The round-about or traffic circle, as they are also called, is the epitome of society. I am frequently frustrated by the round-abouts that I must navigate on a near-daily basis. I joke that “there are two types of people in the world: those who can drive round-abouts and those who can’t.” I like to think that I am among the former. My interactions in round-abouts, however, often reveal my weaknesses in my “well-centered fitness” (e.g., Spiritual, Emotional, and Social wellness). I also think that how others approach the round-about reflects their world view and well-centeredness.
The round-about operates on the “zipper principle.” The zipper principle requires that drivers merge and permit merging to allow for the steady flow of traffic through the circle. This is (in my humble opinion) a very Spiritual principle (i.e., “ am not the center of the Universe”). One should slow down or speed up appropriately to permit drivers to enter and exit the round-about safely and effectively. (They should also signal their intentions.) Drivers who speed up to block someone from entering and those who stop at the entry point despite ample room to merge disrupt the flow of traffic.
Life is very much like the round-about. There are people whose selfish actions and/or insecurities impede upon the progress of others. We often intentionally or unintentionally block the success of others. Many of us get ourselves unnecessarily frustrated but the actions and ignorance of others—we judge and get angry. We accept the “us v. them” mentality and lose sight of the progress that can occur when we work together.
I don’t know if my frustration with round-about (i.e., drivers in round-abouts) is a product of my impatience or of my high expectations for society. Perhaps it is a lot of both. Perhaps the round-about is a two-way mirror that reflects upon me and on society.
I hope for a world in which we all look out for one another. I hope for a would that remembers what we learned in kindergarten—to share—and that seeks to be other-centered rather than self-centered. Round-abouts are one place where we can all (including me) improve upon our efforts to be other-centered. If we can’t master the round-about, we have no hope for a better world.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!