It works! I just got back, and didn't have a moment of panic. It took a conscious effort - see the mailbox, acknowledge the mailbox, look past the mailbox, 'flow' past the mailbox! Today was rough because everyone has decided that campaign signs are more effective when they jut out over the edge of the road...

I was on my mtb, which I seem to have more control over than my road bike. Next weekend I get to ride my road bike again, so we'll see if the zen approach works there too.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I had a great ride!