Time manipulation 101
Thoughts on routine
I was raised by a Capricorn who schedules her week to the last minute, and a Pisces whose relationship with time seems somewhat unwilling. I find myself caught between two modes, as a Capricorn with a Pisces moon. Astrology is funny that way—sometimes it splits the parental difference.
Time, as I experience it, is long and short and all at once or not at all. I love the squishy and malleable substance that time seems to be, but I'm trying to have a little more control over how I experience it.
I am, unfortunately, the kind of person who loves to talk about how busy they are. I've always been this way— as a very young person, I learned that being busy was virtuous, and made it my business to occupy time. That's nonsense, as it turns out, so I'm happily unlearning that programming now (it's hard).
One of the best ways I can think of to manipulate time is through routine. Routines once felt like a prison, but the real burden is decision-making: routines form a protective buffer, a bubble within which to float over the difficult terrain of a day's moods and fancies. Shielded from the mental taxation of small and inconsequential choices, the mind is free to explore.
"A routine gives you freedom by protecting you from the ups and downs of life and helping you take advantage of your limited time, energy, and talent. A routine establishes good habits that can lead to your best work."
It's analogous to the conversation between creativity and control, isn't it? Creativity can thrive within parameters, but too much control stifles it. Some kind of magic surrounds and enhances the balance. Speaking of magic, I prefer to think of routines as portals or transmuters: something into which you input raw time data and out pops satisfaction and freedom.
I'm sleepy this morning and am capable of regurgitating ideas about a well-traversed topic and adding a bit of woo flourish, but not much more. Sorry about that. It's Tuesday at 8am, I have to go open the bar soon, my cats are blessedly quiet this morning, and my coffee is really good. That's my routine, by the way: making Have Fun coffee and writing my morning pages. What's yours?
I would love to know what makes time feel big or small to you, and whether or not you make conscious choices to expand it.