Helaine Iris: “Life Beyond Time” (January 2008)

“To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.” – Emily Dickenson.

Why is it – no matter how well you manage (or think you manage) your time there never seems to be enough? We all say- time goes by too fast. Actually, what I’ve realized is that time doesn’t go by any faster than it ever has – it’s just me getting older – and, every day that goes by, I feel it more and more.

The issue of time comes up in most of my conversations, not just my professional ones! It’s a universal concern – and so curious – we are all given one precious life to live within the parameters of some unknown lifespan and most people constantly struggle with a lack of time. This paradox is definitely a cosmic set up – and also our greatest opportunity to find freedom.

This is not going to be an article on time management. Suffice it to say there are many excellent tools and models for managing your time. I propose the ultimate solution isn’t time management at all, it’s time mindfulness.

Take Emily Dickenson’s quote, “To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.” When I first heard this brilliant piece of poetry, I was dumb struck wondering what the “anything else” could be. In other words, what would it be like if you approached everything you did in your day with the same intentionality, importance and gratitude as the most revered activity you could define as “anything else”?

Time mindfulness – what does this mean? It means discovering that everything you do from the dishes to your bookkeeping to a walk in nature can equally contribute to the preciousness of your life. Try it and see if this change of perspective doesn’t alter your fundamental relationship to time – the constant in the universe that you will never have enough of.

It’s YOUR life…imagine the possibilities!

Helaine Iris is a Life and Business Coach, who has been featured in numerous publications, including “O” The Oprah Magazine. She helps entrepreneurs and professionals accelerate their success, and achieve a less stressed and more fulfilling personal life. For a free consultation, contact her at 603-363.4252 or visit her website, or email helaine@pathofpurpose.com.

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