Meditation is impossible when navigating the stress of traffic. Driving isn't exercise. Sunlight filtered through car windows doesn't provide vitamin D. Fresh air doesn't exist on a highway filled with brake dust and car exhaust.
Walking to work would be nice and would provide those benefits, but the vast majority of workers don't have that luxury.
Meditation is impossible when navigating the stress of traffic. Driving isn't exercise.
I was referring to riding public transportation, then walking through the city to the office. I agree that driving doesn't meet the criteria, but commuting != driving.
Commuting by train fucking rules. I can get up, walk around, sit in the dining car and have a really nice espresso and a croissant which is heated up in the oven before I get it, and if the weather is nice I can get off one station early and get more walking in.
Yeah.. no, thanks. I make coffee and sit by the pool for that, or bike around town before the heat sets in. I commuted for 20 years and, sure, I had lots of time to think, but it also destroyed my back and health.
If you don't naturally prioritize those things, the impact of missing them will sneak up on you.