I have been very interested to learn more about the science of cultivating compassion. There is research to indicate that there is a measurable physical effect of practicing compassion. Being more compassionate is directly linked with healty stress response and recognized as a tonic for the vagus nerve. What I mean by that is that there are measurable physicals indicators that people who feel compassion have better cardiovascular health, nervous system function, and immune system response. That sounds like a no-brainer for a goal, right? but how do we practice compassion? It is very difficult in our world. Compassion pretty much has to be done face-to-face and we don’t really interact with many people in our modern lives.

I wanted to figure out a way to get a practice of compassion in my daily life so I came up with the idea to look first at the place that I feel the absolutely least compassionate: behind the wheel. I know I am not alone when I admit that it’s a different person is driving that car-as opposed to the one who meditates daily and aspires to live a life of service. I think we all have had times when we get in the car and think, “well I need to turn this 15 minute drive into an 11 minute drive,” and try to make up some time with creative lane choice, explosive green-light takeoffs and some negligent non-alternating. The thing that makes driving like a jerk possible is that I focus on the car itself-how dare that Range Rover cut me off! I am the only human out there-if I drive like that then I might make it to the store before it closes!!!

Human connection is at the center of compassion, but we are totally separated in our cars. How can I (positively, emotionally definitely NOT physically) connect with a person through all that metal and glass? That would be a powerful and rewarding experience…

I came up with a way I could practice compassion behind the wheel:

Every time I get in my car and set out for a drive, I think “How many people can I help while I’m driving?” Full disclaimer: I live in Portland, Oregon where I drive among the most courteous other drivers I’ve ever known. There must be a Portlandia episode about it. Anyway, practicing compassion this way is simple (not easy)! How courteous a driver can you be? Opportunities will present themselves. Let that person in to the line. Wave the person making a left turn since you’ve paused the traffic behind you anyway. Doing nice things for people walking and biking gets extra points. Slow down and give space. Stop to let them cross even if they look like they’re waiting for you to go by.

I have never regretting being nice to a person. My only advice is don’t try this on a drive you’re trying to hurry through. Someday you will be leaving and realize that you have time to spare. Instead of adding something else to your list or going on your phone, just make it a leisurely drive.

Honestly, it will have noticeable physical benefits from the very first time you try it. You will arrive more relaxed and happy for starters. That starts a cascade of positive health effects!

This is a yogic practice-Karma yoga. Karma yoga is considered 'the yoga of action’ which means you are doing something out in the world, not just bending your body around on the mat. In some ways this is an easier way to experience ‘yoga,’ or the union of self and other, because the felt experience of compassionate connection is so profound and memorable.

So for the ‘challenge!’ I invite you to practice compassion on one of your regular drives this week. Can you do it two times? Try to work up to 5 times a week by the end of the year. I guarantee you will not regret it!