Blog

It is officially the second day of 2019 and, as often happens with each new year, I am reminded how quickly time seems to pass. The questions arise: “Am I on the right path? Am I wasting
time? What should I be doing or learning/experiencing?”

Recently I came across an article entitled, “Why our sense of time speeds up as we age — and how to slow it down” by Nicole Spector, which investigated this phenomenon. Here is a
paragraph from the article:

“Children’s working memory, attention and executive function are all undergoing development at the neural circuit level,” says Patricia Costello, PhD, a neuroscientist and program director at
Walden University. “Their neural transmission is in effect physically slower compared to adults. This in turn affects how they perceive the passage of time. By the time we are adults, our time
circuits are done wiring and we have learned from experience how to correctly encode the passage of time.”

So, it really is not a mystery as to why time seems to pass more quickly as we age. What can be done about it? From a yoga perspective, my suggestion would be to practice present moment
awareness. If you have meditated or practiced yoga, you have heard this term.

Being present means fully participating in whatever is happening in the moment. If you love to read or are into movies, you have had the experience of feeling as if you were part of the story,
fully immersed in it. Similarly, while playing with your children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews, you are watching, listening, all senses involved in the wonder of the moment.

While vacationing in Italy years ago, I remember so many moments when I was fully engrossed, in awe of what I was experiencing. From San Marco’s frescoes by Fra Angelico, to Brancacci
Chapel where Michelangelo had his nose broken, to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The complete awareness and enjoyment of different foods: tastes, smells, textures, temperatures.
These are not only in Italy, but right in your own home. It is all about awareness.

Yes, there are times in life where we want to escape the present moment. Times of loss, pain, stress, trauma. These times are also learning opportunities. We discover our inner strength,
resiliency, compassion and peace. Experience these moments fully and then release them.

As you ponder resolutions or goals for this new year, consider present moment awareness. It takes practice. The mind will distract you with incessant thoughts and ideas and memories. This
is normal. In yoga, we learn to use the breath to return awareness to the present moment, over and over and over again. It is worth the practice and effort. You will be able to experience your
life and loved ones more fully.

May you experience all the joy, strength, peace and abundance possible for 2019, while living fully in the present moment. Namaste.