by Dr. Gina Marino

As we get older, most of us begin to experience the acceleration of the passage of time. The sensation of time passing gets faster and faster, until for many of us weeks begin to feel like days and months begin to feel like weeks. This is very disconcerting, and we’d like to be able to slow things down. We’d like to make the months and years whiz by a little less quickly. This isn’t possible, of course, from the point of view of time itself, and the only comfort may lie in the fact that everyone else is experiencing similar phenomena. “Time flies” is a common expression. But there are solutions, relative ones, by which we may get a better grasp on our personal relationship to time and time’s effect on our physical bodies.

Be Present
The first solution is rooted in the concept of present time consciousness. Essentially, the more you engage with the present moment, the more you’ll benefit from what it offers, and the fuller your life will feel. “Being present” is a skill that strengthens with practice. Our minds often wander away from the track we want to stay on—focusing on the here and now. But as we practice, our ability to remain grounded in the present expands. One remarkable benefit is that time seems to slow down, making our hours, days and weeks more meaningful. Rather than feeling like life is rushing past us, we become more attuned to its moments, experiencing them with greater depth and clarity. We experience more of our life and the passage of time no longer washes over us like an unending series of 20-foot waves.

Practice Self-Care
The second key is prioritizing self-care. When we maintain good physical health, each day becomes more enjoyable. A healthy body allows us to focus on what we love without being hindered by pain or illness. When we’re healthy and well, our physical state is not a daily concern and we’re free to do what we want. We can read, study, exercise, engage in new work activities, or simply relax and watch a movie without the concerns and constraints of physical pain and disease. Our ability to participate in these unique experiences enriches our lives and makes the passage of time a joy rather than a burden. But as with the skill of being present, the skill of being healthy and well requires practice. This means nourishing your body with a balanced diet, staying active with regular exercise, and getting enough rest. Incorporating holistic care, such as chiropractic, massage therapy or acupuncture, can further support long-term well-being.

While we can’t control the passage of time, we can shape our relationship with it. By cultivating the skill of being present and adopting healthy habits, we add more meaning and vitality to our days—and perhaps even more years to our lives.

Dr. Gina Marino is the founder of the Center for the Alignment of Body, Mind & Spirit located at 2213 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY. She offers gentle chiropractic care, reiki, lifestyle and nutritional advice. For more information, call 516-221-3500 or visit Align-Me.com.