New property--Tank is on the left |
The barn where I board recently moved to a larger property a
few miles away from the original location. It’s a couple of minutes farther
from my house, but the main road leading there is a straight highway with light
enough traffic that I can use cruise control most days.
This is my version of a commute.
I’ve spent 18 years driving back and forth to barns, and to my surprise, these drives have become simple pleasures in and of themselves. I generally don’t enjoy driving, but this road is so well known to me that it’s not stressful to drive it. There’s not a lot of traffic, I won’t get lost, or have no place to park when I arrive at my destination. I’m going somewhere I love.
I listen to music or an audio book, and watch the sky,
admiring the clouds (or wondering if it’ll rain), and looking for rainbows.
My mind sometimes gets busy when I slide behind the steering
wheel, but it becomes especially active when I drive to the barn. It’s like all
the thoughts I’ve been holding at bay while otherwise occupied flood my mind
when my guard is down. This can be both good and bad.
I often think over problems I’d like to solve, or ponder a tricky
passage of writing. Sometimes it’s more like asking my subconscious mind to get
to work while I’m at the barn and completely absorbed—“Here’s the problem, get
back to me with the answer!” Sometimes the break produces solutions, sometimes
not.
Somehow, driving amplifies my emotions. During hard times I’ve
pulled to the side of the road to cry. During happier ones, I’ve joyfully belted
out show tunes and other favorites, singing along to the radio or to some of my
collected music. I often feel gratitude while driving—for the privilege of
having my horse, and lately for having a reliable vehicle and money for gas.
What’s an unexpected thing in your life that makes you
happy?