Driving in My Car Car

Lately while driving I have noticed how often my mind wanders. I am easily distracted and certainly not paying attention to the drive. There are blocks of time where I am not aware of my surroundings. I don't need a cell phone in my hand to be distracted! My mind is its own distraction. I wonder how many other drivers on the road navigate without being mindful of what they are doing and where they are going? Auto pilot has kicked in! This is where things could get ugly!

Becoming more aware of my lack of focus while driving has proved interesting. Trying to become more aware and mindful while driving is proving to be a challenge for me. I start off great and before I realise my mind has gone off on its own little journey, completely separate from the task at hand. Driving a familiar route (back and forth to work) is especially challenging. I find that I have to create a dialogue with myself about my surroundings, my vehicle and my driving to help stay mindful. With practise I hope to build a habit of being more aware and able to stay present in the moment.

Too many things in life become automatic. Makes you wonder what you may be missing along the way. How can we truly enjoy life if we are on auto pilot for a large portion of it. Mediocrity is like being on auto pilot. Most of the key ingredients to actually living life are missing. Mindfulness, awareness, appreciation and being fully present in each and every moment. Without these ingredients life slips you by without even noticing. You've gone from point A to point B with little recollection of the journey in between.

Michele Ward