On my way to work today, it occurred to me that driving is a supremely spiritual experience. Consider for a moment how this common, everyday endeavor tests your true character. In most of our other interactions with people, we have a name and a face, and are held accountable for our actions (and gestures). In an automobile on the other hand, we are anonymous, or at least we act as if we are.

It is in this arena that we are sorely tested. You know what I'm talking about. You're driving down the interstate, and someone in the lane on your left swerves in front of you. He or she then continues their Nascaresque maneuver to veer in front of another car in order to barely make an exit. They're gone and you and the other driver are left with a rapid pulse and a red face. Or how about the driver who interprets a yellow caution light as meaning "speed up and make it through the intersection"? You proceed ahead with a green light, only to narrowly miss being broad-sided. They're gone too, and oblivious to the near mayhem left in their wake. Another red face.

And my favorite: you're in an intersection in the left lane of two that are turning that way, and that rapidly narrow down to one. You're in the lane that continues, and the one on your right is supposed to yield and merge. You glance at the person next to you, and catch him leaning over and tightly gripping the steering wheel. He peeks at you from the corner of his eye, and you know it's on.

I said earlier that these circumstances test our characters. How we respond largely defines our attitudes toward others, and our degree of self-control. All too often, we fail these tests. The correct response to this last example would be to simply slow down and yield room to the person who is trying to break into your lane. This would demonstrate a humble spirit, and an ability to place the needs of others above our own. This is a difficult thing. Even the most mildly demeanored, charitable, and calm among us lose their cool in this situation. You know it's true. I'm not going to name names, but my wife, Barbara...

Anyway, in addition to testing our spirits, driving can have a real and significant impact on our physical well-being. I'm not talking about having an accident, which would be an obvious impact. I'm referring to the subtle changes the stresses of driving can have on our bodies. Predictably, driving reasonably frequent and long distances can lead to low back problems. This can not only exacerbate exiting conditions, but cause new ones. Additionally, several studies have documented the negative impact of stress on our immune systems, and have listed the stresses of driving as being one of the causes. The same is true for stomach problems, heart and kidney disease. And of course, panic attacks have been associated with driving.

Interestingly, the latest issue of the "Journal of Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine" included a study that looked at the effect of driving noise on blood pressure. The authors found a significant link between road noise levels and the elevation of a person's blood pressure. This was true for people with hypertension and those without. These effects were greatest for those between the ages of 45 and 55 years, and were stronger at higher noise levels. Mention was also made of the sudden, loud, and intrusive honking of a car horn. I'm sure you've experienced that as well. Someone blows their horn near you, and you immediately start looking around. What did I do? Again, your pulse quickens and your face gets red.

So, as I drive along today, I am convinced that remaining calm while driving, and responding to the erratic behavior of others with equanimity is important to my physical health and my spiritual well-being. When faced with seemingly supremely self-centered fellow motorists, I will demonstrate my patience, graciousness, humility, and …. What the...! Why that jerk!!!! What in the world is he...! Just watch this!