For most of my driving life I have not been driving with presence. I have found that I do not enjoy driving at all, yet when I was behind the wheel of a car for the first time I found it fun. When I was first learning to drive, I remember being totally in the moment, present with my driving and aware of everything that was going on around me. My focus was always with what I was doing and there was a simplicity and a humbling joy of feeling the gentle movements of driving the car.
I remember that when I first started driving I never had any need to seek a ‘thrill’ while driving. I never needed (or wanted) to drive excessively fast or in an unsafe way (the standard speed limit of 50km/h was fast enough for me, let alone driving at 100 or 110km/h!).
Yet, over time, I have found that my driving has changed and I have not felt quite the same joy – and that my driving ethic had changed from when I first started to drive. I have been pondering what is behind this feeling and I realised:
- I am often not present with myself when I drive. I am usually thinking about the time or about what I need to do when I get there, but very rarely am I in the moment thinking about what I am doing. Sometimes I have been so distracted or checked out that when I arrive to my destination I hardly recall turning on the car, much less braking, accelerating and all the other things we do when we drive. At these times I would feel like a driving zombie!
- When I am not present when driving, it is actually very dangerous; not just for me but for other drivers as well. I have found that when driving over the many bumps and abrasions in the road, I often never even notice them until I actually feel myself driving over them! I then feel a pulse of anxiousness through my body as I feel that I was not prepared for driving over bumps. At times, I have found my driving seemingly very reckless with no real care for myself or my car at all!
- When I drive, it is seems easy at times to go over 100km/h without noticing. Have I detached so much from myself that now I am unaware of how fast I am driving? I have found that when I am needing to get somewhere, I have a feeling of enjoyment from being reckless and driving for the ‘thrill’ of going fast. Why do I now need this thrill when I didn’t before?
- I often reach for the stereo and listen to something. This was typically music but it could have been the radio, too. I can feel when I do this sometimes I am so away from the moment that the radio or music is just another way to escape when I am feeling stress or anxiety.
What if I could drive differently and be more present as I drive, and therefore actually enjoy being with myself while I am driving?
I have found that driving with presence is actually extremely fun and very nourishing for me and my body. By being with me in the moment (as I did when I was 15 and learning to drive), I have found that:
- Time and space seem to expand. There is a humble feeling of not needing to get anywhere. I am learning that if I do need to get somewhere on time, I need to make time, as a support for myself and my driving.
- I am no longer a zombie on the road but instead a lovely man who is totally enjoying the ride. It is surprising how much fun it can be to be with my body as I did when I was 15 and learning to drive. Now I want to be present in all of my driving so I am completely aware and remember all of the journey. I am going to drive me there and not the zombie! There is also no feeling of anxiety for driving too fast or driving over bumps, but instead one of joy as I am with my body and my car when I approach a bump… I am ready for it.
- The space and connection with myself I am creating as I drive is one that totally supports me for my day and what is ahead. There is no need to escape any more, for what could prepare me more for my day than being in my joy when I arrive?
- The space in the car is so still when I drive with conscious presence that I can feel the gentleness of my breath throughout my body. It becomes an amazing time to remind me of the gentle tender man I am and that the support and joy I need is found in that space.
The seemingly simple power of being in the moment and driving with presence for me is one of the best tools to enjoy life again. I have been inspired to live this connection again by the students of Universal Medicine and the forever inspiring work of Serge Benhayon, who have highlighted to me from their lives what simple joy can come from just being.
By Joshua Campbell (21), Living in Christchurch, NZ
The Truth about Serge Benhayon 
Perfect blog for me to read this morning as a little reminder to not check out while driving and I love how you describe that driving with presence is fun and very nourishing for your body, yes of course it is and so when we arrive at our destination, we are totally with ourselves prepared and ready for the meeting or the visit, whatever the occasion is.
Driving with presence allows us to develop a deeper relationship with our quality within and this naturally regenerates and expands our bodies to be more of who we truly are.
I love (and it makes sense) that you find driving with presence fun and nourishing for you and your body. ‘The space in the car is so still when I drive with conscious presence that I can feel the gentleness of my breath throughout my body.’
I do agree with you Joshua, it is so much more fun to drive in presence instead of way in my mind. The movement and speed of the car is actually a joy to feel as are the interactions with the other drivers on the road and not to see them as annoying people that stop me in my speeding or coming somewhere fast.
