Driving into work this morning a little earlier than usual, I was amazed at the sparse traffic at that time in the morning. It was so much easier driving into work than usual, without all those “idiots” that drive slowly in the left lane, and generally slow me down. Did I ever mention that I tend to drive fairly fast? It’s not like I’m in a hurry (usually), it’s more that I simply enjoy driving fast. And I feel that if you’re not going to drive over the speed limit, you need to stay out of the fast lane, out of the way of those of us who do drive over the speed limit.
Back to the morning drive. So I was driving in, listening to Wayne Dyer’s Change your Thoughts, Change Your Life, which is a compilation of essays on Lao Tsu’s Tao Te Ching. The 15th verse is all about being still, not rushing, not pushing to get things done. Instead, one should be like the ancient masters, cautious and attentive, still like a muddy pond that is settling and clearing. It occurred to me to wonder about my fast driving. Why do I feel the need for speed? I’m never late for work, yet I always push the bounds of the speed limit (9 miles over is my usual speed), and get frustrated when people get in my way. On the other hand, I get annoyed when people sit on my bumper on the little access roads leading to the parking lots. What’s their hurry? Why are they pushing me when all we’re doing is going to park?

What is the difference between those two scenarios? Well, when I’m driving fast, I’m on an interstate. When I’m driving the speed limit, I’m on a little road winding through a dense forest. On the highway, I’m speeding past housing developments bounded by thin strips of struggling trees. Nothing much to see here. In the forest, I want to slow down to experience the surroundings, the random placement of mature trees, the sound of the birds, the changing leaves. Being in the moment is a rich encounter with life that sets the stage for the rest of the day.

This insight led me to the thought that I can have that same rich experience no matter where I am. I’m continually surrounded by life in all its manifestations, whether I’m on an interstate, in the middle of the city, or on winding paths through a forest. Maybe speed is part of the life experience, and that’s why it gives me great joy. It has its place on the interstate, but not on the windy roads (unless I’m in the Cobra with the top down on a beautiful day, but that’s another story).

This afternoon when I drive home I’m going to pay attention to the entire drive, not only to what I see, but what I feel. The speed, the sound of the wind, the pattern of the other cars. It will be interesting to note if it allows me to better enjoy the experience, and lessen frustration with slowpokes…