A quick four-step guide to car-meditation

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spiritual teachers mention. On the other hand, walking meditation was something that helped me feel my body in a different, more conscious way. At the end of the day, I didn’t start meditation to become a monk with a red tunic (although I tried to fashion one for a YouTube thumbnail regarding a greek-book review)<figure id="c8b4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*Ayyl6OfX7HKI6pzIVbLDUw.jpeg"><figcaption>Me in a red curtain, trying to look like a monk</figcaption></figure>Two months after I received my driving license, I went on a road trip with my family in Italy. I’ve driven approximately 2,200 km (1367 miles), enjoying the tunnels that cut through the mountains and the wind turbines in the valleys.Steadily but slowly, I discovered through practice that you can meditate by executing day to day activities. Someday while I was driving, the (undeniable) realization came to mind:“When I was driving as a kid, I was kind of meditating”Through the years, I decided to implement the practices of sitting meditation while driving, apart from the “close your eyes” guideline.Before I start, I have to mention that I practice this kind of meditation when I am driving long distances and not inside the city. If you are w

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ondering why I don’t car-meditate inside town, it’s obvious that you haven’t been to Greece.<h1 id="e727">4 step guide to car-meditate</h1>1) The primary aspect is to focus on your breath (yea that’s pretty common although essential) 2) While you are breathing, focus on your body. 3) Then notice the impact which the small movements of your right feet have in your car’s acceleration and deceleration. Focus on the road and let your mind clear for a while. 4) Admire nature while you are driving and take a deep breath.<h1 id="9922">Why give it a try?</h1>1)You will become a more conscious driver I have been involved in one relatively big accident in my life. A truck violated the red traffic light and hit my car on the right front side. I know deep down that if I had been more self-conscious, I could have avoided that truck.2)Failed attempts with other practicesIf you have several “failed” experiences with sitting meditation, you may find that you connect with your body and mind when you drive, way more easily.3)Bad at maintaining a scheduleIf you can’t maintain a solid morning routine, like myself, try car-meditation on the way to work.4)Last but not least, because it’s fun</article></body>

An alternative to sitting meditation

When I was little, my grandfather bought me a small-size-electric-motor Volkswagen. I recall driving it for hours in the garden and on a small road we have beside the house I grew up in. When I was driving this awesome little car, I felt a mix of calmness and focus at the same time.

That’s the large version of my childhood car. Photo by Boris YUE on Unsplash.

Fast-forward to the university studies I had experimented with three meditation technics, Vipassana meditation, Guided Meditation by Kim Eng and walking meditation. Regarding the first two, I am not sure that I experienced the results I wanted and for sure I ignored the “don’t have any expectations” part, that most of the spiritual teachers mention. On the other hand, walking meditation was something that helped me feel my body in a different, more conscious way. At the end of the day, I didn’t start meditation to become a monk with a red tunic (although I tried to fashion one for a YouTube thumbnail regarding a greek-book review)

Me in a red curtain, trying to look like a monk

Two months after I received my driving license, I went on a road trip with my family in Italy. I’ve driven approximately 2,200 km (1367 miles), enjoying the tunnels that cut through the mountains and the wind turbines in the valleys.

Steadily but slowly, I discovered through practice that you can meditate by executing day to day activities. Someday while I was driving, the (undeniable) realization came to mind:

“When I was driving as a kid, I was kind of meditating”

Through the years, I decided to implement the practices of sitting meditation while driving, apart from the “close your eyes” guideline.

Before I start, I have to mention that I practice this kind of meditation when I am driving long distances and not inside the city. If you are wondering why I don’t car-meditate inside town, it’s obvious that you haven’t been to Greece.

4 step guide to car-meditate

1) The primary aspect is to focus on your breath (yea that’s pretty common although essential) 2) While you are breathing, focus on your body. 3) Then notice the impact which the small movements of your right feet have in your car’s acceleration and deceleration. Focus on the road and let your mind clear for a while. 4) Admire nature while you are driving and take a deep breath.

Why give it a try?

1)You will become a more conscious driver I have been involved in one relatively big accident in my life. A truck violated the red traffic light and hit my car on the right front side. I know deep down that if I had been more self-conscious, I could have avoided that truck.

2)Failed attempts with other practices

If you have several “failed” experiences with sitting meditation, you may find that you connect with your body and mind when you drive, way more easily.

3)Bad at maintaining a schedule

If you can’t maintain a solid morning routine, like myself, try car-meditation on the way to work.

4)Last but not least, because it’s fun