What I have also found being consciously present in your body – a quality is claimed i.e. things complete for the next to be there and there is a simple flow. For eg. rushing driving does not ever get you there quicker because the natural flow and order is not there with you and around you. You get all those lights and you are not with yourself when you arrive. When a projected outcome is placed on the flow it is a force you are now dealing with and not the opportunity of the next that is offered in rhythm of you and what is needed around you – the beauty offered by you and for you.
Anything we do being fully consciously present makes anything we do fully enjoyable. Tasks like ‘work’ becomes fun. Many people complain about the simple things or do not appreciate them. I have found in these situations like food shopping I absolutely adore and appreciate what I am bringing and feeling while I shop. It’s like your own flavour and dimension of your unique expression in whatever and that which you do. Everything becomes a Joy and expansion while your doing something – it’s not mundane but more like a celebration of how it is that you are moving and expressing while doing it .. ..
Driving is a time when it can be easy to go into auto-pilot, thanks you for reminding us of the importance of conscious presence at all times whilst driving.
Driving definitely sets a firm pattern of how we are with the rest of our life. What happens when we are in rage, angry, late and or checked out they all set us up for the rest of the day if we drive to work lets say.
Would the Joy and focus we walk to the car in possibly set us on a different path in the way we drive? So I concur Joshua, ‘The seemingly simple power of being in the moment and driving with presence for me is one of the best tools to enjoy life again.’ And it can all start before we start the car in our movements before we open the door.
I can feel the simple joy of just being in how you write Joshua, and it feels gorgeous. And I love the practical details you bring in, if we want to be on time we have to give ourselves time and not try and squash and compress ourselves now this is something for me to explore, thank you.
I like the description of you no longer being a zombie on the road. We certainly need more people who are present and responsible when they are driving. A friend of mine told me she overtook a driver on the motorway recently because his car was moving erratically. As she passed him she glanced into the car noticed he was eating his breakfast cereal, bowl in one hand, spoon in the other whilst trying to hold the steering wheel. Crazy.
Given the number of accidents on the roads, your lesson of presence when driving is clearly something all of us who drive need.
“What simple joy can come from just being” – so true, and how ironic it is that we often think we have to pack our lives with activities and actions, to feel the thrill, the excitement, the stimulation etc. to feel that our life is full, that we are full. We are enough already, and there’s no need to do, but just be for us to connect with that fullness.
The way in which we drive is a wonderful reflection to how we are living eg, if I am living in anxiousness and nervous energy then my driving is going to be in anxiousness and nervous energy. Driving with connection to myself and going at a pace that supports me is so worth while. I may not get to the final destination in the fastest time although I have found that when my journey is easy and flowing I arrive well in advance and the joy with which I feel in my body is because I have chosen to allow plenty of time and not rush or be apprehensive about how the journey will go.
Firstly, WOW, your 21 when you wrote this and you have enough wisdom to know that above all else, you are a gentle man worth taking car of! Blown.away.
Secondly, what a timely reminder for me, as lately I’ve been catching myself driving somewhat recklessly (and by that, I don’t mean doing 150 in a 50 zone) and lacking real presence. I recently bought a new car and for the first time ever I’ve got cruise control. This has actually made a huge difference to how I drive, because setting and forgetting the speed means I’m forced to sit back and pay attention to the road without the urge to want to beat the traffic or go faster. I still have the urge to go faster, but the cruise control reminds me, that I don’t need to and that all I have to do is stay with myself and the car.
I love the way you highlight things with no holding back on the honesty and impact of the way we choose in life, Joshua.
When I was first introduced to the teachings on conscious presence by Serge Benhayon, I decided to bring a particular focus to the way I drive. This proved quite revelatory – as to the habitual patterns of nervous energy, rushing, distracting, etc, that I had become very accustomed to… very similar to what you’ve shared here. And so I made a commitment to myself to always begin a drive anywhere with the simplicity of being truly present (to the best of my ability) with my body – my hands on the wheel/controls, the way I use the accelerator in particular (what an indicator if one is in a state of nervous drive, however subtle or strong!), feeling my body in the driver’s seat and the way I bring attention to all that is around me on the road, the sound of the engine, and so on… I would intend to hold this focus for at least the first 7 minutes or so (if heading north for me, this would be 2 villages up the road) before listening perhaps to a recording or some music I felt to spend time with on my drive.
Boy was this revealing – as to how used to NOT being truly present with myself I was, and yet with time, things have quite remarkably changed. No perfection whatsoever, but the level of being present with myself is something that is deeply worth it – sitting in the car alone such a great point from which to really attune where one is truly ‘at’ and what pressures/expectations/nervous energy may have crept into the day…
I really enjoy driving and can palpably feel the difference between driving being with myself and driving being distracted. In truth driving in presence is expanding; as you have so beautifully described; whilst driving when distracted is dangerous to all. Thank you Joshua for the gentle reminder to always connect to oneself whilst driving.
