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How can you harness your inner fuel and stillness to keep an open mind and switch your perspective while on the chaotic drive to work?
Part I. Practical Options
Bucking sky-high gas prices, data from the Census bureau reveals that 9 out of 10 Americans still love to drive to work alone. The information comes from a 2005 report, the American Community Survey. Gas prices are still up sharply from 2005, although they have eased a tad in recent weeks. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $3.08 - but back then - in the old days it was $2.10. (I figured you'd be wondering.)
Clearly, many of us commute, but depending where you live, the number of minutes you spend in the car can vary. I found this really cool site called PayScale which will give you stats on everything from commuting time to pay scale for cities across the country. It's easier than heading to the Census Bureau website. This type of information can be real handy for people who are thinking of relocating for an easier worklife balance lifestyle. For example, here in New York City, the average commuting time can be anywhere from about 35 to 45+ minutes. If you live in Ann Arbor however, you're looking at the least - a 19 minute commute.
Part II. Practical Chaos & Perspective
Regardless of the commute you endure and money you spend on gas, I want to talk about a different kind of fuel. Not the fuel that you put into your car - but rather your internal fuel. How can you harness your inner fuel and stillness to keep an open mind and perhaps switch your perspective while on the chaotic commute to work? No need to get into road rage here - we all know about it. But I would wager that as you run out of the house in the morning there are many lurking questions:
o I am running late. I wonder if I'll make it to the highway before the rush?
o I wonder if there's an accident on the 405? Should I check the "visual -live" TV report or just depend on the radio traffic report?
o Should I do my makeup now - or wait till I get to work?
o Oh, that report that is due today..am I prepared?
You get the picture. Even before you get in the car, your mind is racing with thoughts. Thoughts will distract - if they are chaotic thoughts. That's the last thing you want as you get behind the wheel. So how do we get a head start on those thoughts?
Following are some practical commuting tips from my lecture series PRACTICAL CHAOS: Cultivating WorkLife Resilience in a 24/7 Global Marketplace. Also - there are some great tips from the Work/Life Minute audio modules featuring some visionary thinkers in the worklife arena on my website, JudyMartinSpeaks.com . Finally head to Spiritonthejob.com for a dose of worklife calm to throw a light of serenity on your workplace experience.
1. Wake up just five minutes earlier than you generally do. In that five minutes, just sit up in bed and breath. Watch your breath for a few minutes ... in and out. Sounds simple but it works.
2. Set an intention for your commute. Seriously, just say to yourself, in your own style that you are looking forward to a peaceful commute. If you're good at visualizing - go for it.
3. When you get in the car, harness awareness in that moment. Don't jump in the car and turn the key. STOP. Really just STOP. Take a long deep breath. Notice the traffic or neighborhood around you. Just stop and look.
4. You can take this moment for a quick prayer, to observe and appreciate the nature around you or even your home that you'll safely be returning to, later in the day.
5. Finally, what is inside your car? Keep a trinket on your dashboard or fun item hanging on the rear-view mirror that instantly triggers a fun, calming or happy thought. This can help set the tone for your commute.
I have a friend who has a replica of a saint on his dashboard. Another business associate has a small statue of a Hindu figure - the Monkey God named Hanuman. Hanuman is the god of service. So when my friend hits the road everyday, it reminds him that he is not the only one rushing to work. Some are having rougher days than he is. Hanuman reminds him to be of service in every act during the day - especially to try to be calmly and compassionately composed when someone cuts him off!
Read more from this blogger at The Chaos Monitor. |
