It is hard to believe that in a few weeks a new season will be upon us! How often I hear from others, “where does the time go…summer just flew by!” Often this is my sentiment too. When hearing from others, I wonder why it seems that time goes by so quickly. As many of you have done, I too ponder this observation. Yet, I believe it is all within our own perception.

We all know that time is time, and we all have the same number of minutes and hours in our day. I believe that it comes down to how present we are in the moment, and how much we are tuned into our activity and interactions now. Just think, if you sit still and just watch the second hand of clock move, it seems like an eternity for a minute to pass. Why is this? If you clear your mind of all the ‘have to dos” and ‘should dos’ you can be here and now, without a busy mind.

I do not advocate that one should not be proactive and plan for the day. I am recommending that going forward, we be more mindful of our presence and thoughts as we move forward into the complexity of the world that captures our time. Imagine your use of your cell phone for example. What if, when you enter the kitchen or sit to converse with someone, it is shut off—not even on vibrate. This would inevitably lend your attention to where you are, keep you present in the conversation, and offer more opportunity for efficient dialog without distraction. Maybe less stressful too! (since you are not thinking of what else or who else you need to respond to if anyone at all!)

In medicine, sometimes we recommend a ‘drug holiday’. That means for some medications, under the direction of the healthcare provider, a person doesn’t take the medication on a weekend. Maybe, we take certain hours of the day, or a full day on the weekend, and shut off our electronics (eg., computers, phones, televisions, ipads…), and focus our attention on our thoughts and surroundings. How difficult would that be? It may help some children slow down and play differently. It may help some adults to relax and maybe refocus their energy and thoughts on the environment they live in, or the outside world that they missed while it’s been changing daily. We can call it an ‘electronic holiday” with you being the master of the day, time, and selection of equipment you choose to render incapacitated for the timeframe selected. Why not try it? What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain?

I was once with a person who when she was sitting down to her meal, if the landline rang, she would let it ring. When I questioned her about this, she said, “they can either leave a message, or hang up. I am here to have my dinner, enjoy my food, conversation, and relax. “I remember thinking, “that’s not a bad idea, why haven’t I been doing that all along?!” So, I too started this practice. The outcome is simple: messages left are generally useless and often robo calls. The dinner and conversation is more enjoyable and meaningful. And, more importantly, I feel more relaxed and not ‘rushed’ to speed through nourishing my body and spirit during meal. I experience greater value and gratitude when sitting for any meal as I have extended this practice into my day. It is an easy change to make, and worth a try if you want to slow down the passing of time and gain a sense of presence in your day.

I will share with you an interesting sidebar to this simple activity. I have found over time that by being present in the moment, it’s easy to recognize distress, stress, anxiety, and peace when interacting with others. It provides insight into feeling where your energy is being taken, maintained, or enhanced during interactions. It is really a health bonus to take time to stay present and limit your distractions and take back control of your surroundings and interactions with others. It opens your time to enjoying the environmental beauty and path that you travel daily.

Enjoy entering this new season and all the glory nature offers to share with you when your senses open to the larger picture of your life!

Namaste