Are you the boss of time? Or is time the boss of you? If we can understand how time and perception work, we can free ourselves from its grip. I recognised that my sense of time was being challenged by the constant creep of email/social networking/twitter soaking up my attention. I found it harder and harder to be present. My relationships were being challenged, I felt constantly on the back foot, running to catch up and it was stressing me out. I used to groan with pain each time I opened my email inbox; “56 emails?!?! I’ve only been away from my computer for 3 hours. That’s insanity…” I would mutter through gritted teeth.

Today I feel more in control of time, and one way that I have “pushed back” is the act of slowing down my travel. I travel by bike or on foot, and no longer use air travel. Radical i know, but it had extraordinary results. I also find that things like breadmaking, preserving, gardening and doing things in long-form help me to gain back ground. I feel life slowing down, and notice that I am having a richer, deeper experience of my life as a result. I fit less in, but I get more out of it. Meditation and reflection also have an enriching effect.   

I have also unsubscribed to all those email newsletters from great organisations/people, and follow them on twitter. This means when I am ready and free for some stimulation I pop my head into the constant conversation-pit that is twitter, and get my inspiration on my own terms.

An i-Phone has been a great way to utilise those unproductive and unavoidable moments. I cull emails on-the-go as well which reduces the burden, as well as enjoying the opportunity to dip into that rich twitter conversation pit when I am on the bus or in a queue.

I am interested any other views or ideas on this topic. Do you have any tricks up your sleeves for slowing down the pace of life?