Managing your relationship with time

The Digital Calm

Who do you know who manages their time effectively? When Clay and Naomi discuss time, they really get into it! With very different experiences we hear lots of ideas that we can ponder on and explore for ourselves. One thing they do agree on though is the enjoyment of creating blocks of time where “no-one wants a piece of me” as Clay puts it.

Contemplating the Zen principle of creating duality takes the conversation to a different perspective. When we think “I want to have time” but we don’t feel we have it, we’ve created a duality, a split in our minds, a tension. When we find a way to let go of the duality, we also let go of the feeling of “lack” and when you no longer have a “want” you also no longer have feelings of anxiety or stress.

Different types of thinking and relating to time are essential to human survival - so long as you employ the right thinking style at the right time! Does facing your own mortality help you become fearless, and more productive? The clarity can give you can motivate you to take immediate, big action.

When you’re contemplating “time” as a topic, try asking yourself “Is it my relationship with time that’s an issue, or my relationship with myself.” Clay always says “We all have the same amount of time - 24 hours in a day” and he’s right, but how do you put yourself in a state of choice about how you spend your time?

Can you take something away from this episode and find time for yourself?

Three Key Thoughts

1. Much of the way we have been programmed to view time is the Western philosophy that “time is money.” This concept of having to be productive and having to make money puts pressure on us that can severely limit pleasure and relaxation.
2. Time is the only dimension that we can’t manipulate.
3. Being a “people pleaser” is likely to mean you have a habit of prioritising other people’s needs and wants over your own, leading to very little, if any, time for the real you to be revealed.