One of the most important ways to develop awareness is being present in the moment. The present moment is a potentially vast experience depending on awareness. Mindfully conducting day to day obligations such as work, transportation, and routine activities can simultaneously sharpen one's martial skill as well as providing an entertaining diversion from otherwise mundane activities.
For this post, I will consider the martial art of automobile driving. Many aspects of driving translate well into a martial perspective including its inherent dangers and necessary skills.
When driving, conflict is inevitable. There will always be someone, no matter how responsibly you drive, who will see you as a hindrance or a threat.
Proper driving technique increases one's safety and control. The reader is challenged to adhere to the following rules for at least one week and take note of the results.
1. Never exceed 2500 RPM's of acceleration.
2. Always brake 10 seconds in advance of stopping.
3. When approaching any stoplight, never accelerate.
4. Always attempt to drive the exact speed limit (cruise control helps)
5. Drive in the fast lane whenever possible.
6. Never tailgate.
7. When you anticipate fighting for a lane, switch lanes early, before anyone can block you.
8. When in doubt, grant right of way.
By following these rules, certain observations become apparent. First, cruise control is a metaphor of the martial way. When one has their life on cruise control, they do not hurry recklessly nor delay unnecessarily. They effortlessly maintain an appropriate speed and do not let the impatience or laziness of others impact that speed. During danger they are much faster to react. Emotionally, they are less easily upset.
Drivers who do not exemplify the martial way are either too slow or too fast.
Slow drivers are often weak willed. Though they are less dangerous to others, they are more dangerous to themselves, often cruising slowly into the path of more reckless drivers. They feel they make the road safer by driving slower than necessary, but only manage to spur conflict in other drivers.
Fast drivers are often impulsive and unaware. They are dangerous to other motorists. They see speed limits as unenforceable, useless restrictions. These individuals habitually rev their engines and slam their brakes, thus reducing the life of their cars and increasing risk of accidents. Their will outpaces their awareness and skill. Fast drivers could use the advice of a Chinese parable wherein an old man enjoins his young driver "Slow down! I'm in a hurry!"
Cruise control drivers are perfectly precise. Only the optimal amount of energy is used to move the vehicle as fast as legally possible. One might find that driving at one speed without wavering proves to be much faster than habitually coasting and revving, not to mention more fuel efficient.
The most important skill to learn during driving is finding the way of least conflict. This is the place where other motorists are least likely to travel. Learn to anticipate where motorists wish to go, and avoid being there. Eventually, avoiding conflict and maintaining one's speed will become habitual.
Finally, proper driving teaches the principle of onegai shimasu, which has connotations of "I will strive to take care of you if you take care of me" or wishing for a prosperous shared future, as between a student and teacher, or car and owner. Treating your car in this way will ensure fewer mechanical issues into the extended future. Car parts inevitably wear out, but this process can be delayed or accelerated based on one's driving habits.
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