Meditation Amidst The Honking March 10, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Humor, Meditation, Mindfulness.trackback
By Amy N. Brueggemann, Guest Blogger
I love rush hour traffic.
Yes, you heard me. I am very limited to time that is mine, and mine alone. I spend most of the day surrounded by people who I’m not incredibly fond of, in places that I can’t really stand.
And then I get in my car and I head to my next destination. Which is typically a classroom full of more people.
But between one destination and the next, I’ve usually got about 30-60 minutes of down time. Alone in my car. It never really dawned on me how much time I spend in my car a day. It used to be wasted as a stress point, always hurrying and freaking out about being on time. And weathering St. Louis traffic can at times be incredibly hurtful. Yes, I said hurtful.
People around here are mean when they drive (I sound like a sheltered child when I say that, but this morning I was admonished with several curses, the finger, and a generous amount of honking for going the speed limit). I’m not a bad driver, I just refuse to act like I’m more important than everyone else when I’m behind the wheel. It’s not a race, and to be completely honest, I’m in no particular hurry to get to work 15 minutes early.
Because then I’m at work. And I have to work. And spend time with my co-workers.
So, I take my time, and I listen to my music, and I drink whatever kind of gourmet coffee I picked out that morning. And I smile at people who honk at me, and wave to those giving the bird. And I think about what the hell I’m going to post for today’s PTD (I’m failing miserably guys…sorry), and I pray that I get through the day in one piece and am not too tired by the end of it to enjoy home…when I eventually make it there.
So, yes, I love rush hour traffic. It’s a great place to contemplate.
And, may I suggest checking out The Supreme Bean Coffee Co. ? They have an amazing French Roast.
Yum.
Amy lives in St. Louis where she writes part-time, goes to school full-time, plays with clay periodically, and holds down several jobs . . . all without spilling a drop of coffee during her rush hour commute.
Spirit Lights The Way 
Loved this.
Some years ago I realized that with my recorded books, I also no longer minded being held up in traffic. The world was always mine, no matter what.
Recently I’ve discoverd the joy of NOT listening to music or books while I drive. I was amazed to find I have thoughts!
Now, even if I forget my recorded book, my drive time is never wasted.
I love Amy’s writing, in general, and this post in particular . . .
Such a wonderful reminder to “go placidly amidst the noise and haste” and honking of rush hour traffic. ; )
NICE post! It’s just another way of saying “stop and smell the roses.” And I’ve never minded rush hour except when I was working and I wanted to get home, but now I don’t mind it at all. It’s just another place to be thinking about plot lines and character development.
Daniel likes this part of his journey as well. He says that it helps him calm down from the day at work.
I get mine when I walk back from dropping the kids off at school or walking down to pick them up. Even in the rain.
Nice piece Amy!
Last year I wrote “drove my way” through ten sets of song lyrics while others were stressing their way to their jobs… It’s all a matter of not minding the matter…