Getting stuck in a traffic jam is no fun, but perhaps we can learn some life lessons from the experience. , Photo Credit: M.Murthy
Traffic jam is painful. This pain is not yours, it is not mine, it is ours. It is common in everyone’s life. It is quite common in cities and towns around the world. Traffic jams have forced a small section of citizens to prefer public transport which largely excludes roadways.
While in traffic jam we get frustrated, abuse and honking loudly causes noise pollution. We do whatever it takes to get ahead and at times, even do things that are illegal and unethical. But, I believe traffic jam can teach us one of the biggest lessons in life.
While stuck in traffic jams, I have reflected on what an essential part of our lives they have become. I realized that traffic jam teaches us to be patient in life. Among the myriad factors that contribute to a satisfying life, patience is key.
Instead of being hasty, a patient approach can save us from unprecedented challenges like accidents or traffic challans.
Practicing patience during traffic jam will help us to imbibe it in our personality.
As the Mahatma said, “To lose patience is to lose the battle.” Patience is central to winning the battle.
Another lesson that traffic jams teach us is the value of small steps in life. By walking bit by bit in traffic jam instead of impulse, we will reach our destination safely. Just as there cannot be an ocean without small drops of water, there cannot be a journey without small steps.
The third lesson we can learn from traffic jams is to be diligent. Driving inch by inch can be frustrating. Keeping hands on the gear and steering wheel, feet on the brakes, eyes on the front, and eyes on the rear-view mirror… is indeed a challenging task that requires our full attention.
There may be many more lessons that traffic jams can teach us, and perhaps our hatred of being stuck in traffic will subside somewhat if we follow these lessons. Of course, we may never love traffic jams but we will never hate them.
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