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Wasted Time

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
-John Lennon


What exactly does wasted time mean?

I've discussed with friends - both old and new - how if only we used our time to do insert anything here when we were younger...something else may have transpired. 

But is that true? Not exactly. 

Feeling the pressure of living in a culture that demands productivity and results can be destructive to the pursuit of finding time to waste. 

Our brains don't necessarily know what to do with this information. It's too confusing to toggle our on switch to off and hop in the slow lane. 

It does not compute. 

One of my favorite yoga teachers used to mention this at the start of class. How it can be an adjustment to settle in once we've rushed all day and finally arrived on our mat only to be still and breathe. 

So, what can we do about it? 

  1. Remember that hindsight is 20/20. While taking accountability for your previous decisions, be gentle with yourself and remember that we are the sum of our experiences. We are a sort of tapestry and each thread we've chosen to weave into our being has led us to the present location.
  2. Allow yourself to waste time. Reread Lennon's words. We need this space and that might require granting yourself permission.
  3. Remind yourself that every moment need not be quantified. Even if we are simply watching the breeze blow a branch and nothing comes of it, that's allowed here.

Ancient astrology offers another lens in which to view our lives, or the world. Saturn, in ancient astrology, represents restrictions, mysticism and time, among other things. The role of Saturn can leave us feeling restricted inside of time. I've reconciled this by building time frames (boundaries) for my mind to wander. 

Creating a structured container allows for the necessary transmutation of our inner selves. 

I write these words for myself as well because I get flustered with so much to do and panic at the thought of producing "nothing." 

Accumulated knowledge and material wealth are far less exciting that a settled, content feeling. We all know this. But we all know that cookies make us fat too. 

 

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