Can Time Slow Down in a World Where Fast is the Only Speed?

Can Time Slow Down in a World Where Fast is the Only Speed?

If you’ve ever looked back at your day, month, or year and wondered where the time went, then keep reading. There are days when time can’t move fast enough like the final minutes on Friday afternoon. However, how many times have we also remarked about the year already being half over or having only 60 days left until the new year?

We could wax profane here at The Listening Pineapple about the meaning of time with lots of pithy metaphors, but making time stand still or at best slow down is actually quite simple. It’s the secret every good chef knows when making great sauces, soups, and countless deserts.

What’s the key?

Take time to plan and then take time to savor. Savor the anticipation, the moment, and savor the memories.

If we want to have time to recognize and thoroughly treasure where we’re at and where we’re headed, we must stop and take time to savor the here and now. The same holds true if we’re crunched for time and resources with an overwhelming amount of tasks. Taking time to savor where we’re at and what we’ve got puts things in perspective. It also clears your head at a time when you need a maximum amount of brain cells. Let’s face it, sometimes we all need to move fast.

However, when the bustle is done, savor. Savor the victory, the accomplishment, and especially savor the peaceful spaciousness that comes after completion.

Follow these tips for more ways to make time slow down and to savor life:

• Log it – monitor how you spend your time. By tracking the amount of time you spend on activities throughout the day for several weeks, you’ll be able to make decisions about your time. Just like budgeting money, instead of wondering where your time went, you’ll be making decisions about how to spend your time in order to get the most out of every 24 hours.

• Plan – whether you keep a “To Do” list, a kanban board, or an elaborate planner, pray for direction and then stick with it. Don’t overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations.

• Savor – acknowledge where you’re at, your accomplishments, and where you’re headed. Notice life – the colors, sounds, shapes, sensations, and the beauty infused in each day and in everyone you meet.

• Enjoy – yes, take time to enjoy the moment! A.k.a., count your blessings and give God thanks. Whether you’re holding your newborn, soothing a fussy toddler, getting yourself outside to notice the beauty of a new day, looking up at the moon, laughing out loud – on purpose, calling a friend, reading a book…notice the moments instead of allowing them to slip away.

• Prioritize – although it would be nice to freeze-frame the world so you can catch up before thawing out the rest of humanity, the stuff of cartoons hasn’t made it into reality just yet. Focus on the part of life that matters instead of rushing to accomplish trivia that doesn’t pay off.

• Build in rewards – life includes a lot of drudgery like doing the dishes, folding laundry, winterizing exterior faucets, changing diapers, and sweeping. By rewarding yourself, you acknowledge your accomplishments and build in enjoyment. Treat everyone to ice cream after spending an hour cleaning the house. (The expectation is that everyone participates and everyone is rewarded.) Schedule a phone call with a friend after slogging through several items on your “To Do” list. Celebrate with a Netflix movie after accomplishing a Kanban goal. Go ahead, “Treat. Yo. Self.“

Follow this link to a mother savoring the life of her son. How many situations can you savor this week? Even moments of peace while driving in traffic are a gift from God.

Are there ways you make time slow down? Please share in the comments below.