“Long
conversations
beside blooming irises –
joys of life on the road”
joys of life on the road”
- Matsuo Basho
You're running late for work and someone cuts you off going 5 mph
under the speed limit. You want to scream at them, rip your hair out,
maybe even rear end them. But stop, take a moment, and reflect on the
zen of driving. Life is about movement, whether inside a car or out,
and sometimes it's all about what we do while moving, and not the
speed or destination, that matters the most.
Take a deep breath, and let the world move around you. Trying to push
something as big as the earth towards your end is a tiring endeavor.
Relax.
Don't turn into this angry driver:
Here
are some tips on chilling out, enjoying the ride, and avoiding temper
tantrums while on the road:
Take
it Easy
Just think of the Eagles' song and “...don't let the sound of your
own wheels drive you crazy.” (But listen to this song enough, and
you're bound to go a little nuts.) Instead focus on the meaning
behind the lyrics. Sometimes the sound of driving can be monotonous.
Likewise, listening to repetitive music will also stress you out
subconsciously. Try to vary it on long car rides. Sometimes switching
the radio off will give you time to think, focus, and calm down. When
that gets old, switch the music back on again. Think of your life in
movement, your surroundings and motivations constantly changing, the
need to wake up and fall asleep everyday – let this rhythm guide
your radio choices.
Talk
to Other Drivers (or Yourself)
Ok, this sounds a little schizophrenic, but talking releases stress
much in the same way that listening to music does. When a fellow
driver does something you don't like, try talking to them as if they
are your friend. Instead of shouting and cursing, this form of
empathy through conversation (although one-sided and a little insane)
is a great way to put yourself behind their wheel and see the road as
one big driving community instead of a rat race. We all share the
road equally, and we rely on each other for safety, much like the way
we live life. No driver's an island. You will find empathy is a great
way to siphon stress out of your life, even if no one hears it. Think
of it like chanting a mantra.
Enjoy
the Scenery
But not too much. Keep your eyes on the road there, buddy. Still,
you're out on a trip, no matter how short or long, so you might as
well breath in the fresh air. Even if it's a route you've driven a
hundred times, there are still new things to be discovered, and new
reflections to unearth. There is a reason poets call the natural
world the root of all inspiration, so be inspired. Driving is a great
way to see nature, and the variation of light as you hasten down the
freeway might just make an artist out of you. Moderately enjoying
your surroundings will take away the monotony of the road, prevent
tunnel vision, and make you a safer driver in general. It will also
calm you for the journeys ahead.
