BEING MINDFUL

One of my favorite songs from back in the day is Simon and Garfunkel's 59th Street Bridge. The first verse goes like this: Slow down you move too fast, you got to make the morning last just kicking down the cobblestone, looking for fun and feeling groovy." Let me explain. No less than four times over the last 10 days, I have come uncomfortably close to being hit by a car. After the 4th close call, that song came into my mind and I began repeating it over and over in my head, like a mantra. I did an inventory of my actions, wondering if I might have been daydreaming, not paying attention to my surroundings as I crossed the street in those four instances. While I certainly have and can be guilty of not paying attention, or moving too fast, that wasn't the case. In each of the near misses, the driver was going very fast and clearly was intent on getting through the light. I think there are a couple factors at play: not enough pedestrians and a lack of mindfulness. Since there are very few people on foot these days, I don't think drivers look for or even expect to be slowed down by someone walking across the street. Secondly, people are multitasking behind the wheel: talking on the phone, texting, thinking about what's next on the to-do list, anxious to get to work or home to complete the next task. In yoga philosophy and asana, we practice mindfulness. We practice being in the moment, to feel the sensation in the body as we breathe, moving in and out of postures. The practice is not about what is planned for later in the day, but rather, what is happening in the moment- being present for the experience. I must admit that I am a bit tentative these days as I cross the street, especially at night! But, at the same time, I am being called to be mindful of my surroundings, making eye contact if possible with drivers before I cross the street. In the future, I am going to heed my own advice when I get behind the wheel, practicing mindfulness and, before I turn the key in the ignition, repeat my new favorite mantra, "slow down you move too fast!"