#73: Time Perception

A BRIEF MEDITATION

A winding river on the banks of Silverthorne, CO gurgles at your feet. As you dip your toes in, you feel a rhythmic tug, a reminder of an unceasing current. Small pebbles are carried downstream like seconds.

We are all travelers in the river of time, skillfully maneuvering each moment. Sometimes the pace quickens; other times it's a leisurely paddle. Either way, there is no resistance, just flow.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In most Western societies, we have a fixation on "optimizing" time, treating it as a resource that can be extracted and manipulated.

Our calendars become a mosaic of colored blocks, each striving for room. Empty space can feel unsettling, like we're underutilizing our potential.

While using time for practical purposes is perfectly appropriate (often necessary) for meeting obligations, what if we thought less about time overall?

When we constantly reassess how we should be spending that time (as if there's a right answer), we experience heightened anxiety, pulling us away from inner peace and happiness.

If our perception of time is good for anything, let it help you crystallize your priorities.

As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, the only time we truly hold power over, the only moment we can ever experience, is the one right in front of us.

Planning is a valuable tool, but there's a trade-off if we take it too far. We sacrifice the delicious depth of the present moment, whether it's a heartfelt conversation with a friend, the pure passion of working on something important, or the bliss of the simplest joys.

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3 EMPOWERING TRUTHS FROM FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS (AND HOW TO LIVE THEM)

In a world brimming with distractions and stress, time can often feel like it's working against us. Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks provides empowering mindset shifts that help change how you view time and find deeper calm & fulfillment in every moment.

Below are 3 perspectives we found to be the most powerful:

Your reality is defined by what you pay attention to.

Let's say you like scrolling the news or social media when you're bored. This habit doesn't just take up your time. It influences your perception of reality in all areas of your life.

If you're paying attention to things that induce negative emotions (fear, despair, envy, etc), this can obviously sap your energy levels.

HOW TO START: Imagine having a certain number of attention credits. Do an audit of what you normally spend attention on throughout the day.

What takes away energy from your life? Try eliminating JUST one of these things over time and see how it impacts you.

The "I'll be happy when" mindset is a very unhelpful illusion. (And one you’re probably feeding into right now!)

The "I'll be happy when" thought is something we do subconsciously when we’re worried or dissatisfied.

"I'll be happy when I finally pass this test." "I'll be able to breathe when I finally reach Inbox Zero."

As long as you feed into this mindset, another future thing or event will quickly take the old thing's place.

HOW TO START: Identify one event in the future you're worried about. Take a couple of deep breaths, and remind yourself that you are safe and fully capable of being at peace in the current moment. Do this again and again to retrain your brain.

Every moment is just a snapshot; one isn't any more important than the next. Stop delaying your happiness.

The universe doesn't care if you're fulfilling your life's purpose.

Yes, we want to live life intentionally. (That's what this newsletter is largely about!) But there's a difference between having a North Star gently reminding us how to live our lives versus hyper-fixating on what we lack. The difference here is our self-acceptance – we are already whole!

Embracing the smallness of your life can release you from the impossible standards you set for yourself to make your time on Earth "remarkable."

HOW TO START: Practice "cosmic insignificance" therapy when you become too fixated on pursuing your (inner or outer) ambitions. Through the lens of cosmic insignificance, any career is as worthwhile as preparing a nourishing meal for your child.

Zoom out, and feel the freedom of a broader perspective.

MOMENTUM TIP OF THE WEEK

You may already know that energy management >>> time management.

There's no better way to manage your energy than by staying true to your most essential life-giving habits.

Whether it's keeping your morning meditation streak, tracking your daily steps, or fitting enough "you" time during a chaotic holiday season, Momentum Metrics lets you add the habits that make you feel like you at your best.

Start with just ONE habit, and discover the difference it makes when you see your progress front & center.

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

Here are a few stories that may spark curiosity and wonder. ✨

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  🍃 Sustainability: Kauai, Hawaii Is a Clean Energy Leader. Here’s Why.

  🦡 Cute Creatures: How Bubble Curtains Protect Porpoises From Wind Farm Noise

  🎓 Finance: Butler University Creates 2-Year Debt-Free College Degree To Help Underserved Students