I was reading a Buddhist book written by a westerner and I found some interesting reflections about time that I would like to share with you. The writer points to the subjective nature of time. These are the exact words:
” …The more we are bound in reaction, the more slowly time seems to pass. When we are fighting pain, the pain seems to last forever. When we are intoxicated by bliss, the state seems to last forever. The more prominent the sense of “I” in relationship to what we are experiencing, the more conscious we are of time. Recall the last time you were bored. Did time go quickly or slowly?
The perception of time depends on the degree of separation from what we experience. Contrast the experience of intoxicating bliss or all- consuming pain with the experience of presence – an intimate conversation with a friend, for instance. In the later, we have no sense of time or we seem to have stepped out of time. Time disappears when we are one with what we experience.” ( Ken McLeod Wake up to your Life pg 150)
Make much sense to me to consider that time disappears when we are one with what we experience. And you what do you think about this?
Hi Klaus,
This is a provocative subject. In my understanding the author brings the connection of linear time with the self, as we already know it. This is the link to subjectivity.
The author also says that “The perception of time depends on the degree of separation from what we experience.” If the self reacts to what is happening, totally separated, judging, taking upon him whatever takes place, the perception of time is strong.
On the other hand if a person is totally connected/included to what is happening, like the field of perception, where there is intimacy, where there isn´t “from” and “to” linear time disappears, and perhaps he can go deeper and connect second level time.
The question “how can one do it” depends on the degree that one wants to be open and receptive to what is happening, without any judgment.
Sometimes it is worth dropping the walls that separates us from the field. I want to be there.
Hi Eliana,
a few more questions come up: if it is attractive to get there, how can I do it and who ist it who is attracted and asks this question? might this journey be a going without going again.
Hi Eliana,
Hi Eliana
yes, we all want to be open. I guess to “get there” we have to recognize our wishes (even the one to be open) as another story, projecting our well being into the future and thus again separating us from the aliveness of time that`s always so close by, that “we” don`t see it, like the fish who doesn`t know the wetness of water. The aliveness of time is happening within our conversation, beyond the content of what we are saying and I´m enjoying it.
I hope you too, Kaus