Hwy Zen
After reading this blog post, I decided to practice loving-kindness meditation on my commute to and from work. For years, I’ve been getting angry at the strangers in the cars and trucks on the congested highway. I figure I’ll be doing myself a favor to instead wish them a safe and speedy trip.
So far, the results have been positive.
Here is my technique:
- I put on some rhythmic music. Animal Collective’s Sung Tongs seemed to work really well.
- I take a few deep breaths after I merge onto the highway.
- As a mantra, I repeat Judges 14:14. ”And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.” [1]
- I look at the other cars. I try to visualize the drivers arriving safely home or to work. I try to visualize them smiling at me.
- I let myself smile in return.
FN:
[1] I used to identify strongly with Daniel in the Bible when I was a child, but as an adult Samson is the more suitable archetype.
