Mindful Motoring

Mindful Driving

Getting into the driving zone

Today was one of those days, when I had a much bigger than usual to-do-list which was whizzing around in my head.

I rushed to my car, dropped the keys and starting getting annoyed.

Driving when your tense is always a bad idea. I searched my head for a quick breathing exercise. One that would not add to my tension!

I remembered ‘J-A-M’, an observation of the breath, a simple exercise that I had learnt at the Spiritual Meditation group, the Brahma Kumaris in Oxford. The Brahma Kumaris in Oxford

The J-A-M Instructions

All you do is: Set your preferred stop watch. Then breath in. Observe the air coming in as it enters the nostrils and fills your lungs. Then breath out. Notice the warmth of the air as it leave your lungs as your exhale. Then start again. Do this for a long as you have.

It’s so simple.

If you are in Oxford, it’s a great place to find your peace. They run free workshops on how to learn meditation too, which often includes a free vegetarian meal.

“J-A-M’ stands for just a minute because this exercise only takes 60 seconds.

I’m not going to lie here, when I was asked to do nothing for 60 seconds I laughed out loud! Following your breath in and out for 60 seconds is just too long when you are up to your neck in deadlines.

This morning, I practised for about 20 seconds with the same relaxing results.

Here are some of my uses for J-A-M:

1. 
   

2. Before an exam

3. Before an interview

4. Before driving

5. When you feel tension is building inside you.

Please note: I am not happy with WordPress today because it won’t let me upload videos from my iPhone. They want me to upgrade to a premium package at £7/month. Grrrr!

#keepcalm