This post is a journey through time to illustrate how one might self-reflect on the passage of time. We've all experienced "time dilation", where time seems to pass faster or slower than usual, but the following story illustrates extra dimensions of time.
Sequential Time - The First Dimension
I recently went hiking with my friend Jonathan and his son Isaac. They met me at my house and I offered to drive to the trailhead in my new car. Upon arrival, I led the way, having done the hike many times. I suggested we take a slight detour on a more scenic route. The 6-mile loop and 1,122 feet elevation gain led us across a winding dirt and rock trail. At a saddle point between two peaks, the view opened up to the valley below, rolling hills, and cities in the distance. We rested a few minutes for photos and to catch our breath. At the peak, we had a 360-degree breathtaking view. I ate mixed nuts while Jonathan and Isaac ate from their prepared lunches: a sandwich, dried fruit, and other snacks. We returned to my car and drove home. We had a nice time visiting on every leg of the journey.
Cumulative Time - The Second Dimension
In the sequential flow of time, we can circle back and spend more time with people, at places, or doing things. This is the second dimension of time: how much time we accumulate with a thing.
I've known Jonathan for about five years, and we've spent about 100 hours together. We've had many conversations and experiences together.
Isaac recently finished school, and one of the purposes of this hike was to discuss career opportunities. I only met Isaac once before, and our conversation was brief.
I've made this hike 20 or 30 times before, while this was their first time. I was familiar with each section.
I was pleased to find the hike easy this time. My recent physical activity seems to have helped my conditioning.
Lesson:
Pay attention to the cumulative time you spend, and ensure that you spend enough time on what matters most to you.
Sub-Experience - The Third Dimension
Some complicated processes and activities are below our awareness and are only peripherally observed.
As we walked, our muscles demanded more energy, so our metabolism kicked in, and heart and breathing rates increased and intensified. As this happened, our bodies grew new capillaries, strengthened muscle fibers, and improved neuroplasticity.
Some of the dust we kicked up we breathed in with our nasal system filtering most of it.
The plants at the side of the trail were invisibly extracting nutrients from the ground and using the sun for photosynthesis.
Our families and friends were back home living their lives. Strangers were going about their lives.
Lesson:
Be aware of how much happens outside of your awareness. Use subtle clues (like increased heart rate or faster breathing) to inform you.
Super-Experience - The Fourth Dimension
Some complicated processes and activities move so slowly that we don't observe any change.
This week, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred nearby, giving us all a nice jolt for about 10-20 seconds. It caused an estimated 1 to 2 cm of displacement (0.4 to 0.8 inches). The mountain we hiked formed millions of years ago from volcanic and similar tectonic activity. All that we observed on our hike was a screenshot with giant boulders, rock outcroppings, and bedrock in dry streambeds. At the top of the peak, we looked out over rolling hills. I've always wished I could see a time-lapse video of the formation of mountains.
Lesson:
It's no surprise that many people consider spending time in nature a spiritual experience. We should recognize with awe the super-experiences around us: the sun, moon, stars, oceans, lakes, rivers, and mountains.
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