Time is an intriguing concept. It’s something we’re constantly abiding by, checking on, setting before bed and waking up to in the morning. Time is good. It measures things. It organises us. It is a structure for our lives.
During the past several weeks time is a concept which has been highlighted and questioned. And as we begin returning to “reality”, I want to encourage those feeling uncertain of how the concept of time will dictate their lives moving forwards.
Shift in Perspective
Firstly, our perception of time requires a shift. Take sleep for example. Many of us perceive sleeping as essentially closing our eyes and restarting a new day once we open them.
In actuality, sleeping through the night sees the same amount of minutes go by that pass while we work, yet provides us with some of the highest quality rest we can possibly get. Therefore perceiving what is happening in time is more beneficial than to see time for time itself being deducted from the 24 hours we feel allocated.
But a shifting perspective can be hard, especially now more so than ever as our lockdown has literally been defined by time. Four weeks, then another, then two on top of that and as I write this there still may be more to come. All with little to do throughout.
However, in the present time, many are resuming lives that existed before this lockdown and it is important to recognise that many may feel uncomfortable doing so.
Live in the Moment
So your perception matters when addressing time. When returning to work, I urge you to think less about the minutes that pass as indicators of increased income, and think more about the work you are providing.
Don’t race home from work feeling like you have limited time to spend with your partner or children before the day is out. Don’t speed to get to a restaurant to dine with your mates. Don’t fret about waking up earlier to get your dog out for that one hour walk they have become accustomed to.
Rather, reflect on being back in shared spaces, having a purpose in waking up and commuting to a new environment, sharing the streets safely with others and being surrounded by those in this place with us. Just live in the moment, because the only time that truly matters is the very moment we are in now and we are lucky to have it.
Of course, this is easier said than done, especially when you’re back in the morning traffic. But it’s your choice as to how you want to look at it and how you want to perceive your time.
Do you want to look at your days being deducted by the things you want to get done? For full time workers a blatant deduction of 40 hours each week seems a bit hefty. Does it not?
Address the Bigger Picture
So, I urge you to look at the bigger picture. Whether or not you feel comfortable with the return to normality, there is significant progress occuring nationwide concerning our livelihoods. But that is here in New Zealand.
This pandemic roars on a global scale, devastating places that don’t have the leadership or resources we have here in New Zealand. So for those here, don’t worry. Don’t fret and don’t rush because pandemic or not, we have time. We aren’t slaves to time, moreover we aren’t even guaranteed time.
Each day is new, each day is a blessing and each day can be spent in better ways than by worrying about time itself. So let us live in the day, as each day comes, until the rest of the world can do the same.
Harrison is a 24-year old, raised in a non-Christian family and came to faith at 18. Having worked as a Marketing & Communications Assistant for two years after getting his Bachelor of Communications in 2019, He has swapped his home of New Zealand for Europe after a few months working at a summer Christian camp in Canada. He has a passionate personality which is illustrated in many facets of his life, from writing, to sports, food, friends, family and God. Harrison enjoys exploring and grasping different parts of life and discussing them with others. Chat with Harrison further at: harrisonbellve@gmail.com