Last week I chose the option of a speed awareness course, rather than a fine and points on my driving licence, as I had been caught speeding.
The course was available online, and I clicked on the attachment to join a Zoom meeting with five others and our trainer. I set my laptop up on the end of the kitchen table and had a notepad and a glass of water by my side.
The course gifted me more than I had expected. Our trainer was excellent and it became a group discussion, as he shared the legal information required and invited each of us to share our thoughts. Two and a half hours flew by. We all had our mobiles and other devices turned off and found ourselves in a peaceful bubble.
Our trainer respected the details of our private lives, and the course naturally flowed into a general discussion about what we found distracting and the events and situations that hijack our emotions and peace of mind before we start car journeys and when we're driving.
We were a mixed bunch, so the reasons were varied and we started to listen to each other. We all agreed that it helps to be aware of our choices before we leave home. I try not to read emails, and messages or take phone calls before I head out of the front door. Others shared how they try to observe situations when driving and choose not to get involved emotionally, so their inner peace remains undisturbed. A delivery driver found himself getting very agitated about others' driving choices, and he realised he was hurt by the inconsideration he's shown daily.
Our trainer talked about the safe space around our cars, stopping distances etc.. and we talked about nurturing a space around ourselves, fostering our calm.
I re-learned an aspect of the Highway Code I had forgotten, as it is many years since I took my driving test.
As we said farewell and logged off, I realised that the course had held my attention for a few hours, whilst everything else stopped. It was peaceful.