TIME

Time -the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.

        We claim that we “have time” or we can “gain some time,” maybe even “save time.”  On the other hand, we do not want to “lose time” or “waste” it.  But what exactly IS time and how does it affect our lives? When I “Googled” time, the first definition was “the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.” 

       The Daily Galaxy  April 16, 2012 explained time, which it declares  is NOT a 4^th dimension, “as a measure of the numerical order of change…This numerical order is the only time that exists in a physical world.”

         In trying to understand those definitions, I underlined the pertinent words.  Now, can I wrap my head around those definitions?  Not so sure.

         Since time is a measurement of progress, it’s either exact, as with a clock, or it’s perceptual.  I would guess that optimistic people see time as something to have, share, save.  The “time” glass is half full of potential.  The positive feeling that there is time to spare to be on another committee or time to spend with a friend in need.  Maybe the new app on my phone will make me more efficient, thus saving time.

         On the other hand, a pessimist may be wary of losing or wasting time and thus, sacrificing some time-consuming actions to prevent the waste.  Visiting a parent once a week may just use up too much precious time.  Writing an email to a friend requires time a person feels he/she doesn’t have, going over a memo just one more time may seem unnecessary.

         Notice how our vocabulary is inundated with implications of time.  Words I used already include: inevitably, momentarily, prevent, efficient. Transition words imply time: because, as a result, therefore – all helping us move from one idea to the next.

         Moreover, time is the basis of cause-effect thinking, even if is just a” numerical measurement or order of change.”  Education of our youth will result in an electorate Thomas Jefferson dreamed of – knowledgeable and wise at the voting booth, productive and successful workers contributing financially to our experiment in democracy and capitalism.

         We raise our children certain ways, which we hope will result in loving prodigy, of which we can be proud.

         We blame unemployment on specific causes such as the EPA’s action against coal-fired power plants…or was it in gambling on China’s insatiable need for coal, which did unexpectedly decline.

         Time – we can’t escape the “order of change” – although sleep, exercise, meditation, prayer and periods of self-actualization (Maslow’s hierarchy) can put us in a state oblivious of time.  Even just being mindful in the moment – “smell the roses,” so to speak, just listening to our spouse without preparing a response – can fill the bubble of time in which we exist although only momentarily           

         How we see and use time are the ultimate questions for each of us.  The reduction of stress just may be tied to our perception of time.  I swing back and forth.  In retirement I try not to hurry, to feel free from the have-to’s or the looming deadline.

We have to decide if wishing time to pass, to get to the planned vacation or special dinner out is dangerous, wasteful, or inevitable.  Slowing down and experiencing the “now” may just reduce some of the stress we feel, whether caused by self or external factors.