Vacations always seem to fly by! As I prepare for a summer get-away with my family, I am hoping that I can make every moment of my trip last. What if there was a way to slow down time? The answer may be found in the phenomenon called ‘density of experience.’
Density of experience suggests that the more information we take in, the slower time goes. During my 30-minute jogs, I am fixated on the passing of each minute; my shortened breath; the sensations and movements of my body. That same 30-minutes zips by on my commute to work because I am not provided with much new information to process.
You can also see the difference in the experience of time between childhood and adulthood. My childhood and teen years seemed to drag on, while my twenties flew by! This makes sense when you consider children are soaking up so much new information from everything around them. By the time we are adults, most of life is habit and our curiosity goes out the door.
I do not want my vacation or my life to fly by! So, here are some tips I will be using to make the moment last.
1. Notice time traveling: If you are thinking about past or future events, you cannot be fully present. Bring yourself back to the present moment over and over again.
2. Remind yourself of your intention: Create a daily reminder of your intention to stay in the present moment. Write a note on your bathroom mirror, tape a sticky note in your car or set a reminder on your phone.
3. Invite curiosity: Ask yourself questions as children do. What is that? How does that work? Why does it do that? Where does that come from?
4. Use your senses: Your senses are the gateway to the present moment. Describe one thing you can smell, touch, see, hear and taste.
You do not have to concede to the ‘time flies by’ mentality. Use these tips in as many moments as you can. Be present for this life. It is the only one you have!
