We live in a culture that calls for us to milk every moment – trading time as a commodity. We are never fully present, rather leaving a wake of dismembered and abused time – swept too quickly into the past while we already begin to hunt and feast on the moments yet to come.
How do we move from a consumer of time to an active partner with it? within it?
A friend of mine (D. Rogers) always uses the phrase, “Slow down the shutter speed.” This begins to capture the sense of being in time. [being vs. doing] When we slow the ‘shutter’ we allow ourselves the opportunity to take in more information. I’ve found myself referring to these times as, “breathing in the moment” –>; the one thing I believe is a vital aspect that the ‘shutter’ doesn’t address (nor is it intended to in the context in which he uses it.) is a giving into the moment –>; an exhale, if you will!
What if we put back into each moment an equal amount to that which we removed…or better yet – more!
A deliberate intention of leaving each moment better off than when we arrived! How do we do such things?
Instead of a ‘wake’ of moments we awaken moments.
Don Schiewer, Jr. 
Great thought!
If I may add to your inspiration, “trading time as a commodity”… instead of receiving it as a gift. Keep ’em coming!
Peace,
Chris
The idea of receiving it as a gift is fantastic – if – we are gracious and grateful recipients. Too often we tand to have a heart of entitlement when receiving a gift like this one.
I do love the imagery of a grateful receiver of the gift of time…what does that look like? I think folks that have faced death (and therefore the potential of a loss of time) are the best examples we have of how to receive with deep and meaningful gratitude.
Thanks Chris for another thing to chew on.
…Still chewing over here bro and it looks like you heaped more on my plate. Your comment, (forgive me if it takes me in a different direction), that those who faced death are the best examples, help me recall a comment from a friend who works at a local hospice. He said, sometimes, sitting in the presence of the dying, the veil between Heaven and Earth begins to thin, allowing us a chance to experience profound honesty, forgiveness and love. I believe you’re spot on Don about being great examples along with being indelible reminders to what makes our time, our presence, meaningful.
Okay, I think I need a nap – I’m stuffed.
Thank you for your inspiring insight!
Paz,
C