Commuting: Taxing the Soul of America
The toll of commuting, on emotional and physical health, is a growing national concern. Over 10 million Americans spend 60 minutes or more enduring the commuter grind, according to the 2000 U.S. Census report. This number includes women in the work force which has nearly doubled since 1960. Between 1990 and 2000, the U.S. experienced the largest population increase of any decade in American history, adding 32.7 million people to its dense, congested highways.
Wherein lies a recipe for disaster on the highways. Add a few too many cars, red hot tempers, and slow as molasses highways, simmer for 60 minutes until boiling and within minutes we’ve created hundreds of hot, steaming, road raged commuters.
Kiomi Mount, counselor and mental health therapist states, “Traffic is a significant frustration for thousands of commuters. Add to this frustration the stress of daily life and we are at risk of increased aggressive drivers. I decided it was time to find a solution to reduce the emotional toll of the daily commute.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA) reports, “Traffic congestion is one of the most frequently mentioned contributing factors to aggressive driving.” According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “Over 1,500 men, women and children are killed or seriously injured each year due to aggressive driving. It is likely that the cause of the road rage extends beyond the immediate incident. An individual may have had a bad day at work or troubles at home.” Increased congestion leads to frustration, potentially creating a monster out of a friendly commuter.
Even the Vatican acknowledged the hazards of driving and highlighted the spiritual toll that traffic plays in modern life. Three months ago they released a 36 page document, “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road,” including, “Ten Commandments,”
drivers. Aggressive driving is not only an escalating problem in America, but a growing international concern.
Kiomi Mount, who counsels people in Seattle, Washington states, “My goal is to help transform frustrating, commute time into an opportunity for productive self-reflection.”
Each mp3 is less than 10 minutes and free as a public service to commuters. Anyone with access to the internet can download a free copy of these calming mp3 recordings by visiting http://www.ArtOfLivingConcepts.com/
Wondering if you are getting too aggressive on the road? Fill out the free “Aggressive Driver Analysis,” at http://www.ArtOfLivingConcepts.com/
A copy of the “Ten Commandments”
If you’d like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Kiomi Mount, please call 206-355-5776 or email counselingkm@
