The Great Hang Up

Here in Sacramento, the local ABC affiliate News10 is promoting “The Great Hang Up“, a challenge to the community to pledge to not text and drive.  Oprah and others have been pushing this campaign, and now it is being implemented at the regional level.

The decision to make the pledge was easy for this pup and mama, as we are no longer cellular.  But, even if this pooch possessed a mobile and if I could drive, I certainly would not be using the device while commandeering a lethal weapon.

The Spiritual Center for Positive Living where mama attends services has taken up this issue and partnered with News10 to encourage the movement towards a text-free community.  Rev. Pattie Weber spoke on this topic yesterday, and added a deeper meaning to The Great Hang Up.

Rev. Pattie used the issue of distracted driving to spur a conversation about mindfulness and about care for ourselves and for others.  As a contemplative canine, I am inspired whenever I have the chance to stretch my thinking about a topic and to find a deeper interpretation.

Rev. Pattie touched on “the golden rule” as a universal theme throughout religious practices, and reminded us that all faiths preach this message:

“Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself.” (Old Testament- Judaism)

“A man obtains a proper rule of action by looking on his neighbor as himself.” (Hinduism)

“Seek to be in harmony with all your neighbors; live in amity with your brethren” (Confucianism)

“No one is a believer until he loves for his neighbor, and for his brother, what he loves for himself.”  (Islam)

And Jesus proclaimed “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you.” (Christianity)

Clearly, regardless of our individual faith, we are commanded to treat each other with care. When I look at those declarations from many faiths, I wonder why any human would take the risk of harm (or death) to themselves, their loved ones or their neighbors by driving while distracted.  Especially if they are drivers who claim faith… any faith.

Taking it a step further, Rev. Pattie beautifully presented the idea that by taking The Great Hang Up pledge, we simultaneously are taking a pledge towards mindfulness.  Think about that for a moment… let it marinate… By saying “no” to using devices while driving, it forces us to be mindful of the situation… to be in the moment… to be aware.

Imagine if folks began to be truly mindful in their armor-on-wheels, and then extended that mindfulness to other parts of their lives.  Not only would we see a decrease in accidents and fatalities due to hands-on devices, but our collective consciousness would grow too.

Are you willing to take this pledge?  It could save you, your precious cargo and your neighbors.

Peace and love, loyal readers… and, drive safely!