Buddha...put on your seatbelt please. Thank-you.

Vastmind

Driving Mantra

"This car is my legs. It goes where I choose. When I drive with awareness, everyone lives in safety."
--201 Little Buddhist Reminders

According to alot of people road rage is still a problem. I rarely ride with other people now, because when their anger kicks in...well...my inner Buddha does not feel warm and fuzzy. The negativity and sometimes even danger it creates is a monster that I must avoid.
When people ride with me, they ask me how I stay so calm and patient with other drivers.
They ask...but they never want to listen to how I do it. They dont want to be converted to Buddhism, you know.

I have the usual visual aids. Smiley sticker on my rearview mirror. Mantra taped over that RPM thing. A fat "buddha" pic. Prayer beads around the gear shift.
Upon entering the streets I remind myself....ahead of time.... that if another other person is not paying attention...they must be suffering. I must be compassionate. I must be slow. Slow and calm is healthy for my nature.

What are your tricks for mindfull driving?

ThailandTom

I walk or use public transport.

Vastmind

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ThailandTom

I have lavender inside my pillow, it is wonderful. I think it would work well for your situation in the car. Unless that is you get sleepy... Then that could be very unskilful lol.

I love public transport because it is cheaper, or get to just sit back and enjoy th view, you meet new people (when I am not anxious that is), and it is great for the environment.

Raven

Even when walking (which I love) one must still be mindful. As a pedestrian, it's easy to get angry at crazy drivers who ignore roadsigns or speed, or splash you on a rainy, cold day.

ThailandTom

Yesterday I tried walking meditation towards my lesson, I then realized that I nearly got ran over lol. But being mindful is a different matter I guess.

lamaramadingdong

I have found that since I began practicing I am much less self-centered while driving. I don't take things personally, but rather acknowledge that people just made a mistake. I also find that I am much more likely to drive while keeping others in mind- get in the left lane to allow someone to merge, etc.

aura

Offer metta and bless all crazy/dangerous/bizarre drivers...
for their pants are on fire.

mithril

Well when i was learning to drive we had a booklet about rules and such that also had something along the lines "The goal of driving is not simply to reach your destination safely yourself but help out others that may have made mistakes and with experience even know to expect mistakes others make that may otherwise be overlooked".

So with my big ego i feel like i'm saving the world when i'm driving. Its like, what situations on the road will develop today that i may help resolve? I'm so proud when i can let someone in my line that gets pushed out by other drivers

federica

My driving instructor once gave me what I consider to be very wise advice.

"Say you want to execute a manoeuvre. Well, if your executing a manoeuvre means that another road-user - or even a pedestrian - has to alter, change, take evasive action or even or stop what they're doing, to accommodate you - then do not execute the manoeuvre. The only bit of road you have a right to, is the bit you're on."