I wonder if the key is in your first sentence – that you didn’t enjoy driving and you were never present – could there be a link between truly enjoying life and being present in our moment to moment activities? It makes sense, because how could we enjoy something that we are not fully aware is happening?
I like the simplicity that Joshua is offering here. The space to simply be where we are as we drive (or doing anything in life) is so very freeing. I can remember driving with this constant tension of being worried I would be late. When I did this there was no joy in my drive. Yet making changes similar to what is shared above opens the space to again breath and enjoy the process of life.
I have to drive quite a bit for work and have slipped into an old pattern of listening to Radio 4 (a talking channel in the UK) the whole time. I have created my own little bubble and to be honest, it feel pretty awful to drive in this way. Thank you for the reflection Joshua. I needed a responsibility check.
This is very inspiring and shows what mastering a skill looks like. During our learning stage, we cannot afford not pay attention to the details of what we are doing; then we eventually graduate to a stage where we feel confident enough not to do that any more – but that doesn’t have to mean we go into auto-pilot, it actually opens up space for us to go deeper with it so we end up enjoying ourselves because we can feel more of us in movement, if we choose to.
Great question Joshua, one I need to ask myself every time I get into the car;
“What if I could drive differently and be more present as I drive, and therefore actually enjoy being with myself while I am driving?”
I can definitely relate to this Josh, however due to my younger years spent go-karting I did carry that need for speed when I started driving!
It is rather interesting how we can drive in a way that creates anxiety in the body, which you call “thrill” here or we can perform the same action and movement by supporting an ease and joy in the body through our loving presence – as you share it is only a matter of choice.
I have always loved driving. I too remember the care and attention I gave to when I was first learning to drive. For me this change when I learned how to drive defensively. What came with this was an arrogance and even aggressiveness at times because “I knew how to drive properly”. I too had a greater tendency to check out when I drove this way.. Thank goodness this has changed, for the most part. I love how my body feels when I sit in the car. This is a real marker for me on how I am at that moment. How am I gripping the strong well, how I set myself up for the drive. If I pay attention to this then I will remain present during my drive and then it’s never exhausting regardless of the kms travelled.
It is scary to realize how many people are driving while checked out. Perhaps those bumps in the road are there to bring us back to our responsibility to ourselves and everyone else we share the road with.
Thankyou Joshua, it really is the simple things that bring us joy. If we view driving as a nuisance then we feel annoyed the whole time, instead of it being an opportunity to enjoy being consciously present with ourselves, and driving safely and responsibly aware of the other drivers. I still find my focus on time gets in the way of me enjoying driving. And what an inspiring and very common sense line “what could prepare me more for my day than being in my joy when I arrive?” – so true, thankyou Joshua. Focusing on ourselves instead of the perceived pressures of time is the way to go.
Yes it all comes down to presence – doing things with myself makes everything enjoyable because it is me doing it feeling all the details of my body. This mainly comes because I am learning to appreciate myself again also inspired by Serge Benhayons teachings and presentations.
When I was learning to drive I felt like a meerkat – constantly looking around every five seconds. Yes I was aware of my surroundings and my fellow drivers but it came with an anxiousness and a highly strung alertness. This resulted in restricted and slower reaction driving. These days when I drive with presence I am aware of my surroundings but without the tension in my body, so much so that I feel more confident in how I move my car such as not reversing out of my parking space at 0.2mph but at a steady and more fluid pace.
And should I approach a bump too harsh I feel it much more now and come back to asking how I feel, a great example being that I went over a bump too fast due to being tired and that ‘I don’t care I want to sleep’ attitude coming in. Coming back to myself after that speed bump allowed me to say no to those thoughts and even though I was tired, making more effort to approach the following bumps with care I was less sleepy! How we are and how we drive or do anything in life are interlinked.
‘The seemingly simple power of being in the moment and driving with presence for me is one of the best tools to enjoy life again. ‘ Beautifully said Joshua, and imagine the blessing other drivers receive when we chose to bring this level of presence and quality to our driving.
When I drive without presence it is scary to arrive and not remember the journey. Returning to conscious presence in all that I do in every part of my day is what I am embracing. Not only in my driving, but all parts of my life.
It is astounding the number of things we can check out with when we are driving. No wonder there are car accidents. How consciously present we are on the roads is a reflection of how present we are in our everyday living.
