Today I could have died. Sounds melodramatic doesn’t it? Winding back to the morning, I was merrily driving on a very wet country road. I was joyfully singing along to Lokanath Swami’s kirtan (recorded in Vrindavan) when I drove a bit too fast on the final bend on a rather twisty road.
The edge of the road had a lot of mud and wet grass, and before I could take a breath I had totally lost control, my stomach lurched like when you are on a roller coaster. I heard screaming when I realised I was sliding across the grass at fifty miles per hour and was on the wrong side of the road – facing the opposite direction! A split second later I realised it was me screaming (I don’t yell so this was a rare occurrence!)
Fortunately the lady on the other side was an excellent driver who saw my car, and stopped immediately and put her hazard lights on. She then pulled up next to me to make sure I was okay.
After a deep breath, I realised I was feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. I was relieved to not have hurt anyone. I did notice my mind was completely caught up in the moment. Despite hearing the Hare Krishna mantra on the stereo – all I was focused on was the car skidding across the road. Perhaps it was this concentration that prevented a fatal incident, who knows? All I know is I was not thinking of the beautiful flute-player from Vrindavan. Luckily I have been given the chance to learn from this and try to take shelter of the Holy Name.
