We are on our way to see some of Nature’s Cathedrals, driving long hours and enjoying seeing new scenery along the way. Driving is something most all of us do: while commuting to work, running errands, taking trips or doing it for a living.
Our modern way of living means that many of us spend hours a day behind the wheel. Now, for some driving comes naturally, while others feel anxious. Is there something our spiritual practice can add to our comfort and efficiency while driving for both the natural and the nervous?
The answer is yes, and breathing is the first place to start. The importance of breath was discovered by yogis thousands of years ago, and whether it was shared knowledge or it was something found independently ancient Judaism also recognized the essential nature of the breath–often referring to it as “the wind” in the scriptures.
Breath is king, and when the air we breathe and the life-force are properly understood it controls the body, mind, spirit connection. When driving it is essential to breathe to the stomach, making the diaphragm work up and down–the stomach cavity rising and falling with each breath. In your mind’s eye see the life-energy around your neck and shoulders “breathing” with you, expanding and contracting with each breath. This will relax your body: shoulders and neck relaxed, jaw and arms releasing tension–keeping you relaxed and alert. It is amazing how much energy we burn up with tension in the muscles because the mind and breath are tightened.
Along with breathing use keep your attention at the ajna and mentally repeat Hong-Sau or Ram Nam. As long as you are comfortable with driving and keeping a part of your mind on God through mantra it will attune body, mind and spirit into one, homogeneous being. I very rarely listen to the radio, music or even talk when driving. I am very entertained hours-long by God. Mile by mile goes by as I feel the Aum/Amen power at the back of my head and vehicle, and experience His thoughts flowing through my mind. I do not have bumper stickers, but if I did it would read, “Powered by Aum!”
Master’s twenty point recharging exercise is wonderful for relaxing and recharging your body on long trips. Simply tensing and releasing each muscle group and feeling the life-energy flowing is both soothing and awakening to your whole body while driving long stretches of straight road.
Also using the palms of your hands can help sooth and re-energize your eyes. If comfortable for you to do, rub your hands together to charge them with life-energy (otherwise just put your palm to the eye). Then, using one hand at a time, hold it up to your eye and cover it with the palm of your hand. This will feel warm to your eye and will rest and recharge that eye; hold it for as long is comfortable. Then raise the other palm to the eye. This is wonderful when you are driving at night and the lights of oncoming cars tire your eyes.
These yoga practices are pragmatically useful for driving, taking the stress out of it for you, re-energizing your body when fatigued, and attuning your entire self with God. Truly, driving can be a wonderful meditation. You will need to experiment to see what you are comfortable doing, but any or all of these methods will greatly benefit you during the time you spend behind the wheel. Blessings to you and happy journeys.