Disclaimer: I love solo travel and solitude. So, I have not had to actually “think” about what I should do to pass my time when driving alone or any such thing because enjoying my solo drives comes very naturally to me. Usually, I work on cultivating positive attitudes while driving. In popular terms this can be called ‘mindful driving’. These mindful driving practices not only aid our spiritual journey, but they keep us in a harmonious state of mind which ideally, will help us remain safe on the road. So, if you are wondering what to do when driving alone, why not try some of these Mindful driving practices 🙂

Stay Alert, Excited & Mindful When Driving Alone

Compassion Cultivation

“Cultivation” is a term I discovered in a Buddhist book called Highway Dharma Letters (one of the first entries in my favourite travel books blog post). It basically means actively working towards a more holistic mindset/attitude/approach to life etc… While driving, we can develop some negative attitudes like road rage, irritation with others on the road, rash driving, inappropriate driving and so on. These can result in unsafe situations but also, it is a negative component in my own mind. So, I actively cultivate compassion while driving.

Consciously, observing other drivers, pedestrians and thinking compassionate thoughts about them. Maintaining a compassionate mind towards them.

It’s a great practice. I love it because it makes driving a spiritual sadhana for me. Which is perfect.

The Reality of Death

When I was cycling, I realised quite early on, that the road is usually full of little bugs, butterflies and critters. Even the cycle is not safe for them. Often the cycle will tread right onto a bug or caterpillar. While cycling, I used to remain mindful of these little lives and avoid them whenever I could. (Find out all about my cycling trips here)

While driving I cannot be observant of the little critters as I am further from the road. But still I remain mindful of the bigger lifeforms like birds, butterflies, dogs, cats, poultry, lizards and such which do cross my path. And the car could harm them if I am not careful.

This activity of being very careful and thoughtful of all other life forms around the road, which could possible come onto the road in the path of my car is a large part of my observation & compassion sadhana. But it is more than that, because,

Sometimes they die – especially small critters.
Usually, if I see any animals or bugs dead at the side of the road, I chant a mantra. And send it good wishes of a better life ahead.

Once a gecko lizard ran right under the wheels of my car. As I realized what happened, I reversed and stopped by its dead body. I chanted. And then took its body and dropped it into a ditch. Poured some earth on it. And projected good wishes and thoughts towards it. As I returned back to driving ahead, I felt I had attended a funeral (which it was).

Thus, driving is a great reminder of the inherent violence in all things we do. But also an acceptance of the transient nature of these lifeforms.

Listen to Short Sadhguru Videos

I don’t usually like to listen to podcasts / audio books which are too involved as I worry about losing focus on the road (and my compassion sadhana). Moreover, I feel I wouldn’t do justice to those podcasts by listening when driving. But I do listen to short Sadhguru videos via Youtube connected to my audio system. I like to then ponder on what he has said for another few minutes. So, it can be a great reflective 15-20 minutes of driving.

Observe Road Signs & Other Cultural Distinctions

I feel that driving does reduce our ability to observe the scenery and the sights that might come enroute. But it increases attention to the local culture through – road management, road signs and traffic behaviour. These can be a way to gauge local administration and culture.

For example, Tamil Nadu highways often have barricades forcing traffic into a single lane – a method to reduce speed. I didn’t see this in northern states. Usually in Maharashtra they will put a speed breaker if they want to reduce traffic speed. Observing the distinctions and nuances this way is enjoyable.

In Karnataka, I saw chains of different Kamat restaurants showing up by the side of the highway. I found it interesting… and it piqued my interest to know what is this name “Kamath” that many different chain of restaurants want to use as their name? When I search online I realize it is a Brahmin surname. Similar to the Thakurs and Sharma restaurants in North India. Interesting find, getting to know India better and more to ponder on in this matter, don’t you think?.

Light Music, Bhakti Sadhana

For a lighter time-pass, I put on music. Usually, some bhajans which I have personal connection with. They help me remain in a light, joyful mind. They help me relax, because driving long distances can be stressful even physically. Some bhakti sadhana on the long road home 😉

Essential Oils Aroma Freshener

The air fresheners and perfumes for cars are terrible chemicals. I decided that I would figure out a way to have a holistic scent freshener in my car. I chanced upon this product on Amazon, which basically allowed me to put essential oils into a glass bottle. Then when I turn the bottle upside down, the oils soak up the wooden cap of the bottle and this in turn spreads holistic essential oil fragrance into the car. I find this very soothing and relaxing.

I love it. This is the exact product I bought. Overall, I am happy with it. But the original oil they sent in the bottle, seemed like any other perfume and not an essential oil, though they claim differently. Anyhow, it soon got over and I refilled it with natural organic essential oil of my liking 🙂

Simandhar Swami & Devi on the Dashboard

When I newly bought the car and before that, I realized that for drivers their devotional space is the dashboard. Some folks have multiple photos and statues placed on the dashboard. Often they will have some kumkum, vibhuti, flowers offered at these. Some folks have the devi cloth tied on their rear view mirror. And so on. It felt more like stigma and superstitious to me to be honest.

Soon, however, I kept a small Simandhar Swami idol on the dashboard. I bought it from dada bhagwan ashram, where I have a home. Soon, this little space of dashboard murti and Linga Bhairavi devi photo hanging above it from the rear view mirror has started feeling like a temple of its own. It is really wonderful. And I haven’t really done any major bhakti activities there, like offering flowers or anything. But I guess because my driving itself has been a sadhana… naturally this space feels like a temple to me.

Driving is a meditative activity for a lot of people. Sometimes consciously, like I am doing. Or sometimes unconsciously, like when they go for long drives after a busy day and naturally find relaxation and serenity within. What is your driving experience like? Have you tried any mindful activities while driving?