Public Transportation as Meditation

I have always thought, if I had the time, that I would spend a day in London just travelling by tube, bus, train and boat. I used to commute in London so I know what a nightmare it is when you have a purpose. But when you have the freedom of time, as well as the freedom of the city, there is a lot to be learnt - about yourself, about your view of others and about how others view the world around them. And then, of course, you find new places you have never been to and all benefits that brings.

Plus, gets you out of the house and away from your computer. Bonus!

Good luck on your travels!

 

Great idea. I personally don't suffer from social anxiety, but I agree there is something meditative about passive, destination-less travelling. Whether it be public transport or simply walking, travelling with no destination in mind and with no purpose other than enjoying the experience gives you the opportunity to reflect and organise your thoughts, something that is sorely lacking in 21st-century life.

I'm personally a big fan of long-distance, aimless walking. Luckily I'm in a new city, so I've been taking the opportunity to explore the region on foot, all while thinking away. Do a quick survey of geniuses over the last couple millenia, and you'll find many who were deeply passionate about wandering around for no reason. Philosophers especially, but also authors, scientists, artists, and so on. Many of them claimed to stumble across their best ideas when wandering, and I certainly believe them as I also find my mind is at its most peaceful and most creative in the middle of a long Sunday walk.

Here is a recent article from the Beeb on the subject.

 

You have just reminded me that you cannot wander on the internet. Wandering and browsing are no the same thing. Thank you!

 

OP, for awhile I was commuting along almost the entire length of the Red Line five days a week and used it as meditation.
It wasn't aimless exploring, of course, bu it was a perfect opportunity for meditating. Especially if I managed to get a seat.

 

Love this idea. I used to get so freaked out by London transport. So noisy. So busy. Now I often plug in my earphones, listen to music, people watch, smile at the people who smile at me and it actually makes me feel good; when I can feel so centred around such craziness. I was recently in Berlin where people are much more direct and easy to converse with in public. London is a whole other social organism, much more restrictive in what one feels is 'etiquette.' I would like to challenge myself to over come this though, so thank you for your suggestion.