Great awareness you have come to Joshua, from the act of driving that is often used as a time to check out.
Driving particularly is an activity where we can make a huge difference if we bring conscious presence to it, as we so easily can just do it in autopilot, especially if it is a route that we know well and drive regularly. How many times have I arrived and did not remember how I got there! This is an interesting phenomena, that we can arrive safely whilst we have been completely somewhere else in our heads whilst driving, which shows that we do not really need the capacity of our minds to drive but actually use our other senses for it. However if we sync the mind with the activity of the body – the body is at ease and very supported and held and the mind can marvel at the simplicity and beauty of each moment.
I find driving an awesome reflection of where I am at in my life. When my days are flowing I naturally allow time for my journey and it is smooth and I enjoy spending time with me consciously present but when I am feeling rushed I approach driving in a tense way and lots of obstacles seem to appear but maybe they are needed to keep my focus on what I am doing so as not to spend the entire journey in zombie mode?!
What an inspiration you are Joshua. No coincidence that I’ve read this blog this evening. I’ve had two different experiences having driven out to some friends this morning totally connected, observant and so enjoying being behind the wheel and, yes felt every bump in the road and was very aware of where they were and noticing the speed restrictions and sticking to them. Arriving at my destination bright, energised and ready for my busy day ahead. My return journey home was a different story I’d eaten something that had really upset my system, feeling tired and heavy headed I was not so alert, I could feel the tension in my body as I drove through speed restrictions and going too fast and a few swerves to avoid rather large pot holes and debris on the road. So ‘note to self’, take full responsibility for all my choices as these have such a knock on/detrimental effect with all following choices. Driving with conscious presence can never be too overstated.
This is timely for me to read. Being consciously present in our driving is as important as in any other part of our lives- why do we often drive as if it is less so??
At my current job I have to drive 30min each way. Now I know that this may not sound much to some however I have always been around 10mins away from my place of work, school and education for my entire life… Until now. At first I was a bit apprehensive about traveling the large distance. However I decided to take stock of what this space provided, I now look forward to this time for myself to re-connect, listen to some recordings or music.
I have fun during this time and it no longer bothers me.
Driving provides me with immediate feedback on how I’ve been living up to that moment, because I notice I continue to play it out right behind the wheel. Checking out, speeding, being reckless, self-centred – and it always ends up with me arriving racy, tense and relieved that I got there on time or exhausted, fuzzy and immensely grateful for my autopiloting skills. I’m learning to build in more time than I need for the journey so I don’t have to rush out of anxiety and I’m experimenting with using my cruise control to create a base line consistency that supports me in remaining present, able to feel the car and enjoy the space. The difference is amazing. There’s a calmness throughout my body and I’m less dominated by thoughts. My arms and neck are certainly way less tense and I arrive as me, not some frazzled version.
I can report back that the cruise control is a regular feature now, not only on long motorway journeys but also those country roads where it’s all too easy to start speeding up to gain a bit of time the other end but at the detriment of a tensing body.
I can relate to the driving ‘zombie’ very well. Learning to be more present with my driving is a work in progress and at times I can’t believe how often I can drift off, I have found being aware of my hands on the steering wheel and moving them often is a great support with this.
Great reminder Josh to slow down and enjoy life; and driving. To let me do the driving and not the zombie is a lesson I need to be more aware of!
During my working day I am driving from one client to another all day and although this is never a long distance it is a challenge to stay with me and not going in thoughts about where I have been or where am I going to. When I use this time to be with me in my car it is a new and fresh start where ever I’ll come next. When I make it about time I set myself up to be anxious and not present when I arrive at my next clients house, in a way the zombie state is being continued. With reading your blog Josh and writing this down I feel the responsibility we have all of the time to stay present and honour who we all are.
Absolutely Annelies. I find that there is a resistance in many of us to actually embracing this level of responsibility to be present and honouring all of the time. It can feel like another being inside, a spirit that does not want to be exposed and sets up these moments that ensure we are not with ourselves and our bodies. It is definitely a great responsibility to hold and live this all of the time.
I just loved reading your blog Joshua, I can so relate to both your experiences, though the first one I do more often. I notice that when my mind strays when I am driving I tend to go over the speed limit and this is a signal for me to come back. “The space and connection with myself I am creating as I drive is one that totally supports me for my day and what is ahead. The space in the car is so still when I drive with conscious presence that I can feel the gentleness of my breath throughout my body” so beautiful Joshua, thank you.
Going over the speed limit with a straying mind is definitely a sign of not driving with the body. It is interesting that when we are truly present and with our body driving over the speed limit is not a natural thing to want to do. It actually makes me anxious now when I do it as it does not feel honouring of myself or of others.
