Traffic is Perfect

I used to get angry a lot. If someone was in the grocery store "10 items or less" line with more than about 12 items-- watch out!

One of my biggest trials was traffic. I'd weave from lane to lane, trying to get home as fast as possible, and getting upset every time someone cut in front of me.

A book called Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, by Thich Nhat Hanh, completely erased my traffic angst.

This book was my first introduction to the idea of mindfulness. In it, Hanh talks about mindfulness in everyday life, and paying attention to moments like washing the dishes. Every moment is perfect (even sitting in traffic!) and every moment should be appreciated. After all, the present moment is all we really have.

This idea was a real mind-blower for me. Every moment was perfect? I couldn't wrap my mind around that for quite a while.

But I began to look at my anger and frustration in traffic, and to see that there was another option (who'd 'a' thunk it?) I felt kind of like the Grinch, realizing that there was more to Christmas than presents. Maybe there was more to driving in traffic than getting frustrated and angry.

My heart might not have grown three sizes with this realization, but my life certainly has changed. When I drive in traffic, I relax, breathe, and look for beauty in the scenery around me. Even if it's someplace I've been hundreds of times, there's always something new to notice and appreciate. And I make a point of having good music to listen to, although I often prefer the silence.

I'm also more patient standing in lines, and dealing with other people in general (although my 16-year-old can still find and push my buttons). But that's perfect, too, and it's OK. Since I'm still here breathing, I still have work to do.