Day 3 deals with Recognizing and Healing Time Dysfunction
In this meditation Deepak explains the definition of “time sickness”. In essence it is our continuing view of time as something always unattainable. There’s always too much to do, things or people who aren’t receiving our attention, the beating ourselves up over not getting this or that done or calling back so and so. He said it, dysfunction.
Deepak’s narrative highlighted a crucial point:
Encouraging someone to slow down only bears fruit when that person changes their perception of time and how they use it. This resonated with me as I’ve been discussing my challenges with staying present in each moment, a theme reiterated in today’s message.
Consider why we engage in any activity – whether out of obligation, responsibility, or genuine desire. How we define these moments shapes our perspective on the time spent. Deepak emphasizes that when we’re passionate about something, time appears to fly. Conversely, in less engaging activities, boredom sets in. There are also situations where we struggle to grasp the task at hand, leaving us feeling that our time is wasted.
Ultimately, we have the power to make the most of any situation, commit to being fully present, and shift our perception of time and its seeming constraints. These limitations don’t stem from time itself but from our view and use of it. Deepak suggests that we don’t need a better time management plan; we need a shift in our perception of time and how we harness it. If we believe our time is well spent and purposeful, it will be. Conversely, if we perceive it as wasted or mismanaged, it will feel that way.
We move constantly from here to there and so on that when we have the opportunity to stand still and just be, we don’t know how. Likewise when we are asked to practice quieting our brains and find internal stillness our thoughts race and are just as loud as if we were reciting them verbally. These, are symptoms of time sickness and we all experience them.
In today’s experience, I’d like to share my reflections on how time sickness affects me.
This condition leads to heightened anxiety, episodes of panic, and persistent worry, all of which come with uncomfortable physical symptoms. I notice an increase in my heart rate, occasional body tremors, and a surge of adrenaline that results in overall tightness and discomfort. Despite my best attempts to concentrate, there are moments when I feel scattered and disoriented.
Now, let’s delve into the top three stressors that consistently impact me:
- Financial security
- Overall physical and mental wellness
- Work responsibilities
To address these challenges, I’ve chosen a simple solution: moving my body more. I’ve realized that when my mind succumbs to this feeling of sickness, physical activity helps dissipate the anxious energy. It redirects my body and brain, shifting focus away from these distressing thoughts. Gradually, my mind quiets down, and I regain a sense of balance, support, and well-being.
I recognize that if I’m capable of throwing myself off balance, I can certainly employ the tools I have to recenter my energy in mind, body, and spirit. To fully relish each present moment, I must rely on proven methods and make them a regular practice. This way, I won’t reach that critical point where I’ve tumbled into discomfort. My resolution is to be proactive rather than reactive.
What resonated with you from Day 3? Do you have some feedback on the idea of time sickness? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
This is the last meditation experience of 2017 hosted by Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey via the Chopra Center Meditation organization. It just started on October 30th and we’re really excited with the theme: Making Every Moment Matter.
