How to Meditate While Driving
Isabel Armiento
· 4 min read
Most drivers would laugh at the idea of meditating while driving. And yes, if you think meditation is something only done cross-legged on a cushion with your eyes closed, it makes sense that you wouldn't take the idea seriously.
However, in reality, meditation is more about practicing mindfulness—that is, bringing nonjudgemental awareness to whatever it is you’re doing. It can be done from anywhere, with your eyes open or closed.
Why meditate while driving?
There are several good reasons to start meditating while driving. First off, many people don’t like driving, but have to spend a lot of their time doing it.
Commuting to work
—something which takes the average American nearly an hour per day, according to 2019 census data—can cause boredom or even stress for many drivers. Mindful driving can help reluctant drivers let go of their irritation and negative feelings around commuting. Second,
distracted driving
can be genuinely dangerous. Mindful driving works as an antidote to distracted driving, requiring the driver to engage in the task at hand with attention and thoughtfulness. Here’s a rundown of what mindful driving is,
how to practice it safely
, and why you should start doing it.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
What is “mindful driving”?
“Mindfulness” is the practice of bringing awareness to whatever is going on in the moment, whether it’s a sensory experience, a thought, or a movement. “Mindful driving,” then, brings mindfulness behind the wheel. A mindful driver pays close attention to the physical sensations of driving, their surroundings, and the feelings and thoughts that arise as they drive.
According to
Psychology Today
, a driver can practice mindfulness in several ways, including staying aware of the road, bringing attention to their physical experience of driving, and listening to the noises around them. How can you safely meditate while driving?
If you’re someone who struggles to meditate with their eyes open, don’t try meditating while driving. But a standard driving meditation practice involves keeping your eyes open and focused on the road ahead. It also keeps you alert to steering, navigation, and your general surroundings.
MotorBiscuit
offers some helpful tips on how to meditate while driving. To start, turn off the radio or any other distracting noises. Then take a minute to feel present in your body. You may choose to take some deep, calming breaths at this point, paying close attention to the feeling of air flowing in and out of your body.Notice what’s going on around you, trying not to let your mind wander to other thoughts. If you start thinking about something other than what’s happening on the road—about a stressful presentation you have at work or what you’re going to make for dinner tonight—notice the thought without judging it. Meditating can be difficult, especially for beginners.
When your mind wanders, lightly nudge your attention back onto the road. Notice sensations around you, such as the feeling of the steering wheel in your hands. Mindfulness is anchored in your breathing, so you can always take a few deep breaths when your mind starts to stray.
What are the benefits of meditating while driving?
The most obvious benefit of mindful driving is that it increases road safety. Since you’re focusing all your attention on driving rather than indulging in other thoughts, you’ll be more alert to your surroundings and quicker to respond to pedestrians and other vehicles around you.
Another important benefit of mindful driving is your mental health. The average person spends so much of their time commuting, which can be a stressful, tedious, or even frustrating experience. Rather than getting carried away by feelings of anger at the daily traffic, use this time to practice mindfulness. You’ll finish off your commute feeling happier, calmer, and more at peace with the world.
If you’re a regular meditator, you may find that there isn’t always enough time to squeeze in your daily 20 minutes on the mat. Mindful driving can help you find the time for meditation, since you can get in your daily practice without even leaving your car.
