Prior musings have outlined a method of optimizing physical, mental and spiritual health by focusing on self-care and embracing the mindful attitudes of non-judgmental acceptance, patience, curiosity, trust, non-striving,letting go and kindness.
Mindfulness helps heighten moment-to-moment awareness. Particularly, the mindful attitude of curiosity or beginner’s mind helps us shift from reduced awareness (automatic pilot) to a state of increased awareness.This enables us to use our energy for calm, clear decision making, flexibility, resilience and creativity.
I was saddened to hear about the recent death of a Tesla driver using the vehicle’s assist systems known as “automatic pilot”. Early reports claim that he was distracted with watching a DVD while driving. Tesla’s automatic pilot technology, in its present form, was never meant to replace the usual moment-to-moment vigilance that driving requires. This tragedy brings into focus the importance being present in all of our activities.
Motor vehicle driving provides an excellent opportunity to reap the benefits of living mindfully. Driving is best done when we have a clear destination; are prepared to manage the unexpected (curiosity, nonjudgmental acceptance) ;deal with heavy traffic (patience) ;avoid road rage (kindness, responding instead of reacting); changing the destination or route if needed (non attachment to outcome, trust, problem-solving,non-striving) and so on.
The heightened awareness from mindful attitudes can increase safety and health. The risk of accidents is surely reduced when we are purposefully aware of our moment-to-moment activities instead of literally or figuratively being on “automatic pilot”.
I am curious how this recent tragedy will effect the future of automatic,self-driving vehicle technology. No matter how sophisticated these technologies become, there will always be a role for mindful awareness.
Mindful Exercise:
Consider minimizing distractions and maximizing your moment-to-moment awareness when you drive. Turn the radio off, don’t eat or attend to any other business other than the task at hand. Driving can become an opportunity for formal meditation (eyes open of course!). Safety and well being can be just some of the benefits of mindful driving.