Commuting Meditation

Is it possible to relax on the Tube?


Apparently the UK has the longest average daily commute in Europe - 45 minutes. Rather than this being the cause for stress some researchers have suggested that we try to embrace our commute and use it as a chance to unwind.

Thanks to Matthew K for giving me the heads up to a feature from the BBC, which states that "for some, having a regular slot away from the pressures of home and work allows them time out to meditate."

A number of suggestions for commuting meditatation are given, with my thoughts in brackets

* Listen to light music or meditation commentary (this is only possible if some little oik next to you isn't listening to heavy music or hip hop commentary)
* Take slow, deep breaths (not too many on certain lines otherwise you'll end up with Tube snot)
* Imagine a relaxing place (difficult without noise reduction headphones as even if you're not sitting in a carriage with tourists or school kids, it's hard to relax with the constrant stream of blaring PA announcements both inside and outside of your carriage)
* Accept noise and confines of your journey (accepting confines during the rush hour when you are standing under someone's armpits would take the meditative skills of an experienced yogi)
* Write positive affirmations (such as 'the Northern Line being consistently rubbish is good for my mental health')
* If standing, put bag down and relax body and mind (just pray it doesn't get nicked or nudged out if you're near the doors)
* On bus or overground train, take in the view (this is about the only thing that works for me, but it helps that for about four minutes I have a view of a nice part of the Thames, when on the rest of the overground part of my journey, the 'view' to take in is the backs of people's house and offices and some hideous looking car parks - which don't really portray lovely open space)

Does any of the above work for you? Or would you like to share alternative commuting meditation or mantras and positive affirmations you use?

London Underground; Tube Posted by annie mole Monday, May 14, 2007 Permalink COMMENT HERE
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