As you might guess, I had the opportunity to practice non-resistance in that way many, many times during the drive. At some point, I noticed that I was actually smiling each time I saw someone speeding up behind me. I began to feel that I was actually facilitating the smooth and orderly flow of Life in each of those encounters. Somewhere along the way I started noticing how many flowers there are along the I-10 corridor at this time of year. First were miles and miles of yellow blossoms with occasional orange mallow blossoms, then miles later great huge patches of orange as those plants become predominant. Interspersed were bushes with bright blue flowers, and then back to yellow and orange. Those gave way to purple, and as I approached my destination, smaller, almost chartreuse-colored petals appeared.

I stopped at every rest stop along the way, getting out of the car to walk around for a bit, looking at the rocks and seeing the patterns in the mountains made by various types of rocks and prehistoric volcanic activity. Approaching Quartzsite, where my aunt and uncle lived as snowbirds for many years, I pulled off to drive through that little town, remembering visits we'd had over the years, walking through the swap meets, and the unusual things we'd seen for sale. I thought of the pioneers who settled in that far away and desolate place so many years ago.

Before leaving that odd little town, I noticed what time it was and called Jon to let him know I was safe and still on the road. An hour and a half or so later, I stopped to enjoy a late lunch at Chiriaco Summit. The facilities at the gas station were out of order, causing a line outside the ladies' room in the restaurant. I found myself engaged in some impromptu ministry to a young woman frazzled by the chore of helping repair her elderly mom's home, which was many miles and hours away from her own home. 

Waiting for my lunch, I again called Jon to confess I was still an hour or so from arriving. We laughed at my pace- the two of us generally make a lot of pit-stops when we drive, but I now officially hold the family record for "wasting" time on a car trip. During that last leg of the trip, I began receiving voice mails from friends at the conference, wondering if I'd arrived. Finally here, I parked the car and checked in. Before heading to my room, I heard my name and was greeted with a hug and the beautiful smile of our friend, singer-songwriter Faith Rivera, who is providing our music this week. Another friend asked me how my drive had been, and I heard myself say that it had been just lovely. Indeed, it had been just exactly that.

In our current meditation class, we're exploring different types of meditation, as well as ways to increase the amount of mindfulness we bring to each moment. I am thankful for the benefits of this class in my own life. Seeing our behaviors more clearly - even at 75mph- is possible. When we see clearly, we can choose more effectively. And choosing more effectively has lovely benefits. We'll see how the drive home later today goes...