Joshua, what a delightful blog. I love how you’ve transformed your experience of driving through being present, and I especially love how you make time for you to get there … ‘if I do need to get somewhere on time, I need to make time, as a support for myself and my driving.’ Reading it I realised how important it is that we honour ourselves in everything we do and not try and shoe horn ourselves into impossible situations such as not enough time, and how to give ourselves that time is truly loving.
“I am going to drive me there and not the zombie!” This sentence reminded me that often when I get out of the car at the other end I can be detached, distracted, and not quite all there…. and it sounds exactly like the zombie has arrived (and Simon will hopefully be joining us in a few minutes!).
I’ve had that sensation you describe – of time and space seeming to expand whenever I’m totally present driving. All manner of creative ideas and solutions to problems flood in – so much so that I now voice record them so I don’t lose their richness – and I’m very aware of my breathing and every nuance in my posture. But I also notice I cut life short, meaning I have to go into girl racer mode along country roads too frequently. That’s when I feel the contraction across the muscles in my shoulders, neck and upper arms, my breathing becomes more rapid, I’m on the edge of my seat and I arrive a lesser woman than the one who set off. So your blog is a great reminder ‘that if I do need to get somewhere on time, I need to make time, as a support for myself and my driving.’ That’ll be a super early start tomorrow morning then!
It is amazing what comes to us when we are present with our bodies. But not just present, actually embodying and fully claiming being all of us in our bodies. I find when fully content with everything in me and my body, no trying, pushing or forcing life to be a certain way comes in at all. Time then seems to expand and I am truly enjoying just being with wherever it seems to take me. Surrendered and deeply in my body it feels like doing anything, driving, walking or even talking with another is a beautiful moment to enjoy!
Beautifully said Joshua and a great reminder thank you.
It is a bit scary to think how many of us actually drive without being in our bodies! To be in conscience presence is really important , we are aware of what is happening and the safety factor is very much better for all concerned. Thank you for your sharing Josh and reminding me of the need to be aware at all times.
Driving is a lot of fun when done truly conscious of what is going on outside and inside the car. That what brings in the slack is what I feel to be a routine just driving, not needing to be present because its going alright, that is an awful feeling, because everything gets much much better with a conscious presence.
That is beautiful Benkt that you expose this subtlety which many get trapped into. A comfort with our driving which we accept as being ok when in truth it can be a whole lot better when we feel truly present and connected with our driving. It is almost like driving with the least presence as possible is the norm for how many drive.
Joshua, I find that when I drive with presence, care and attention, journeys pass in their own time without the need for speed, (no longer in a hurry to get there). I enjoy journeys more, constantly check speedometer, see road signs and speed limits and know what’s happening in and around me. Driving responsibly is a totally different and safer experience to when I drove checked out and disconnected
What you have described here Josh is two completely different states of presence. Having tried both I would like to add that the quality of presence is built as you go, for example if you spend your morning half asleep and not really with it, you can make yourself alert when driving and carry that presence with you throughout the day. On the other hand if you spend the morning connected and alive with presence then check out when driving, that is the state you will arrive to work in. We can go in and out all day, but the more we are present the more we get out of life.
I’ve been experimenting with this for a while Carmin and its amazing how any task or job can be awesome if we choose to be present with what we are doing. I now simply do every task without going into my head and feeling like I don’t like this task or I wish I was doing something else. I am present with each moment and continue to chip away at bringing true quality to it. I find the moment I’m not present my body gets knocked or hurt and I’m quickly reminded to re align myself.
Isn’t it mind boggling that with such responsibility on the road in regards to the safety of ourselves and others that it is so common to be driving and not concentrating. It really is a totally different experience when we value the responsibility of being a road user.
Joshua I too have found that when something mundane feels boring that it is because I’m being a zombie, and am not present with the task. On the otherhand when I am totally with myself everything is enjoyable. Thanks for the reminder.
This is a great reminder for me, Josh. Many of us spend a lot of time each day on the road and probably do not realise just how often we are checked out when driving.The raciness in which I have driven in the past is what i take into my workplace or home and this is not responsible or self loving.
I have only been driving for the past few years, and only on rare occasions, so I am very careful when I do drive, and although I am getting used to it by now there’s a degree of anxiety and tension. Reading your blog, it feels to me that I am being careful while not being with myself – paying attention to every detail of what I see outside of me, but never to how my body feels. Thank you for the inspiration, Joshua.
