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The true nature of time
Once upon a time, I was in a race against time, trying on a daily basis to beat the clock. Appointments, projects, events, to-do lists - I felt if I could just work faster, do more, I could fit everything in. Of course, that never happened. I only ended up feeling rushed, overwhelmed, and constantly "behind schedule."
Resentful and tired of my servitude to the clock, I started rebelling. I'd procrastinate. I'd be late to appointments. I stopped having goals and ignored my dreams. I became depressed, uninspired, and bored.
So much has changed. I've finally learned how to use my strengths and hone my time management skills to make the clock work for me instead of being a servant to it. I delight in indulging my inner rebel every once in a while when I need a break. Most importantly, I've changed my relationship to time - from one of resentment and scarcity to one that's more authentic and enjoyable.
Young or old, rich or poor, we are all mired in this thing called time. What is your relationship with time? Many of us feel there is just not enough of it. Hours, days, even years whiz by shockingly fast. For some, certain situations just cannot end fast enough, and seconds drag by tortuously slow. Do you dwell in the past, or are you constantly worrying about and planning for the future?
What exactly is time,anyway? A number on a clock... a measurement... the fourth dimension? Even good old Webster's Dictionary struggles with a definition of time that goes beyond hours and memories and appointments.
Consider this: the way I see it, time seems like an endless succession of moments. Sounds good, right? But when you reflect on your personal experience, are there many moments? Or is there just one? This one. Right now. Think about it: your entire life enfolds in this constant present moment. Even past or future moments only exist when you remember or anticipate them - and you do so by thinking about them in the only true moment there is: this one.
If that seems confusing, you're normal! The reason time appears to us as so many moments lined up in chronological order is that we typically confuse the present moment with what is happening in that moment. The moment and what is happening are actually two separate things.
Everything seems to be subject to time, yet it all happens right now. We need time to do things, to prepare a meal, build a house, grow up and learn things. That's the paradox: there is plenty of circumstantial evidence for the reality of time - a rotting apple, your face in the mirror compared to your face in a photo taken 30 years ago - yet where is the direct evidence? Do we experience time, or do we really experience the present moment and what is happening in it? If you go by direct evidence, then there is no time - there is only the present moment - the now.
When I say time doesn't exist, I'm not referring to clock time, which is the use of time for practical purposes, such as making an appointment or planning a trip. It would be almost impossible to function in this world without clock time. I'm all for eliminating psychological time - our mind's preoccupation with past and future.
Does this sound like you.? Do you become lost in your mind mulling over the past or worrying about the future? Have you ever found yourself at the end of a meal without even tasting it? Do you ignore what people are saying to you as you think about what you're going to say next? When you miss the moment, you miss out on life! If you become present in the moment just as it is you dissolve time completely.
How liberating! If you feel like you're a servant to the clock, if you feel like you're constantly in a race against time, try focusing on each moment you have and you'll find that time will start to stretch.
The first step, as always, is awareness. Pay attention to your thoughts. Then try it out - when someone is talking to you, try to focus on what they are saying, not what you want to say next. When you are stopped at a traffic light, look around, listen, and notice your surroundings. When you go for a walk, do the same thing. Feel your body and tune in to what's around you...just for a few moments. Just be. Sounds simple, but our pesky brains can make this reallychallenging. Like anything worthy in life, this is a practice that takes...well, practice. But when each moment is all we have, why not spend a little time being there?
All the best in life and health,
Jen
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Time Management
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret
of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable
tasks, and then starting on the first one." -Mark Twain
 H ave you ever
wished for a few more hours in the day? Why is it that some people seem to get
everything done effortlessly and others feel that time constantly eludes them?
The secret to managing your time well isn't working more hours. The secret is
working smarter, not harder. It is about prioritizing the important things and
learning to use the time you have more efficiently and effectively.
Some of us, by
nature, organize and get tasks out of the way before we relax, while others of
us play first and work later. It is important to first recognize which type you
are and whether your style is allowing you to have the life you really want.
Maybe you are super-organized at work, but burned out because you don't know
how to make time for yourself. Maybe you are naturally a less organized person
who knows how to relax, but you are dissatisfied because you aren't fulfilling
your goals and dreams.
Rather than
labeling yourself or beating yourself up, realize that time management is an
area of your life that you can strengthen. Like a new muscle, it takes practice
and repetition to make it stronger. To help you get started, here are some
steps to streamline your days at work and at home. Try the first one or two
that jump out at you:
- Allocate
time for planning and organizing.
- Authenticate your to-do list: when you make your to-do list for the day, estimate how much time each task will take, then add up the time. Is it realistic that you can get everything done that day?
- Under-schedule
your time: leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions. When you
estimate how long something will take, add on 1/3 of that time.
- Schedule
your time in a way that reduces interruptions that lower your
productivity.
- Practice
the art of intelligent neglect: eliminate trivial tasks. Even better: delegate!
- Prioritize
what is most important and do that first, especially if this task is the
one you dread the most!
- Consider
your biological prime time: at what time of day do you work best? Plan to
do your most important work at that time.
- If
you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say NO.
- Ask
for help and delegate.
- In
the evening make your to-do list for the next day, so it will be out of
your brain and on a piece of paper. Leave work with a clear head and a
clean desk.
