Inspired by your airport bus ride story, I took the bus the other day and was like "Huh. THIS is the experience. It's not a means to the experience. It IS the experience."
Every time I read your substack, I find myself thinking of my commute habits. It seems contradicting, but a lot of the times I live my slow life through my fast commutes. This is the moment where I absorb the most from my surroundings.
I also like the adrenaline rush, even when I don't have to be anywhere at any specific time. It's a different type of rush though - I just like to go fast. As my neurons begin to fire faster, time moves much slower. Not only am I focusing on the state of my breathing and my body, but I'm also capturing the sounds, smells and visuals of my environment, looking at people's faces and body languages, and calculating the best way to get around everyone to get to my destination faster and without bothering anyone.
When I have to wait or I'm in a vehicle, I slow down my heart rate and relax. I generally plan in advance for my commutes, so there's no need to stress. I didn't know there was a word for it, but I do practice Metta meditation often during these periods. On top of wishing strangers and people close to me well, I also try to assume the best of people's actions - holding onto unnecessary grudges can really ruin the rest of your day. When I do get bothered by someone, I make an assumption that they didn't mean to do it on purpose and wish them well.
Inspired by your airport bus ride story, I took the bus the other day and was like "Huh. THIS is the experience. It's not a means to the experience. It IS the experience."
Love it! Thanks for sharing your experience. Love how you phrased it too xx
Every time I read your substack, I find myself thinking of my commute habits. It seems contradicting, but a lot of the times I live my slow life through my fast commutes. This is the moment where I absorb the most from my surroundings.
I also like the adrenaline rush, even when I don't have to be anywhere at any specific time. It's a different type of rush though - I just like to go fast. As my neurons begin to fire faster, time moves much slower. Not only am I focusing on the state of my breathing and my body, but I'm also capturing the sounds, smells and visuals of my environment, looking at people's faces and body languages, and calculating the best way to get around everyone to get to my destination faster and without bothering anyone.
When I have to wait or I'm in a vehicle, I slow down my heart rate and relax. I generally plan in advance for my commutes, so there's no need to stress. I didn't know there was a word for it, but I do practice Metta meditation often during these periods. On top of wishing strangers and people close to me well, I also try to assume the best of people's actions - holding onto unnecessary grudges can really ruin the rest of your day. When I do get bothered by someone, I make an assumption that they didn't mean to do it on purpose and wish them well.
Good read! Hope all is well with you, Tania :)
I love how you describe the commute as **fast** as it's a place where you absorb the most from your surroundings!!!
Wishing people well while crossing paths as a beautiful thing to do, so glad to hear how much you enjoy commuting! ✨