Time is Relative: Stop The Rush and Embrace the Present

I am on my second round of reading the Bhagavad Gita and do agree that the more you listen, the more you understand. In my walk this morning, Arjuna was discussing the idea of ‘time’ and our perception of what it actually is. The more I ponder, and listen, the more I understand that it doesn’t exist. What is your present can be my past experience. Time lives in every paradigm and therefore, is there really a rush if that fact is true?

In our fast-paced modern world, time is often perceived as a linear, finite resource—one that we must race against to achieve our goals. Yet, the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita offers a profound perspective: time is relative, and our experience of it depends on our state of mind. By aligning ourselves with this understanding and integrating yogic philosophy into our lives, we can transform our relationship with time and find greater peace.

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in the yoga tradition, speaks to the eternal nature of the soul and the illusory nature of time. In Chapter 2, Verse 20, it declares:

“For the soul there is neither birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does it ever cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying, and primeval.”

This verse invites us to shift our focus from the transient, time-bound aspects of life to the timeless essence within. When we rush through our days, chasing deadlines and milestones, we become entangled in the illusion of time—a construct that often amplifies stress and dissatisfaction. Yoga, in its holistic approach, offers tools to dissolve this illusion and cultivate presence. Being gratefully present is one gift I cherrish and priortise over and above anything else – we see things clearly and appreciate the beauty of life.

The Relativity of Time

Have you ever noticed how time seems to fly when you’re immersed in something you love, yet drags when you’re engaged in a tedious task? This phenomenon underscores the relativity of time. The clock ticks uniformly, but our perception of time fluctuates based on our mental state. Anxiety and urgency compress time, making us feel as though there’s never enough of it. Conversely, mindfulness and contentment expand our experience of time, allowing us to savor each moment.

Yoga teaches us to inhabit the present fully, where time’s grip loosens. Through practices like asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation, we cultivate a deep connection with the now. This awareness not only enhances our well-being but also reveals that the concept of “running out of time” is a mere illusion.

Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes performing one’s duties with a calm and steady mind, detached from the outcomes. In Chapter 2, Verse 47, it advises:

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Do not let the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.”

This teaching reminds us that our role is to act with intention and presence, without succumbing to the pressure of results. When we rush through tasks, driven by fear of failure or desire for success, we lose the joy of the process. However, when we approach our actions with detachment and mindfulness, time becomes a companion rather than a tyrant.

Yoga: A Path to Timelessness

Yoga offers a sanctuary from the relentless ticking of the clock. By bringing our awareness to the breath, we anchor ourselves in the present moment, where past and future dissolve. The rhythmic flow of an asana practice mirrors the cyclical nature of time, reminding us that life is not a straight line but a series of recurring patterns.

Meditation further deepens our experience of timelessness. In stillness, we transcend the mind’s chatter and touch the infinite. This practice not only reduces our sense of urgency but also enhances our capacity to navigate life’s demands with grace.

The Present is Someone Else’s Past

Another thought-provoking aspect of time’s relativity is how our present can be someone else’s past. Think about it: the moments we are experiencing right now may already be memories for someone who has moved on. Similarly, the wisdom and lessons passed down to us from the past shape our present realities. This interconnectedness of time invites us to honor the present moment as a gift—a fleeting opportunity to create, learn, and grow.

When we rush through life, we miss the chance to fully experience the here and now. By slowing down and becoming present, we align ourselves with the flow of life and contribute to the continuum of time with mindfulness and purpose.

Embrace the Now

To stop rushing and embrace the present, consider these steps inspired by the Bhagavad Gita and yoga philosophy:

Set Intentions, Not Timelines: Begin your day with a clear intention, focusing on the quality of your actions rather than the quantity you achieve.

Practice Mindful Breathing: When you feel overwhelmed, pause and take a few deep breaths. This simple act shifts your awareness to the present and calms the mind.

Engage in Yoga Asanas: Dedicate time to a yoga practice that grounds you in the body and fosters a sense of balance.

Meditate Daily: Even five minutes of meditation can help you transcend the rush and connect with your inner stillness.

Surrender the Outcome: Trust in the process and let go of attachment to results. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.

Time, as the Bhagavad Gita reminds us, is an illusion shaped by our perception. By embracing yoga and living mindfully, we can transcend the urgency of modern life and reconnect with the eternal essence within. Stop rushing; the present moment is waiting to be fully lived. Make it count.

Being,

Gizelle Renee Xx