- Acknowledge
yourself daily for all that you have accomplished! As you check off your to-do's, take a moment to feel good about it.
Also take a
look at the two biggest hindrances to using time effectively: procrastinating
and lacking purpose. We usually procrastinate when a task seems too daunting,
too large, too complex, or when we feel we won't be able to handle it. When you
get that "deer in the headlights" feeling, try "chunking": break the large task
into smaller, manageable action steps, and start with the first one.
We also
often drag our heels or use our time inefficiently because we are bored,
unengaged, and uninspired. The most effective people will tell you that they
love what they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to
managing your time, you may need to ask the larger questions, "Am I doing what
I love to do? Am I doing something meaningful to me?"
To explore these questions more deeply, check out Franklin Covey's (they're the folks that make those planners) life changing workshops.
As you strengthen your new time management
muscle, keep your focus on getting organized so that you can live the life you
came here for. Instead of being a chore, good time management can be your
ticket to bigger fun, greater satisfaction, and a vibrant, exciting life!
"The key is not in spending time, but in investing it."
-Stephen R. Covey
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Food Focus: Root Vegetables
 The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation;
they are the essential parts that support and nourish the plant. Root
vegetables lend these properties to us when we eat them, making us feel
physically and mentally grounded and rooted and increasing our emotional stability. This is
especially helpful when fall's busy schedule sends your mind reeling!
Long roots include carrots, parsnips, burdock and daikon
radish. Round roots include turnips, radishes, beets and rutabagas. Long roots
like burdock and daikon are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve
circulation in the body and increase mental clarity. Round roots are nourishing
to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can help regulate
blood sugar, balance your mood, and alleviate cravings.
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| Recipe of the Month
Roasted Root Vegetables with Fall Fruit
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 25-35 minutes
SERVES: 4-6
Ingredients:- 1 sweet potato, peeled
- 2 parsnips
- 2 carrots
- 2 turnips, peeled
- 1 large apple, peeled
- 1 pear
- olive oil or organic butter
- salt and pepper
- optional: cinnamon,
nutmeg to taste (my favorite is Penzey's "Apple Pie Spice"), roasted walnuts or pecans
Directions:
- Pre-heat oven to 375.
- Wash and chop all vegetables into large
bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a large baking dish with sides.
- Drizzle with olive oil or butter; mix
well to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until
vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking every 10 minutes to stir and
make sure veggies are not sticking. Add seasoning and nuts if desired.
Any combination of veggies will work.
Tasty Twist:
Make extra and add to your oatmeal or hot cereal in the morning!
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ANNUAL COOKIE BAKE
Holiday Favorites Without the White Stuff Recreate your favorite holiday recipes using NO refined sugars, NO artificial sweeteners, and ONLY whole grains! We'll have a blast in the kitchen making thoroughly taste-tested treats. (My personal favorites are the Chocolate Cherry Chip!) Bring home at least a dozen deliciously healthy cookies and recipes.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 9:30 AM - NOON
West Chester Wellness Center, 828 Paoli Pike
$40 per person; $70 for two
BRING A FRIEND!
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HOST YOUR OWN COOKING PARTY
For Kids or Adults!
Cooking Classes are FUN!
Our cooking classes are all about teaching quick and easy ways to prepare yummy and healthy meals with whole ingredients. Do you have friends, neighbors, or family who are interested in discovering delicious new recipes and cooking techniques that nourish better health? Do you have kids that love playing in the kitchen, and you want to nurture healthy habits? Have your own cooking party with 5-10 people!
FOR ADULTS:
- Home Cooked Meals Quick and Easy
- Cookie Bake with Whole Grains and NO Refined Sugars
- Sweet Treats w/o the Sugar
- Whole Grains
- Eating to Boost Athletic Performance
- Breaking the Breakfast Rut
FOR KIDS:
- Superpackers -Fun and Yummy Lunches
- Sweet Treats w/o the Sugar
- Breakfast of Champions - Tasty Morning Meals
$300 for a 2 1/2 hour adult class; max. 10 people
$200 for a 2 hour kids class; max. 10 children
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE; EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS
CALL TO TALK ABOUT HOSTING YOUR PARTY! | |
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Rediscover Your Best Self
At Vital Touch Wellness we are committed to your life-long health and vitality. Our mission is to help our clients live their lives to the fullest, offering holistic health counseling, therapeutic massage, cooking classes, and nutrition workshops.
We have highly experienced and intuitive massage therapists on staff whose goal is to free your body from pain and tension and clear your mind of stress... so you feel uplifted and better able to take on your life with joy... long after you walk out our door!
As a holistic health counselor, I offer an individualized program to guide my clients through the confusing flood of information and research about nutrition. I help you discover which foods and lifestyle choices work best for you and your body to help you reach and maintain your goals. My mission is to inspire and empower you to nourish yourself from the inside out by integrating the best of traditional, eastern and western approaches to health! Come in for a free initial consultation with the coupon below, or forward this newsletter to a friend who could use some support improving their health. See my website for more details.
All the best,
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Jennifer McLamb, CMT, CHHC
Founder and Director,
Vital Touch Wellness |
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