Working with Time

We often speak of time as if it's something we can hold in our hands: "saving time," "spending time," "losing time." Yet, time often remains intangible unless we are continuously mindful to work with it as living material.

What if we learn to treat time as a practical tool rather than an abstract concept? How would that shift our perspective on productivity, rest, creativity and living more intentionally?

When we talk about mindfully working with time, we are also speaking about managing our energy.

Not too long ago a colleague friend of mine mentioned the practice of counting spoons. The origin of the spoon theory is traced to Christine Miserandino. Miserandino, who lives with lupus, created the spoon theory in 2003 over dinner while trying to explain to her companion in simplified terms how people with chronic conditions wake up each day with limited energy (spoons) to spend on tasks.

Simply put, this practice entails thinking of your energy as a limited number of spoons—each task you do, whether it's getting dressed, working, or socializing, takes away a certain number of spoons. By consistently checking in with yourself throughout the day, you keep tally and once you're out of spoons, you know that you do not have the energy to do more until you rest and recharge.

By "counting spoons," we become more mindful of how we spend our energy. We can prioritize tasks, plan breaks, and ensure we don't run out of energy too quickly, helping us manage our day more effectively.

Of course, the moment we speak about managing our energy and our time, a discussion about boundaries is not far behind.

Boundaries are essential in protecting our well-being, especially when our energy is limited. Becoming clear on what we can and cannot do helps us prioritize our needs, maintain balance, and avoid burnout. Whether it's saying no to additional tasks, setting aside time for rest, or communicating our limits to others, holding boundaries is an act of self-respect, knowing our own capacity and preserving the energy we have.

Boundaries are not about limiting us, rather they are about creating space for ourselves to thrive within the constraints of our energy and time.

Time is not just linear; it's also rhythmic. Our bodies and minds operate on natural rhythms, from the circadian rhythm that guides our sleep cycles to the ultradian rhythms that dictate our energy levels throughout the day. With Kairos time we hold a qualitative sense of time, representing the "right" or opportune moment for something to happen. By tuning into these nuances and rhythms, we can align our tasks with the times when actions feel most natural and impactful. Rather than forcing things to happen on a rigid schedule, we can build our trust in timing that feels aligned with the flow of events.

We often measure time by the clock, but it can also be measured by the progress we make, the connections we build, and the moments we savor. To truly feel the tangibility of time, consider how you measure success and fulfillment. Shifting our focus to the value of time allows us to quantify time by the qualitative qualities that it holds.

We can work with the tangibility of time by establishing rituals that mark its passage. These could be a morning routine that signals the start of our day or an evening wind-down that marks the transition from work to rest. These rituals create touchpoints that acknowledge time, creating a pause to feel into the moment, giving us a sense of active participation with its flow and integrating this presence as part of our daily experience.

It is important to mention how time and speed are intrinsically connected, as the pace at which we move through time shapes our experience of it. Speed often dictates how we perceive and manage time—when we're rushing, time feels compressed, and moments blur together. When we slow down, time seems to stretch, allowing us to savor each moment and be more present. In our fast-paced world, the connection between time and speed can lead to a sense of constantly running out of time, increasing stress and reducing our ability to enjoy life. When we consciously adjust our speed, time can feel more abundant and manageable, which fosters a deeper appreciation for the moments we have.

By consciously slowing down, we can resist the pressure to always be doing, and instead, create space for reflection, rest, and meaningful connection. This intentional relationship with time allows us to restore our energy, focus on what truly matters, and live in alignment with our personal rhythms rather than the demands of a fast-paced society. In reclaiming time, we reclaim a sense of agency over our lives.

While time may seem elusive, by rethinking how we interact with it, it becomes an element that is increasingly tangible. By visualizing time as a resource, adjusting our speed, aligning with natural rhythms, holding clear boundaries, and creating rituals, we can turn an abstract concept into a practical tool, as something we can shape and work with to live a more intentional life grounded in integrity.