The Rolling Stones once said (sang) that, “Time is on my side”. They originally sang these words in 1964… it is now 2022 and I’m pretty sure that most of us feel the opposite is true. Time rarely feels like it’s on our side. Rather, it feels like a commodity (because it is) that is, more often than not, in short supply. I bring up the issue of time because it is one of our go to excuses for not doing things, “I simply don’t have time” we say. Sometimes we try to soften the excuse, “If time allows I can do it” or “I’ll see if I have the time”, but really, in our heart of hearts, we know we won’t actually make the time. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to call you out, I’m trying to call you (and maybe even me) up.
The truth is, we have the time for the things we view as important AND we have the time for things we actually think are a waste of time but can’t seem to help ourselves in doing- scrolling anyone? Another truth is that we only have so much time, 60 seconds to a minute, 60 minutes to an hour, 24 hours to a day, 7 days to a week, 4(ish) weeks to a month, and 12 months to a year. The question then becomes what we are doing with that time. Are we investing or spending, are we present to our daily lives, or living out of habit? (you know, like when you get to work or the grocery store and wonder how you got there…)
This question brings up so many other questions for me, but I will start with one- if I were to tell you that you should start meditating… would you have the time? I know that even as a meditation teacher, I don’t always think that I do. I have a baby, a home to take care of, a life to sort out, students to tend to, and a program to participate in. I have church and a social calendar as well… who has the time to sit in silence and quiet their minds with all of that going on?
The thing is… I actually don’t have time NOT to meditate.
I’m a better person when I make time for practice. I’m less stressed, less reactive (more responsive), I have more calm and clarity, I am more present as a parent, wife, and friend, and I am more present in my daily life. Meditation is a time (see what I did there?) where I connect to myself and to God, a place of allowing and letting be.
Meditation is a time multiplier, rather than a time suck…oh, you don’t know what a time suck is? A time suck is anything that drains you of time, things that you SPEND your time on, rather than investing your time into. Still not clear? Think of it this way- Instagram is a way to spend your time- scrolling mindlessly through your feed or watching your friends-sisters-cousin-who-you- met-at-that-party-one-times reels. You could also say that “time sucks” are any place where you have gone unconscious in your life and are operating purely out of habit. Meditation on the other hand gives back, it doesn’t take. It is an investment in your mental health and overall well-being. It cultivates presence and awareness, which allows us to choose how we want to invest our time, and ultimately how we want to live our lives.
Want to learn more about how meditation can improve your life and how these practices are so very worth your time? Good! Join me for Being With- The Transformational Power of Practicing Presence, a 4 week mindfulness meditation workshop starting Saturday September 10th at 10a.m. Central (You asked and Holy Yoga listened, we are doing SATURDAYS Y’ALL! Who else is excited?!). I can’t wait to see you there.