Very beautiful reminder Josh. ‘The seemingly simple power of being in the moment and driving with presence for me is one of the best tools to enjoy life again.’ – well said and I agree that it is simple and empowering to drive with presence. In fact, to be with our presence anywhere anytime is a true joy.
Do you know this phenomenon when you are running late you have the slowest driver in front of you? I used to get really angry then, but now I see it as a blessing, that nothing should get me so racy, even not being too late, that I push my body so hard.
Accepting that I wasn´t in my true rhythm in the morning for example and that this is a STOP for me, really works for me…
Beautiful blog Joshua- I can´t do too many things anymore in the same time, it actually really hurts in my body because I have to switch in my brain to do so. But presence in driving and in everything else is always something that I feel need to deepen in me. To not have these pillows to escape from presence, which can be a drive or overdoing as well.
I am a person who is driving a lot and so I was very interesting to read your wonderful blog. I have to say that your lovely words helped me to remember how I was learning to drive a car. That was not a very pleasant thing for me because my driving teacher was very rude and not appreciative. After I had my driving license I started to enjoy driving a car and since I met Serge Benhayon my joy of driving a car has increased even more. Now I ponder how beautiful it would have been to have a driving teacher who would have offered me the joy and presence to drive a car right from the start . . .
I love what you share here Joshua about the importance of driving with presence, I often do long trips in the car and can feel the pressure to just get there at times instead of enjoying each moment with me. This is such an awesome reminder for me and I look forward to my next long trip now – thanks for the inspiration!
Wow! Joshua,
Driving with presence is something that I too now practise. I can remember the days of arriving home and not remembering most of the journey. And my journey home is over 1 hours drive. To think about not being fully present in these situations is now truly scary to me, and if I feel myself drifting off today, I bring myself back to my body and the car with the simpleness of feeling my finger tips on the steering wheel and my feet in my shoes. And of becoming present with where I am at that moment in the drive. Choosing to do these simple things, has made me a more conscious, caring driver.
Could not agree more Danna. It is in being present with our bodies that we are better able to observe what is going on around us which not only makes us better drivers but allows us to not absorb or ‘take on’ life
Thank you Joshua, for a reminder of how to drive with presence and how lovely that can be, instead of driving in distraction.
Not wanting to reach the destiny, but enjoying what I do just in the moment – that’s a beautiful way to spend the drive – and not just the drive!
There is indeed not much fun in driving without myself being there. There is actually not much fun in doing anything when I am not present! So back to me – back to fun!
Great blog Josh, it’s awesome what you are sharing about driving and I love all your honesty. I sometimes get a little bit reckless while driving when I am in a hurry to get somewhere… and even when I am not in a hurry. But as a general, I love driving… I love that it takes time and it’s a time for me to sit, not doing anything else other then drive… There is so much to focus on that it can really be quite fun I find 🙂
Driving the car can seem like an utter chore on some days – I totally relate Josh to the zombie driving. How much care is given to the car, and the other road users in that state? Not much. However connecting and settling into the seat with presence, feeling with my hands and fingertips the controls and steering wheel, I connect with this amazing mode of transport. It’s actually super smooth from this space and no rush or thoughts can push you forward – the road simple melts away.
A wonderful reflection Joshua. How we all are when we drive our cars can be a great reflection for us of how we are driving our bodies. Are we on auto pilot and therefore cannot feel what is truly going on or are we driving our bodies recklessly and therefore in disregard. Choosing conscious presence in all activities creates that joy and space that you so wonderfully describe.
Josh this is one very important area of life that needs our constant attention and presence. It is very frightening to arrive somewhere, and then be unable to account for that time. It is no wonder so called accidents happen. Everyone needs to be reminded that when we are in the moment, time expands and there is space for everything. Thanks again.
A very timely reminder Josh as I do a lot of driving and love it.
So often I drive without being fully present; however I am aware of this and am practising conscious presence every time I am behind the wheel.
“The seemingly simple power of being in the moment and driving with presence for me is one of the best tools to enjoy life again”
These are very inspiring and motivating words, thank you Josh.
Driving is something I do not enjoy doing at all. I have been driving in the far North Coast of NSW for over 20 years and feel that I cannot afford to go on “auto pilot” due to so many incompetent drivers on the road in the area. They are all on “auto pilot” and a few drivers who are “present” are preventing “driving zombies” from having accidents!
One day a week I drive to and from home for an hour on the highway at fast speed, and whilst I have been practicing conscious presence and enjoying the time I spend in the car with myself, your blog reminds me to keep to the speed limit. It is easy to travel a few k’s over the limit, but why would I need to do this when the time in the car is an opportunity to feel my gentle breath? Thank you Josh, there is always room for creating more space, not rushing, enjoying the moments of conscious presence.
