What is Time?
The belief that time is not on our side, or that there is never enough time can lead us to develop a frantic and stressful relationship with time. In our modern age, time is being calculated through a set of units of measurements: using seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years. We move frantically from one task to another and manage our affairs with schedules. We use calendars and time-keeping devices, all of what make time appear finite and scarce. Since the Industrial Revolution, time had been measured with productivity and for this reason many of us have developed a difficult and binding relationship with time.
Concept of Time
Our ancestors, on the other hand, measured time by a measure of rhythms. The rhythms where observed in the sunrise and sunset, the change of seasons, the movement of the tides and flow of water after storms, the lunar cycle and the observations of the orbs. This was the ebb and flow of life that measured the concept of time- yet today we have forgotten the ebb and flow of time as a relative concept that does not need to be limiting or binding.
To create calm in our life, we can develop a new relationship with what it means to be in the present moment. We can begin to appreciate the meaning of now, stillness and re-evealuate how we show up in each moment.
New Concepts of Time for Mindful Living
Here are some ideas of how we can renew our relationship with time.
Let time be on your side.
Perform Mundane tasks with Mindful Engagement
Some tasks, like washing dishes and sweeping, can feel monotonous and unsatisfying. When we change our approach to this task and honor the task and process and even find pleasure in it, we can change how we experience these moments. You may want to use essential oils in your water as you wash your dishes in the sink or wash your floors. The experience becomes a pleasure. You may want to fold each shirt with a mantra of gratitude “ I am grateful for my clothes” or take out your garbage with “My community runs smoothly and cooperatively”. Approach these tasks mindfully, calmly and with gratitude.
Establish Boundaries
We learn the importance of honoring others’ time and show up for appointments on time. This shows respect to others. It is also important that we make a commitment to ourselves and honor our own time limits. If you have committed to a yoga practice, be sure that you do not extent the phone conversation with your friend. Do not allow work to spill over onto dinner time, by responding to colleague emails while eating. Honor the time that you set for yourself. You can learn to cultivate your presence in all the tasks and responsibilities that you value. You will feel much more in control of yourself and your time. To learn how to use planning to support self-care, read DoCalm’s article: 3 Best Tips to Plan for a Calmer and Better Day.
Make time to be Spontenous
Make it a priority to include unstructured time. Whether a getaway that is loosely planned or a morning stroll in the park with out a route planned. Unstructured time is important, not only to loosen up the mundane in your life but an opportunity to let go. Train your mind that it is okey to be scheduled and also unstructured; it will create a more flexible way of being present.
Go on a Retreat
Make some time for yourself once a while, to do something out of the ordinary that will reset your rhythm. Choose a destination or activity that will allow you to experience the simplicity of life- such as a hiking, camping or canoe trip or a silent- retreat at an Ashram meditation centre. You will learn to be still, and will become immersed in the activity and space to not worry about anything else that is happening. A time retreat is about doing less rather than more.
Pause for a Moment
Train your mind to pause and be mindful by cultivating a habit of finding cues in your environment that will remind you to pause. This pause can come every time the phone rings or when the computer loads or when you press the elevator button. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that you are present and that there is nowhere else to be but in the space and time. Count to three and come back to the moment and space.
Connect to the Rhythms of the Sun
Our ancestors observed the sunset and sunrise daily. People woke up with the sunrise, to tend to the land and domesticated animals and went to sleep shortly after the setting of the sun. This allowed their bodies to be more aligned with the natural rhythm of the day. When adapting this practice, the circadian rhythm becomes more regulated and we release both serotonin and endorphins. It is also believed that observing the sun, also called Sungazing, can boost the activity of the Pineal gland- a central place of regulating human hormones. In many Eastern traditions this gland is considered to be the seat of intuition and spiritual connection. With greater connection to the rhythm of the sun, your body will sleep better and as a result you will also feel more alive and energetic. Make a habit of watching the sunset and the sunrise when you can. There may be an opportunity to start your morning yoga practice with the sunset. To learn more your morning yoga practice for self-care read Docalm’s article: Live Better with a Morning Yoga Practice.
Check out this video if you would like to feel inspired to embrace the sunrise and sunset for stress-relief.
Practice an activity to stay in the flow
“The flow” is the moment where time seizes to exist because you are so fully present in the activity that gives your pleasure and joy. In a way, it is a super conscious experience, you are highly attuned to the environment, your body or your task. Being in the flow also sparks creativity. When your mind and body feels less resistance- you are naturally aligned with yourself and the way that you are showing up in the world. Decisions are easier and come more naturally, as you are more highly attuned with your inner knowing and creative force. This is a great way to eliminate stress and practice being in the present moment and stillness. Choose a flow activity, aligned with your natural talents, passions and happiness. Some examples may be: painting, writing, dancing, surfing, gardening and hiking. To learn more about “The State of Flow” check out Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s work here:
Present Moment Awareness
When you make a conscious decision to re-frame your relationship with time, you will feel less bound to the restrictions that you associate with time. This can be both freeing and calming as your concept of time will be less connected with units of measurement and the sense of finite can overwhelm us. You will also learn to appreciate time; this can even make you more productive. As you apply other practices of present moment awareness such as meditation and yoga, you will notice a different relationship with time and a renewed connection with the present moment.
Like all habits, this new way of being will take practice and dedication. Experiencing each moment consciously is freeing. A less fragmented sense of time will help you find stillness and calm.
When you make a conscious decision to re-frame your relationship with time, you will feel less bound to the restrictions that you associate with time.
