Viewing time as a compass can allow you to approach each day in an entirely new way.

Of course, we usually think of time like a clock. We also tend to think of time as linear. However, there are many other ways to think about time.

Consider for a moment how paradoxical time is. On the one hand, we may experience the illusion that there isn’t “enough” time. We want more time, more hours in the day, more days in the week. We feel like it’s all going by so fast.

Yet, on the other hand, there are so many experiences in life that seem to drag on. When faced with those experiences, we feel like time is moving like molasses. We may talk about having time to waste.

This paradox reveals that even though we think of time as a clock or linear progression, we actually experience time in many different ways. If we intentionally think about time as a compass, then we can use it for greater fulfillment.

Observe Your Time

The first step to aligning your life and values is to take stock of where things are today. This means simply observing how you spend your time.

• What thoughts occupy your time?

• Which activities take up your day?

• How much of your time goes to things that excite you?

• In contrast, how much of your time goes to things that drain you?

• What types of things do you find yourself saying about time?

Increase your awareness of how you experience time without judging yourself for that. Simply observe. Take note. Uncover how much of your time is spent on needless, mindless, obligatory things.

Pay attention to how much time is spent on self-care, relationships, and nourishing activities. Take notice of your thoughts and not just your actions, because thinking takes up a lot of our time.

Unclutter Your Time

Once you have made your observations, take a little bit of space in your life. In other words, unclutter your time. It is only in the stillness of downtime that you will be able to clearly hear your inner self. Once you have made that space, you will be able to make choices from a place of inner wisdom.

Let me tell you a story. Therapists need to have a regular awareness of clock time. We need to pace our sessions and stay on schedule. After all, sticking to the boundaries of a schedule shows respect to our clients and ourselves. As a result, most therapists have a clock in the office.

As for me, I have two pendulum clocks. One is behind me on the back wall. The other sits on a small table across from me. Recently, I shifted my meditation practice to my office. Once I did, I noticed that the two clocks are in sync with one another. They tick and tock. They make a sound that is actually quite loud, and one that is quite lovely.

Of course, the sound wasn’t new. I have worked in this same office for about a dozen years. I’ve always had the same two clocks. It was only when I had slowed down in the stillness of the space that I was able to hear them. Once I really listened, I could hear what had always been there.

Moreover, when I slowed down, time seemed to settle into a relaxed pace. It was not too fast, not too slow. This is why it is so important to clear space in our schedules to be still and quiet. When we do, time shifts.

An Experiment in Time

Here is an experiment you can try. Regularly check in with yourself throughout the day, stopping to notice if you are wisely choosing how your time is spent. To undertake this exercise, I began by wearing a beautiful watch that I’ve always loved but had recently stopped wearing it as it needed repair. With the newly reconditioned watch on my wrist, I joyfully checked the time more often, and was able to pay closer attention to how I spent the day’s minutes. To encourage awareness of time, when I looked at my watch, I also took a deep breath and scanned my surroundings. I stopped to see if I was totally engaged in what I was doing, or if I was just '“biding” my time, or lost in internal thoughts. Perhaps you could do this, too and see what you find. You might notice patterns in terms of how frequently you distract yourself from the present moment or how often you are doing things that fail to nourish you.

Set Your Time as a Compass

You might also notice that you over schedule your time and that you rarely give yourself a moment to breathe. If so, continue using this exercise and see if, over time, you are able to step away from the habit of busy-ness. Now that you have cleared a pace, you are ready to start setting your time as a compass, instead of scheduling it on a clock. In other words, you are ready to start choosing to spend your time on the things that make your heart sing.

For example, what would you rather be doing than spending time on social media? What would make you happier than dwelling on a painful experience? Be mindful with each moment. Point your watch towards your personal values, and set off on the journey to fulfillment today.

As the Buddha said, “the mind becomes that which it rests upon.” Therefore, if you want to live in a way that aligns with your values, then you need to set your mind on those values. You need to intentionally devote your time to your own “true north” in order to guide your path.

After all, we don’t have time to waste. Of course, time itself is infinite. Nevertheless, each of us only gets a finite portion, and we don’t know when our time on this planet will come to an end. Therefore, we should make every effort to infuse our days, hours, minutes, and even seconds with the things that fulfill us.

Of course, sometimes other things get in the way of viewing time as a compass. Learn more about how I can work to help you here.