Time discovers truth. Time heals what reason cannot. – Seneca the Younger
Ah, Day 4 already!
I can’t believe how quickly this week is moving – maybe that’s because I’ve really dedicated quality time to myself and am affording myself the opportunity to participate in this experience. As Deepak says, when you are engaged in something that you’re passionate about, time seems to fly by!
Healing our perception of time is really significant
Today’s journal prompts allowed me to continue shifting my perspective on time. I focused on how I can increase my downtime, inward time, and playtime. These activities differ from each other, and I recognize that I could benefit from more time dedicated to each on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I rarely make time for play, and both downtime and inward time are brief and infrequent.
I understand that there are enough hours in a day to allocate purposeful time to these activities. I possess the ability to adjust how and where I invest my time, enabling me to savor these essential extended moments.
In the past, my schedule, late work hours, and the temptation to stay connected digitally posed significant obstacles to making time for these activities. There were nights when I fell asleep with my phone hitting me in the forehead, serving as both a jarring and sobering reminder. I realized that I wasn’t dedicating my time to uplifting and self-improvement activities.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s nice to unwind with some internet browsing or catch up on favorite shows occasionally. However, there’s a point where it becomes excessive, and I was constantly overindulging. Therefore, I’ve made a commitment to reduce my digital activities in the late evening, allowing me more time for other fulfilling pursuits.
Another habit I had was getting comfortable in bed with the intention to rest, but I would end up checking and responding to emails, which inevitably drained both my time and energy. Despite telling myself that I was being productive, it was, in reality, a counterproductive situation.
I’m spending less time online and no longer experiencing those open-handed smacks from my phone as I fall asleep. Instead, I’ve embraced a new routine. I now make time for meditation twice a day, engage in quality playtime with my family (whom I regret not seeing and interacting with more), and dedicate my carved-out downtime to reading books I’ve started but not finished. I’ve also dusted off my ukulele and warmed up my vocal cords.
These activities bring me profound joy and fulfillment. My intention is to maintain this space in my life for them.
We really want to continue to hear your thoughts and feedback on the meditation experience so far. 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. It isn’t too late to still sign up for this amazing event!
