Breaking Through the Illusion That There's Not Enough Time
Do you ever find yourself feeling impatient or in a hurry for no apparent reason? Rushing to quickly finish whatever you're doing so you can get to the next thing you need to do?
What's the rush?
I know this feeling personally because I've had it most of my life and only in the last few years have begun to overcome it.
To begin the overcoming process, I started paying close attention to my patterns and noticed when I was rushing. In those moments, I would ask myself, "Why am I in a rush right now?"
As I started to ask this question consistently, I noticed there often was no logical reason for me to be in a rush, though for some unknown reason I felt I didn't have enough time.
Through that experience, I was able to pinpoint my belief about time.
The core belief that led to me being in a constant rush was: I don't have enough time.
Can you relate to this feeling? Feeling like there's so much to do and not enough time?
Most people I've asked can.
So I started to test a few things out to change my belief. I wanted to believe that I did have enough time.
After many months of practice, it worked! My experience of time is now much different because of practicing these experiments:
Experiment #1: I drove slower and tracked how much time I 'wasted' by driving more calmly and relaxed. On an average 20 mile drive, going as fast as I usually would compared to driving the speed limit, I saved on average no more than 5 minutes.
Experiment #2: I ate slower and chewed my food more thoroughly. How much more time does this really take? Max 5-10 minutes every meal.
Experiment #3: I walked slower and more intentionally. Not only did it take me on average almost the same amount of time to get places by walking at a slower, more relaxed and enjoyable pace, I also felt more connected and present with my surroundings. Win-win?!
I want to encourage you to try these experiments so you can prove to yourself that there is enough time.
There are more things I have experimented with to prove to myself that I'm only creating the illusion of not having enough time in my head, but these were some of the most impactful ones I continue to work with.
Try them out! Drive slower. Eat slower. Walk slower.
As you practice these experiments, also watch for urges from the body to want to rush. It's normal because the body has been conditioned that way over many years. It craves the adrenaline rush.
Our job is to relax the body and teach it that there's no need to rush. Over time, you will recondition the body to be more present and the urge to rush will gradually subside — that's been my experience.
Remember, life is to be enjoyed, so do your best to practice taking your time and really be present with everything and everyone.
There's magic to be experienced in every moment if you allow yourself to live in the now — not the past or the future. I know, it's not easy... but that's the work!
With love and inspiration,
Jonathan