‘The space in the car is so still when I drive with conscious presence that I can feel the gentleness of my breath throughout my body. It becomes an amazing time to remind me of the gentle tender man I am and that the support and joy I need is found in that space.’
A great blog Joshua and a simple example of the power of conscious presence 🚗
I love this Joshua, as it is a lovely gentle reminder of how not present we can be when driving. The changes you have made feel so supportive and so simple, that I feel we could all take something from your approach, and bring back the joy and presence in how we drive.
Lovely to re-read this blog this moring. I could really feel the gentle and tender man you are Joshua… it felt to me this blog was a parallel in how we drive or treat our own physical vehicle, the body. When we are consciously present in the body, the journey through life is much safer, smoother, more fun and joyful, and with the awareness that being present in the body brings, we are prepared for those bumps on the road when they appear from time to time, so that they do not really disturb or interrupt the journey one is on.
Lovely to re-read this blog again this morning, and I could really feel the gentle and tender man you are Joshua… it felt to me your blog was a parallel of how we drive or treat our own physical vehicle, the body. When I am consciously present in my body, my journey through life is safer, smoother and more joyful, and with more awareness when those bumps on the road appear from time to time, I am already prepared so that they do not really disturb or interrupt the journey I am on.
Love the analogy you make here with being in your own body Jacqueline. I experience the same thing when I am with me life is a joyful ride!
The focus on conscious presence whilst driving for me makes my daily drives much more enjoyable as I get to feel the journey, rather than being lost in my head and just getting there on automatic pilot, so making those check-ins are an important factor in staying connected.
Thank you Josh, I can relate to having the moments where I actually don’t remember traveling a certain amount of miles because I’ve been thinking about something to the opposite where I am totally with myself in that moment and being aware of everything around me. I know which one I would prefer to master.
“The seemingly simple power of being in the moment and driving with presence for me is one of the best tools to enjoy life again.” It is so great once we have felt this for ourselves. To even have one moment, one action that we can focus on and know we are connected to ourselves, paves the way for this connection to spread across other actions too, until it becomes our livingness.
Josh. You would be a wonderful teacher, enlightening some of today’s drivers with your conscious presence and awareness in your body – as you drive along life’s highway.
Josh thanks for the blog, I so relate to what you say. I don’t drive much now while I live in London but when I did the last few times I remember feeling a similar experience. The more I bring conscious presence in everything that I do and not get caught up in where I am going or the time that I need to be there etc. – The journey is so much more enjoyable and yes space is most definitely created and on your side and when I arrive, where ever I am, there is no anxiousness. Just one of the supportive techniques Universal Medicine presents.
I agree Amina – how we drive can be a great reflection on how we are living.
Whilst I don’t drive I can also relate to the anxiousness in walking if and when I am focused on needing to get somewhere and haven’t allowed myself enough time. The other thing I found interesting whilst reading was that yes the first time I do something I do tend to take more care, am focused and present but thereafter as it becomes routine I become careless and can do it by rote. Perhaps everything can be approached fresh each time, no matter how many times it has been done before?
And life becomes super simple and fun because you are always reminded of that love your presence naturally brings.
Wow Josh I love this! Whilst I don’t drive I could feel myself going through my working days with everything you said and feeling how beautiful and full it feels to be present. It’s beautiful that the presence you are writing about is actually felt in every word you have written. Absolutely Awesome and a deeply healing gift. Thank you .
Thank you, Shevon
Thank you Joshua for sharing your experience with driving. In the past jumping in my car and just putting my foot on the pedal to go from A to B has been easy ‘to do’ and with no respect or regard for it, or for other drivers on the road. Equally so, I have treated my body in the same way, and with no sense of responsibility towards others. As I have brought presence into my life this has naturally flowed into my time in the car. Now I appreciate the times I bring presence to my driving and can feel how I drive along the road supports my body, my car and this can be felt by others on the road.
Your presence is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing
Zombies are not nearly as much fun to drive with as ‘me’. 🙂 Great to hear how you are claiming yourself and your presence, Awesome Amina!
Awesome Joshua. I have in the past had many a journey I cannot remember. Feels dangerous to look back. Driving has not been something that I found a pleasure and so practicing presence whilst driving has made a huge difference in the care of my driving and also how I feel when I arrive at my destination too. I now have many an enjoyable journey in my car, making observations along the way as I endeavour to drive with me rather than in the rush of ‘getting somewhere’.
