can,
You can create a positive affirmation,
Something like,
I am calm.
I'm collected.
I am not bothered by the guy who just cut me off.
But if positivity is a little bit out of reach,
Just find something neutral.
A true statement.
The objective here is to find a mantra that you can get behind.
So it might be something like,
I am on my way.
I am making progress.
I will get there when I get there.
I am here.
I am here now.
And you might even just make neutral observations like my hands are on the steering wheel or I am driving my car safely.
Again,
The idea is to find something that does not set off your BS detector.
And you can change mantras.
You can let it evolve.
But just for now,
Pick one that is with you,
One that resonates well enough for this moment and repeat this mantra softly to yourself.
Let its soothing power wash over you like the wipers on your windshield battling an unexpected downpour.
And every time you put on your brakes or you stop at a red light,
Think of it as a chance to pause and reflect.
Not as a frustrating barrier to where you need to be.
Just watch the red light.
How it's red.
So very red.
Now we'll practice gratitude for the little things.
Find something in your car or in your immediate surroundings to be grateful for.
Maybe it's the working air conditioner,
The radio,
Or the fact that your seatbelt doesn't do that weird twisty thing anymore.
With every stop,
Begin to consciously relax a part of your body.
Again,
Not too much.
You want to stay alert and stay safe.
But notice where you're housing excess effort.
It might be hiding in your jaw or your shoulders or your eyebrows.
Notice if you're gripping tightly onto the steering wheel and invite a comfortably soft but firm grip.
So think gentle but firm.
And as you stop,
As you exhale,
Let the tension melt away.
Just like your resolve to not eat fast food this week.
Let's make some mindful observations now.
Take a moment to observe your surroundings.
Notice the sky,
The buildings,
The other cars.
Observe without judgment.
Each one has a story,
A person trying to get somewhere,
Probably just as frustrated as you.
As your meditation comes to a close and your destination nears,
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Just recognize that you're not alone.
Recognize you're so much closer than when you were at the start of this practice.
Take one more full breath and give yourself some credit.
You've made it through at least this part of your commute without turning into a road rage monster,
And that's a victory.
Riding the waves,
The inhales and exhales of your breath,
I wish you a peaceful and safe arrival at your destination.
And I thank you for spending this time with me.
