Embracing Time: A Journey to Patience, Presence, and Peace

What does time mean to you? Depending on how old you are and what state of mind you are in…Depending on who is coming to visit, or whose visit is about to end…Depending on how close you are to the final day of your vacation...Depending on your physical and mental health.

Although time is constant for everyone, with the clock ticking at the same rate, its essence can feel distinct. If you're in the twilight years of life, reading this might evoke a different sentiment than if you're a teenager eagerly anticipating the school bell to signal the end of the day so that you can head home and play Xbox.

How then, do we embrace time?

Yoga fosters a harmonious connection between mind, body, and the present moment. Yoga postures (Asanas) enhance body awareness so that you can better appreciate the physical experience of each moment. You will certainly appreciate these connections when you are practicing Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or Baddha Virabhadrasana (Humble Warrior). These poses serve as a conduit, fostering a harmonious connection between your mind, body, and the present moment.

The act of holding yoga poses, such as the patience-demanding tree pose, transcends the mat, cultivating increased patience and resilience in daily life. This cultivated patience aids you in navigating the unfolding of time with a composed and accepting mindset.

Yoga places a significant emphasis on breath awareness, intertwining breath with movement. If you are early in your practice, you might find yourself often holding your breath. This is normal, and even today I still catch myself holding my breath from time to time. By directing focus to the breath, you anchor yourself in the present, aligning with the rhythmic flow of inhalation and exhalation.

Try the following practice. Find a quiet spot to do this in, like your bedroom or even in your car (while parked, please). Place one hand on your heart and the other on your upper belly. Inhale deeply, and slowly. Exhale with equal intention. Close your eyes and continue with slow, deliberate breaths, cultivating a profound connection to your life. Immerse yourself in the soothing sound of your breath, focusing solely on this rhythm and the gentle vibrations beneath your palms. Continue until a sense of peace and presence envelops you. Dedicate several moments like this throughout your week. Observe how this practice enhances your appreciation for life's precious moments and offers a reset for your emotions and feelings.

Embracing time entirely was a journey spanning decades for me. I vividly recall a recent visit to a public pool, witnessing children sprinting towards their next adventure, blissfully unaware of the beauty in the journey. Lifeguards echoed warnings of "don't run" throughout the day. For children, the distance between point A and point B simply exists.

Intentionally embracing time, rather than hurriedly racing through it, demands discipline. In a world consumed by the urgency of package deliveries and instant text message replies it becomes a purposeful endeavor to savor emotions like anticipation and the sweet suspense of hope.

Remember, time is constant – it ebbs and flows. However, it doesn't dictate the worth you assign to it.