Awesome Beverley. Very confirming to feel the difference presence has brought you and how much fun you now find driving to be. Thank you.
Hi Josh. I too have noticed what a difference it makes when I don’t drive as fast as I used to. I find I arrive at my destinations, not only with much more ease, but also far less tired and anxious. And – a bonus – it doesn’t usually take me any longer!
After reading your blog the other day I decided to wash my car in conscious presence – and what a difference that made. Instead of it being a chore, and being tired afterwards, I found it was really easy, and that I even quite enjoyed it!
Thank you also for the reminder to allow time if I need to get somewhere at a certain time. I notice our road signs in NZ are also saying ‘make space’ – how awesome is that?
Hi Anne, I can really feel the simplicity and playfullness in the way you have expressed driving and being with you. A blessing to read. Thank you.
Wow Anne, you enjoyed washing your car in conscious presence? That’s awesome and such an great opportunity utilised by you.
I did the exact same thing the other day and washed my car with total conscious presence. I too enjoyed each stage of the task and it was great to not rush the job because it was something I didn’t really want to do or had something more interesting to do. I simply enjoyed myself in the moment. The car felt great afterwards.
What a great blog. I remember well when I learned driving – it was very much fun and I could also feel the responsibility I had in driving that big, heavy metal object we call a car.
I have had my driving license now for over 4 years and it feels very different now. I notice I am actually less aware of how heavy a car is and with that, driving more on autopilot. Thanks for the reminder of what a joy it is to drive a car and how important it is to be present with yourself while driving, because that is my first and foremost experience as well!
It was almost frightening for me to realise how quickly driving had become a thing to get from A to B and in the shortest, quickest and most fuel efficient manner, when it seemed so much fun not that long ago. I suppose it is a testament to society and our seemingly ever driven need to get somewhere rather than just to be. I remember driving long distances when I went on holiday with my family and it seemed the most tiring process which exhausted me by the end. It feels to me now how the drive was all about getting to our destination by a certain time and to make sure I never sped or crashed. It was so not fun, at all! Now I just use it as a moment to enjoy being with me wherever that may take me.
Yes I always loved cars and driving and it is true it is a moment to enjoy wherever it takes you, would be nice to end up at the right place though ;-).
Great stuff, Josh – and a timely reminder as I set out on the road again.
Thank you Gabriele.
Hi Joshua, your sharing of your driving & presence gave me a smile… and an incentive to do some inner investigation. I just came back from a week holiday with my boyfriend, where I was confronted (again) with my pattern of ignoring the 50 km, worse 30 km, signs for little villages. I shared out loud with my boyfriend that this pattern – to drive a bit faster than requested – is ingrained in me. I realise now through your sharing that it is an arrogance in me who finds it a waste of my time to drive so slowly and that I want to decide myself how fast I can drive. Next time I am, just like you, going to enjoy the ride, even if it’s 30 km, and the beautiful surroundings including me, my breath and body. It’s all about the Journey, that is what you make very clear. Thanks.
Thanks Caroline, Enjoy!
I can definitely relate to the arrogance of driving that little bit faster than I should, pushing the limits. It comes up as well when there is a road to be shared with oncoming traffic, and often times I will nudge in, push a little rather than just taking a moment longer to let it naturally flow. The difference in the way the two approaches feels is considerable.
Hi Josh, I agree with Rod, you would make an awesome driving instructor, bringing your conscious awareness to others. I am sure so many others will relate to to your blog because when you’re busy and in a rush, it is so easy to wander off in your head while driving and think of all you have still to do before the day ends etc.
Your blog is a great reminder of how important conscious presence is while driving.
Hi Jacqueline. It also reminds us of the fun we are missing out on when we do wander into our heads. Sadly not many people actually show us what driving joy can bring when we drive with ourselves as we drive.
Josh, you would make an awesome driving instructor… and help save many lives in the process!
Thanks Rod. Sounds like fun! It would be awesome for others to feel this when they drive too. I remember when I was learning to drive with a driving instructor and it felt so overwhelming that to enjoy just driving seemed an impossibility. I not only felt that I had to follow all the road rules every single moment on the road, but that I had to be aware of all the cars and everything because I might crash. Talk about making driving boring and also seemingly scarey. We do all of this naturally when we are in the car just enjoying the drive.
How incredible to be taught about conscious presence and what a blessing for all the other road drivers too. So many accidents and deaths on our roads are caused by this seemingly not important task of staying truly connected whilst driving. To be made aware of this in a tangible way would serve millions.