As I was maneuvering my way through the busy and chaos-filled roads, my mind began agitating and protesting against the undesirable circumstances that were thrust upon me by the inconsiderate authorities who ran the city. I was simmering inside, blaming the traffic cops, the civic authorities and everyone else who I was convinced were responsible for the mismanagement of the city’s roads. The cynic in me was rejoicing in self-righteous indignation! All through the drama, a part of me was quietly noticing my reactions—and acknowledging a familiar pattern in them.

Traffic as a metaphor for life

Driving in a densely populated city like Mumbai is an emotionally charged phenomenon. The collective emotional charge of scores of commuters often runs very high. Over the years I have come to liken traffic in this city as a metaphor for life itself. The unpredictability, the chaos, the reactions and counter-reactions, the rat race in which everyone is trying to get ahead, with little consideration for fellow commuters—all seem to mimic life. And, just like in life, while driving, we always have a choice to either respond or react.

When I am behind the wheel, my fragile ego often goes into an overdrive. For example, when someone cuts in front of me, I get highly offended—and immediately want to get even with this unworthy being who needs to be taught some lessons in respecting others’ rights. But isn’t this the way I react to people in my life too? Without knowing the whole context, I often make up my mind about others. When I feel offended by someone, I assume the worst about him or her. And in the process, I create unnecessary stress and anxiety for myself.

Becoming mindful of the “other”

Now, what if the gentleman who cut ahead of me was facing an emergency? What if he wanted to get to an important meeting lest he lose his job? What if he was grieving and preoccupied with thoughts of a friend who had recently passed away? Or worse, what if his wife was in a critical condition, and he had to rush to the hospital? Would I still feel so righteous about myself? Would I still want to get even with him? I think I would respond with compassion and concern and silently send him good wishes.

Granted that people are often deliberately sadistic on the road—but here’s what I have learned. Every time I react to others by trying to get even, I fuel their belligerence even more, adding to the already high negative charge on the road, and end up feeling not so great myself. Yet, each time I respond with kindness to those who drive recklessly, I dilute their aggression, introduce a little peace on the road, and maintain my own connection to peace. This is possible when we practice mindfulness while driving.

Practicing mindfulness while driving

I have now come to regard the daily commute as a fantastic opportunity to practise the values of kindness and compassion, tolerance and patience. Of course, it takes time to make these changes—I still tend to get hooked by my ancient pattern of reacting. But at least I am aware of it… and often this awareness restores my connection quickly and strengthens my commitment to being mindful, while driving — and living.

Deliberately practicing mindfulness while driving keeps us from overreacting and helps us stay in touch with our shared humanity. Think of driving like a daily mindfulness classroom, where you can learn to tame your ego and lessen your cynicism. In time, you will find yourself being more mindful both on and off the road, and you will begin to experience reduced stress and greater peace in all aspects of your life. That is the beauty of mindfulness.

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Most of us aced the wheels when we were kids. So it’s just tapping into our long-term memory. However, if you are a first timer, there’s nothing to worry—learning to cycle is no rocket science.

Why should you cycle to work?

• Improves your health
• A step [pedal] closer to a greener, cleaner Earth
• Keeps your money in your pocket
• Saves you the agony of traffic
• Old and young, everyone can ride one.

A few tips for making cycling your mode of commute

• Buy a bike which has a basket or a rear rack
• Keep your bike clean, always
• Get the tires, the chain etc. checked regularly
• Always ride in comfortable and bike appropriate clothes and footwear
• Carry a small bag with a change of clothes. And roll your clothes instead of folding them, this will prevent them from creasing. You can keep some essentials such as a hand towel, wet wipes and a face wash in your office drawer itself so you don’t have to carry them everyday.
• Look for a place nearby if you can’t change at your office
• Wear a helmet at all times
• Work out a proper route prior
• Strategise your clean up time beforehand
• Your cycle should have lights and reflectors if you are riding during the evening
• Keep yourself hydrated with a carry-on bottle.

Bring on the excuses

“I can’t reach work looking like I’ve been hit by a hurricane”

Nice one! But you can always freshen up and change your clothes after reaching office. Besides, think about how many people you’ll be inspiring and what a trendsetter you’ll become—the improvement in your health quotient is an added bonus. The changing and freshening up won’t take you more than 10 minutes. You will have to reach office a little earlier than usual—a small price to pay for so many benefits.

“Isn’t cycling in rush hours risky?”

Yes. However, it is possible to get around traffic. Using a cycle allows you to drive through shortcuts, which are not available to cars and heavy vehicles. If you can’t miss the traffic zones, you can go slow and even get off and walk along side your cycle for the first few times, until you gain the confidence. With time, your fears will subside and you will breeze through the traffic.

“My office is far! It will take me a lot of time!”

If you feel your office is too far, then find a way to carry your cycle in the car. Park your car 15 – 20 cycling minutes away from work and switch to your cycle after that. If you feel your car is small and your bike won’t fit in, you can get a bike holder fixed behind your car to carry your bike on it.

“What if it starts raining?”

It’s the 21st century. You can carry a water proof bag, which has all your work clothes; you can wear raincoats and windcheaters. Make sure your bike is suitable for slippery roads during the rains. Of course, on days when it pours heavily, you can skip your cycle ride.

“I think I am too old to ride a cycle. What if other people make fun of me?”

If you don’t cycle due to fear of ridicule, think again. Cycling does not have an age limit. In fact, cycling allows you to bond with people of various age groups.

“There are no cyclists in my locality.”

Then take the initiative of being the first one. “You must be the change you want to see in the world,” said Mahatma Gandhi. Take the plunge, inspire others and see how many will follow your lead.

Let your new resolution be “Cycling everyday, helps me in different ways.” Whoever said you have to wait till the New Year to make a positive change? You can start now.

The post Why you should consider cycling to work appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.